The following is a running archive of UCSF-wide COVID-19 messages and major updates on this website.

Updated August 4, 2021

The following message was sent by the UCSF Office of Communications:

Dear UCSF Community,

As we reported today, UCSF is responding to an increase in the number of community-acquired COVID-19 cases among our employees and learners, reflecting an overall San Francisco Bay Area and Fresno County trend in new infections due to the growing prevalence of the highly contagious Delta variant. This news been covered by the mainstream media, including a CNN interview with Chief Innovation Officer Ralph Gonzales, MD, who put this spike into context. To help prevent futher virus transmission, please review these important updates below.

UCSF Sets Sept. 1 Deadline for Vaccination Compliance – NEW

On Tuesday, UCSF set a deadline of Sept. 1 for complying with the University of California’s recently released vaccination policy. Here are the highlights:

• All faculty, staff, students, trainees, contractors, vendors and volunteers, as well as newly hired employees, who come to work or study on a UCSF campus, must comply with this vaccination policy.
• If you have not been vaccinated, please do so as soon as possible to help protect your health and safety and that of our community. UCSF offers drop-in vaccination at several campus locations.
• If you previously declined the COVID-19 vaccination or took no previous action and wish to request an exception, you will now need to do so by the Sept. 1 deadline. To request an exception, go to the OHS website to download, complete and upload a form. All requests for exceptions will be reviewed and either approved or declined by the appropriate UCSF department in approximately three business days.
• You must also submit a completed Medical Exemption Form and/or Disability Exception Form, a Deferrral During Preganancy Request Form or a Religious Exception Request Form to the Student Health and Counseling Service’s (SHCS) COVID-19 nurse via secure message to avoid a registration hold for non-compliance. Your request will be reviewed and a decision will be made by the Medical Director of SHCS.
• BCH Oakland will issue its policy later in August, with an expected effective date of Sept. 7, 2021. BCH Oakland policy will be similar to the UC-wide and UCSF COVID-19 vaccination policy, with some elements tailored to BCH Oakland. 
• For more information about the policy, please visit the coronavirus website for a list of questions and answers or send an email to [email protected]
• Details on how UCSF will implement the UC-wide policy will be covered in Friday, Aug. 6, at 4 p.m. via Zoom.

Friday Town Hall to Focus Delta Variant and Vaccination Policy – NEW

Join UCSF leaders at the COVID-19 Response Town Hall on Friday, Aug. 6, at 4 p.m. via Zoom as they discuss the increase in COVID-19 cases in the UCSF community and around the country. Recordings of all Friday COVID-19 town halls are posted online. Topics and speakers on Friday include:

• Global COVID-19 Pandemic Update: George Rutherford, MD, professor of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, School of Medicine
• Latest Developments on Delta Variant: Peter Chin-Hong, MD, professor of Medicine, School of Medicine
• UCSF COVID-19 Update: Ralph Gonzales, MD, Chief Innovation Officer for UCSF Health
• UCSF Vaccination Policy:
• UCSF Recovery Operations: Jon Giacomi, Director, Recovery Operations Center

UCSF to Host COVID-19 Vaccine Q&A Webinar – NEW

UCSF will host a virtual COVID-19 Vaccine Q&A webinar on Monday, Aug. 16 at noon to address questions and concerns about the vaccines in a confidential manner.

• This forum will moderated by Renee Navarro, MD, PharmD, vice chancellor for the Office of Diversity & Outreach, and will feature UCSF experts Malcolm John, MD, professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases, and Alicia Fernandez, MD, director of the UCSF Latinx Center of Excellence.
• Employees and learners will be able to ask any questions or raise any concerns they have, including those about vaccine safety and efficacy against the Delta variant and other variants, breakthrough infections, the vaccination process, potential side effects, etc.

