A message sent from the Office of Communications
Dear UCSF Community,
The arrival of springtime brings a new season symbolizing rebirth, rejuvenation and renewal.
Here at UCSF, we are cautiously optimistic as COVID-19 cases, hospitalizations, and deaths continue to decrease in the United States and in California. As such, we are easing some of our COVID-19 policies and protocols, described below.
We will continue to monitor campus and community conditions and be ready to revert to more restrictive measures if public health recommendations change in the future. Please review these important updates below.
UCSF Revises Indoor Masking Policy – NEW
With the rapid reduction in COVID-19 cases across the nation as well as locally, the risk of transmission in campus indoor locations has dramatically declined. Because conditions are improving, UCSF will transition to a new indoor masking policy for non-clinical areas effective April 1, 2022. Details about masking inside campus and UCSF Health buildings is posted on the Coronavirus website here.
Please note these details below:
- Beginning April 1, 2022, masks will be strongly recommended but no longer be required in some indoor spaces on campus, except for high-risk settings, such as hospitals, clinics, childcare facilities and campus shuttles.
- Unvaccinated personnel with exceptions must always wear masks and comply with other non-pharmaceutical interventions.
- Those with a recent high-risk exposure to COVID-19 must always wear masks and comply with other non-pharmaceutical interventions.
- Wearing masks outdoors is optional, but strongly recommended for those who are not fully vaccinated in situations where they will be in sustained close contact with others.
- Please respect and support everyone’s individual decisions, including those who choose to continue wearing a mask.
- Wearing a mask helps protect others in our community who may be immunocompromised or at greater risk for serious illness.
- Masks differ in the degree of protection they provide. N95 respirators provide the highest level of protection, followed by K-95, surgical masks, and Cal OSHA-accepted cloth masks.
- For campus employees, orders of N95 masks can be placed through the BearBuy store at no cost to your department and may be obtained at campus security desk locations for voluntary use.
UCSF Guidance for Hosting Meeting and Events – NEW
Event approvals are based on the state’s current transmission risk level defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Here are the highlights that apply to all UCSF-sponsored events at both on-site and offsite locations:
- Meetings and events with more than 100 people require approval.
- Meeting attendees must follow posted masking requirement.
- Capacity restrictions have been lifted.
- Indoor food and drinks are allowed at campus locations. Indoor food and drinks. at UCSF Health locations are limited to designated dining or break areas.
- Outdoor food and drinks are allowed at any site and location.
- Non-sponsored UCSF events are expected to adhere to local jurisdictions' public health orders.
- All attendees must adhere to vaccination policy and other guidance listed on the meetings and events page here.
- Event applications and inquiries should be directed to the events group via email at [email protected]
UCSF Revises Policy for Eating Indoors – NEW
UCSF has lifted its requirement that all those wishing to eat indoors at campus eateries show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, including a booster shot.
Next Town Hall to Feature New UCSF Health CEO – NEW
Please join Chancellor Sam Hawgood as he welcomes Suresh Ganasekaran, chief executive officer and president of UCSF Health, to the COVID-19 Response Town Hall on Friday, April 1, 2022, at 4 p.m. via Zoom. Other topics for this town hall include global and local updates on the pandemic and a review of UCSF’s revised policies. Previous UCSF COVID-19 Response Town Halls are posted here.
Emergency Paid Sick Leave (ESPL) Extended – REMINDER
The UC Office of the President (UCOP) recently announced additional Emergency Paid Sick Leave hours for 2022 (2022 EPSL). Here are the highlights:
- Full-time employees are eligible for up to 80 hours of paid leave (and two-week equivalent for part-time employees) for use when they cannot work due to COVID-19 related qualifying reasons through Sept. 30, 2022.
- The 2022 EPSL program allows eligible employees with remaining 2021 EPSL hours to use their remaining hours in addition to the 2022 hours.
- Employees who qualify for EPSL will receive their regular rate of pay when using EPSL during the 2022 EPSL period.
- More information on the program can be found here.
- UCSF Health: Please see more information about Personal Protection Equipment and requirements for N95 masks here.
Parking at UCSF – REMINDER
As more faculty, staff, students and trainees return to on-site activities, here are a few key points to remember about parking at UCSF locations:
- The University no longer administers payroll deductions for parking.
- Monthly and daily UCSF employee parking passes can be purchased using the mobile app: paybyphone (or paybyphone.com).
- When using paybyphone, use code 401608 to receive the discounted UCSF rate.
- Once paid, parking is valid at any UCSF parking facility, drivers receive in-and-out privileges, and can park at more than one campus in a day, if needed.
- Please be prepared to show payment confirmation and UCSF ID to the attendant when exiting parking garages.
- More information about parking is posted here.