UCSF to Host Webinar on Well-being of Youth and Young Adults – NEW

UCSF will host a webinar focusing on youth and young adults tomorrow, Aug. 5, at noon as part of the Emotional Well-being Webinar Series. Register here. Speakers include these national experts:

• Joyce Dorado, PhDHealth Sciences Clinical Professor, UCSF Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; director, UCSF Health Environments and Response to Trauma in Schools (HEARTS)
• Julie Lythcott-Haims, JD, MFA, New York Times best-selling author
• Suniya Luthar, PhD, Professor Emerita, Columbia University; co-founder, Authentic Connections
• Moderator: Dan Siegel, MD, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, UCLA School of Medicine; founder, Mindsight Institute

UCSF Expands Access to Color Testing – REMINDER

To expedite COVID-19 testing amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, UCSF has expanded access to testing through Color for employees and learners who have symptoms but have not been exposed to COVID-19. Previously, Color testing was only available to those without symptoms. Here’s what you need to know:

• Take the daily health screener before you come to UCSF, before you tap your badge in at an electronic badge reader inside or outside a UCSF building. 
• Do not come to campus if you have symptoms, including mild ones – even if you are vaccinated.
  • If you have symptoms, without a known exposure to someone with COVID-19 and do not want to wait for the COVID Hotline to get back to you, for the short term you can take a Color test. Please do not use the vending machines to access Color tests if you have symptoms. 
  • The Laurel Heights drive-through testing site and the Respiratory Screening Clinics at Parnassus Heights and Mount Zion are the only acceptable locations to access Color tests when you have symptoms.
  • If your test is positive, don't come to work. You will get a call from Occupational Health Services (OHS).
  • If your test is negative, don't come to work. OHS will contact you about your return-to-work clearance.
• At UCSF Fresno, if you have symptoms, please visit the COVID-19 Equity Project testing clinic at 550 E. Shaw Ave. in Fresno.

UCSF Mandatory Quarantine After Exposure to COVID – REMINDER

Employees and learners who have been exposed to a person with confirmed COVID-19 in their household are required to undergo a 10-day quarantine until cleared for work or study by OHS or Student Health and Counseling Services. Transmission rates are highest in households due to intensity and duration of exposure to the virus.

• Employees and learners with unprotected, prolonged exposure (within six feet for 15 minutes or longer) to a person with confirmed COVID-19 infection should call the COVID Hotline at (415) 514-7328 for assessment and instructions, regardless of vaccination status. Students should send a secure message to the COVID-19 nurse through their personal health portal.

UCSF Reinstates Indoor Masking Policy – REMINDER

With cases of COVID-19 rising locally and increasing circulation of the highly transmissible Delta variant, UCSF and BCH Oakland reinstated their indoor masking policies to limit the spread of the virus.

• Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask or face covering at all indoor locations at UCSF, exept while eating and drinking. Masks are also required in campus shuttles or standing in line for shuttles. Physical distancing should be maintained (at least six feet, when possible) when eating and drinking on campus.
• As a reminder, for masks/face coverings to work properly, they need to completely cover your nose and mouth and fit snugly against the sides of your face and around your nose.
• This revised policy is based on recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local public health guidance.

UCSF Offers Drop-in Vaccination Sites – REMINDER

While nearly 90 percent of faculty, staff and learners have been vaccinated, UCSF continues to encourage all others to get vaccinated. UCSF offers several drop-in vaccination locations where employees and students may just walk in to get a vaccine. Here are the locations:

• Parnassus Heights campus: 505 Parnassus Avenue, Moffitt Hospital, Park Room M 286,
• Mount Zion campus: 2356 Sutter Street, Ida’s Café, first floor, Wednesdays, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Mission Bay campus:
  • 1825 4^th Street, fourth floor, Mondays and Thursdays, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Rutter Building, 1675 Owens Street, Student Health Services and Counseling Services (SHCS), Third Floor, Room 330, Wednesdays, from July 21 through Sept. 29) from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• UCSF Fresno campus: COVID-19 Equity Project, 550 East Shaw Ave., Fresno.
• BCH Oakland: Employees can drop in without an appointment at the vaccine clinic in the basement of the BCH Oakland Outpatient Center, on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Employees can also schedule a vaccine appointment by logging into MyChart.

Complete the Daily Health Screener – REMINDER

Everyone complete the new COVID-19 health screening tool before coming to campus. The screener can be found on the UCSF Mobile App, or online at www.ucsfhealth.org/daily-health-screening. Among the highlights:

• Employees without a smartphone can go through the aforementioned website or, for now, continue to go to the manual screeners located at main entrances.
• Once cleared for work, employees and learners can simply tap their UCSF Identification (ID) badge at any electronic badge reader before entering a building.
• More badge readers will be added at UCSF locations in the coming months.
• Employees at UCSF Fresno will continue to use the current badge reader for entry and show the pass at the security desk. More information will be available soon.  

Udpates on Shuttles, Dining, Fitness Centers and Retail – REMINDER

• UCSF has lifted capacity limits on campus shuttles, but riders still need to wear masks or face coverings and refrain from eating and drinking while on a shuttle bus.
• Indoor and outdoor dining is now open to full capacity at UCSF, but diners still need to wear masks or face coverings indoors except while eating and drinking.
• All UCSF retail stores are operating at full capacity, but customers must wear masks or face coverings.
• The Bakar Fitness & Recreation Center at the Mission Bay campus re-opened to the public on Aug. 2. All members must wear masks and be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

For general information about UCSF’s COVID-19 recovery efforts, please visit the UCSF COVID-19 website. For questions related to recovery efforts, please contact UCSF Emergency Management. You can also sign up to receive text alerts about the latest COVID-19 news by texting “UCSF” to 333 111.

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Updated July 21, 2021

The following message was sent by the UCSF Office of Communications:

Dear UCSF Community,

Just as we hoped the pandemic was receding, UCSF is seeing a new wave of COVID-19 cases among employees and patients, including breakthrough infections among those vaccinated, as the highly contagious Delta variant spreads and public heath restrictions relax across the U.S.

As we communicated last week in a message from Chief Clinical Officer Josh Adler, UCSF is taking steps to prevent further transmission, including expanding access to COVID-19 testing and reinstating the indoor masking policy regardless of vaccination status. You can do your part by completing the daily health screener before coming to campus, staying home and getting tested for COVID-19 even if you have mild symptoms, and reading these important updates below.

UCSF Expands Access to Color Testing – NEW

To expedite COVID-19 testing amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, UCSF is expanding access to testing through the health technology company, Color, for employees and learners who have symptoms but have not been exposed to COVID-19. Previously, Color testing was only available to those without symptoms. Here’s what you need to know about the revised testing process:

• Take the daily health screener before you come to UCSF, before you tap your badge in at an electronic badge reader inside or outside a UCSF building. 
• If you have symptoms, including mild ones, don't come to work – even if you are vaccinated.
  • If you have symptoms, without a known exposure to someone with COVID-19 and do not want to wait for the COVID Hotline to get back to you, for the short term you can take a Color test. Please do not use the vending machines to access Color tests if you have symptoms. The Laurel Heights drive-through testing site and the Respiratory Screening Clinics at Parnassus Heights and Mount Zion are the only acceptable locations to access Color tests when you have symptoms.
  • If your test is positive, don't come to work. You will get a call from Occupational Health Services (OHS).
  • If your test is negative, don't come to work. OHS will contact you about your return-to-work clearance.
• At UCSF Fresno, if you have symptoms, please visit the COVID-19 Equity Project testing clinic at 550 E. Shaw Ave. in Fresno.
• If you have been exposed to a person with confirmed COVID-19 in your household, you are required to undergo a 10-day quarantine until cleared for work or study by OHS or Student Health and Counseling Services. Transmission rates are highest in households due to intensity and duration of exposure to the virus.
• Employees with unprotected, prolonged exposure (within six feet for 15 minutes or longer) to a person with confirmed COVID-19 infection should call the COVID Hotline at (415) 514-7328 for assessment and instructions, regardless of vaccination status. Students should send a secure message to the COVID-19 nurse through their personal health portal.

UCSF Prepares to Implement UC-wide Vaccination Policy – NEW

UCSF planning to implement the University of California’s recently released vaccination policy. Here are the highlights:

• For the safety and well-being of the entire UC community, the policy will require, with few exceptions, that all faculty, staff, students, trainees and contractors be vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus before they will be allowed on any campus or in a UCSF-owned or leased building.
• Those with approved exemptions, accommodations or deferrals may come to UCSF with the expectation that they will remain masked in all public areas, and comply with the COVID-19 testing plan.
• Employees who choose not to be vaccinated, and have no approved exemption, accommodation or deferral, potentially put others’ health at risk and may face disciplinary actions.
• Details on how UCSF will implement the UC-wide policy will be covered in Friday, July 23, at 4 p.m. via Zoom.

UCSF Reinstates Indoor Masking Policy – NEW

With cases of COVID-19 rising locally and increasing circulation of the highly transmissible Delta variant, UCSF reinstated its indoor masking policy to limit the spread of the virus.

• Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, must wear a mask or face covering at all indoor locations, riding in campus shulttes and standing in shuttle lines at UCSF, exept while eating and drinking. Physical distancing should be maintained (at least six feet, when possible) when eating and drinking.
• As a reminder, for masks/face coverings to work properly, they need to completely cover your nose and mouth and fit snugly against the sides of your face and around your nose.
• This revised policy is based on recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state and local public health guidance.

UCSF Offers Drop-in Vaccination Sites – NEW

While nearly 90 percent of faculty, staff and learners have been vaccinated, UCSF continues to encourage all others to get vaccinated. Fully vaccinated people are better protected from serious illness and death from COVID-19, including the Delta variant. UCSF is operating several drop-in vaccination locations where employees and students may just walk in to get a vaccine. Here are the locations:

• Parnassus Heights campus: 505 Parnassus Avenue, Moffitt Hospital, Park Room M 286,
• Mount Zion campus: 2356 Sutter Street, Ida’s Café, first floor, Wednesdays, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Mission Bay campus:
  • 1825 4^th Street, fourth floor, Mondays (starting Aug. 2), and Thursdays, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  • Rutter Building, 1675 Owens Street, Student Health Services and Counseling Services (SHCS), Third Floor, Room 330, Wednesdays, from July 21 through Sept. 29) from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
• UCSF Fresno campus: COVID-19 Equity Project Vaccination Clinic at Fresno City College, 1101 E. University Ave.

Friday Town Hall to Focus Vaccination Policy – NEW

Join UCSF leaders at the COVID-19 Response Town Hall on Friday, July 23, at 4 p.m. via Zoom as they discuss the surge in in COVID-19 cases in the UCSF community and around the country. Recordings of all Friday COVID-19 town halls are posted online.

Among the topics to be covered this Friday are:

• Recent surge in COVID-19 breakthrough infections at UCSF
• Availability of Color testing for symptomatic employees and learners
• Plans for implementing the new UC-wide vaccination policy at UCSF
• Health and safety protocols and advice for school reopening

Complete the Daily Health Screener – REMINDER

All faculty, staff, students and trainees must complete the new COVID-19 health screening tool before coming to campus. The screener can be found on the UCSF Mobile App, or online at www.ucsfhealth.org/daily-health-screening. Among the highlights:

• Employees without a smartphone can go through the aforementioned website or, for now, continue to go to the manual screeners located at main entrances.
• Once cleared for work, employees and learners can simply tap their UCSF Identification (ID) badge at any electronic badge reader before entering a building.
• More badge readers will be added at UCSF locations in the coming months.
• Employees at UCSF Fresno will continue to use the current badge reader for entry and show the pass at the security desk. More information will be available soon.  

Udpates on Shuttles, Dining, Fitness Centers and Retail – REMINDER

• UCSF has lifted capacity limits on campus shuttles, but riders still need to wear masks or face coverings and refrain from eating and drinking while on a shuttle bus.
• Indoor and outdoor dining is now open to full capacity at UCSF, but diners still need to wear masks or face coverings indoors except while eating and drinking.
• All UCSF retail stores are operating at full capacity, but customers must wear masks or face coverings.
• Beginning Monday, Aug. 2, the Bakar Fitness & Recreation Center the Mission Bay campus will be open to the public. All members must wear masks.

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Updated July 15, 2021

The following message was sent by UCSF Health:

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The following message was sent by the Office of Communications:

June 30, 2021

Dear UCSF Community,

As we approach the Fourth of July holiday, we can all breathe a little easier gathering with family and friends, particularly those of us who are fully vaccinated. While the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over, UCSF continues to ease restrictions based on public health guidance, including revising the policy for wearing masks and face coverings. Please read about that important policy update, among others, below.

LATEST UPDATES

Revised Masking/Face Covering Policy

Effective July 1, UCSF will adopt a new policy for wearing masks and face coverings that depends on whether individuals are fully vaccinated or not, and on the particular UCSF setting and building.

In short, fully vaccinated employees and learners at UCSF will no longer be required to wear face coverings in most places, except while in patient care or clinical settings, child care centers and riding on shuttles or standing in line at shuttle stops. Please review the new guidelines on the Campus Access & Protocols webpage. Here are some key points:

• Wearing surgical masks and maintaining physical distancing from others are still required for everyone in all indoor patient care or clinical settings regardless of vaccination status. Please remind everyone, including patients and visitors, about proper masking in clinical settings.
• Those who are not fully vaccinated will still be required to wear masks or face coverings at all times in most indoor locations, except while eating, and are advised to wear face coverings outdoors.
• This revised policy is based on recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local public health guidance.
• For specific questions about this new policy, campus employees can send an email to [email protected], UCSF Health employees can send an email to [email protected]  and students can send an email to [email protected]

More Drop-in Vaccination Sites Opening July 7

Beginning July 7, UCSF will be offering more drop-in sites where employees and learners can get safe, free and effective COVID-19 vaccines. People may just walk into this location or schedule an appointment by calling (415) 476-3307. Here are the locations:

• Parnassus Heights campus: 505 Parnassus Avenue, Moffitt Hospital, Park Room M 286,
• Mount Zion: 2356 Sutter Street, Ida’s Café, first floor, Wednesdays, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
• Mission Bay: 1825 4^th Stree, fourth floor, Mondays, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

New COVID-19 Daily Health Screener Coming July 8

As of July 8, all UCSF Health and campus employees and learners, including those at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, will be switching to a new, faster daily health screener that will replace the Conversa app, which will no longer be available. The new screening tool can be found on the UCSF Mobile App, or online at www.ucsfhealth.org/daily-health-screening. Among the highlights:

• The new health screener is currently being piloted at the Mount Zion hospital.
• Please complete the screener two hours before coming to campus.
• Employees without a smartphone can go through the aforementioned website or, for now, continue to go to the manual screeners located at main entrances.
• Developed by Clinical Systems and School of Medicine or SOM Tech with help from others, the tool will no longer require people to show their Conversa screening clearance to a person stationed at main entrances.
• Instead, once cleared for work, employees and learners can simply tap their UCSF Identification (ID) badge at a badge reader before entering a building.
• Employees and learners can tap their badge at any UCSF badge reader to be cleared, not just the building in which they work or study. More badge readers will be added in at UCSF locations in the coming months.
• Employees at UCSF Fresno will continue to use the current badge reader for entry and show the pass at the security desk. More information will be available soon.  

New Identification Badge Policy Coming Soon

UCSF will issue a new policy in July requiring employees to wear their UCSF ID badges above their waist and to tap their badge at the start of every shift at their primary work location. A few notes about this new policy:

• Employees may voluntarily start tapping their UCSF ID badges daily upon arrival to campus until this policy is issued to assist with vaccination completion reporting.
• As mentioned above, not all buildings have UCSF ID badge readers yet, so this policy will be phased in over the next few months, including the UCSF Fresno campus.

UC Mandatory Vaccination Expected Mid-July

The University of California mandatory vaccination policy is expected to be announced in mid-July, requiring all UC faculty, staff, students and trainees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved medical or religious exemption by September.

Meanwhile, UCSF continues to encourage all faculty, staff, students and trainees to get vaccinated to protect themselves and others from serious illness. See information about vaccinations appointments here.

• Employees and learners who have already been vaccinated at UCSF or have submitted proof of their vaccination at a site outside UCSF have met this obligation.
• Employees and learners are required to submit proof of their vaccinations outside a UCSF location to Occupational Health Services portal at https://ohsportal.ucsfmedicalcenter.org/ (MyAccess/VPN required.)
• Those who have previously declined a vaccination will need to be vaccinated or get approval for an exemption under the new UCOP policy. More information on exemptions will be forthcoming.
• Benioff Children’s Hospital (BCH) will join UC in adopting this policy for all staff, students and trainees at the BCH Oakland main hospital and all BCH Oakland sites and will align its policy with UCOP policy. Please note that BCH Oakland employees submit vaccine documents to [email protected]

COVID-19 Vaccination Stickers Available for ID Badges

UCSF is asking all fully vaccinated employees and learners who work or study on campus to voluntarily place a COVID-19 vaccination sticker on their ID badges. Just like the flu vaccine, these stickers are not being used to monitor compliance, but to show vaccination status to colleagues.

• Stickers can be picked up at Occupational Health Services locations and in the Park Room, M 286, Moffitt Hospital on the Parnassus Heights campus on Tuesdays and Fridays.
• Information about the availability of vaccination stickers or other evidence of vaccination at UCSF Fresno will be coming soon.

UCSF Revises Travel Guidance

As circumstances around the COVID-19 pandemic continue to evolve, UCSF continues to update its travel guidance in accordance with the latest public health orders. Revised details can be found on the Travel Guidance webpage.

• Those who travel within California, regardless of vaccination status, do not need to complete any forms for travel approval or reimbursement.
• Those who travel interstate and are fully vaccinated do not need to complete the Pandemic Travel Request Form. These fully vaccinated travelers can use the Attestation Form for reimbursement.
• UCSF continues to recommend that faculty, staff and learners avoid international travel.
• CDC guidelines during all travel, and consider carefully the risks and costs of travel for the travelers and the travel location.

UCSF Lifts Restrictions for On-campus Events

Effective July 1, UCSF will lift all COVID-19 restrictions on events and meetings, including special academic course approvals that we previously required. Event planners should seek departmental approval of all events and meetings in the same way they did before the pandemic.

Libraries to Open at Parnassus Heights and UCSF Fresno

Effective July 6, the Kalmanovitz Library on the Parnassus Heights campus and the Hildebrand Medical Library at UCSF Fresno library will be open to full capacity, welcoming back faculty and staff. Currently, the library is open to students only. Until indoor masking policies are updated, everyone inside the library is required to wear masks except while eating and drinking. Please note that the library is not open to the public.

Shuttles, Dining, Fitness Centers and Retail

• UCSF has lifted capacity limits on campus shuttles, but riders should still wear masks or face coverings and refrain from eating and drinking while on a shuttle bus.
• Indoor and outdoor dining is now open to full capacity, but diners should still wear masks or face coverings indoors except while eating.
• All UCSF retail stores are operating at full capacity.
• Beginning August 2, the Bakar Fitness Center will be open to the public.

CDPH Launches Digital Vaccine Record

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has created an electronic record for COVID-19 vaccines. While this is not considered a “vaccine passport,” it will give vaccinated individuals the ability to show proof of vaccination where needed, without a paper record. The digital record can be set up at the Digital COVID-19 Vaccine Record, which also has a troubleshooting site for those who need help setting it up.

Town Hall on July 9 to Focus on Women and Children

Join UCSF Chancellor Sam Hawgood and others at the COVID-19 Response Town Hall on Friday, July 9, at 4 p.m. via Zoom for an update on the latest research findings on how the mRNA COVID-19 vaccinations are affecting adolescents and women who are pregnant or planning to be pregnant. Panelists also will provide updates on the global pandemic and UCSF’s recovery efforts Recordings of all Friday COVID-19 town halls are posted online.

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The following message was sent by the Office of Communications:

June 14, 2021

Dear UCSF Community,

After more than a year, we are making remarkable progress together toward a full recovery from the pandemic. This week, California Governor Gavin Newsom and Mayor London Breed announced that, as of June 15, most of the restrictions that have been in place over the past year are ending, including physical distancing, capacity limits for businesses, and wearing masks in most settings.

UCSF is reviewing its indoor masking policy, consulting with leaders across all mission areas, and will advise on any revisions once approved. Until that time, all employees and learners are required to wear masks indoors at all UCSF facilities and on campus shuttles.

For the latest news and information about how San Francisco and UCSF are easing COVID-19 public health restrictions, please join the COVID-19 Response Town Hall via Zoom this Friday, June 18 at 4 p.m.

LATEST UPDATES

UC to Issue Vaccination Compliance Policy

The University of California Office of the President (UCOP) will soon issue a policy requiring all UC faculty, staff, students and trainees to be vaccinated against COVID-19 – except for a few rare exemptions – as a way to protect the health of everyone at UCSF locations.

• UCSF continues to encourage all faculty, staff, students and trainees to get vaccinated to protect themselves and others from serious illness. See information about vaccinations appointments here.
• Employees and learners who have already been vaccinated at UCSF or have submitted proof of their vaccination at a site outside UCSF have met this obligation.
• Employees and learners are required to submit proof of their vaccinations outside a UCSF location to Occupational Health Services portal at https://ohsportal.ucsfmedicalcenter.org/ (MyAccess/VPN required.)
• Those who have previously declined a vaccination will need to be vaccinated or get approval for an exemption under the new UCOP policy. More information on exemptions will be forthcoming.
• Benioff Children’s Hospital (BCH) will join UC in adopting this policy for all staff, students and trainees at the BCH Oakland main hospital and all BCH Oakland sites and will align its policy with UCOP policy. Please note that BCH Oakland employees submit vaccine documents to [email protected]
• Read more about the UC-wide policy on the UCSF coronavirus website.

UCSF Policies on Indoor and Outdoor Masking

As noted above, UCSF is still requiring masks for all those working indoors and on campus shuttles, but expects to revise its policy for indoor masks in the near future. Here are the key points for masking outdoors:

• Those who are fully vaccinated (meaning two weeks after the single-shot vaccine or after the final dose of the two-dose vaccine) can now forgo wearing a mask outdoors.
• This means employees and learners may eat, meet and walk with other fully vaccinated colleagues while in outdoor areas.
• Find more information about UCSF’s masking policies on the Campus Access & Protocols webpage.

COVID-19 Town Hall to Focus on Recovery Plans

Join special guest Grant Colfax, director of the San Francisco Department of Public Health, and others at the COVID-19 Response Town Hall on Friday, June 18, at 4 p.m. via Zoom. Topics include:

• San Francisco’s plans to reopen businesses and ease public health orders, except in a few areas, in alignment with state and federal guidance
• UCSF’s plans for recovery, including implementing a new UC-wide vaccination policy and a new UCSF identification badge policy.
• Global and local udpates on the state of the pandemic.
• Recordings of all Friday COVID-19 town halls are posted online.

COVID-19 Medical Grand Rounds

In its last Medical Grand Rounds on Thursday, June 17, at noon via Zoom before taking summer break, UCSF epidemiologis George Rutherford will discuss the Delta variant, which began in India and is both more infectious and partly vaccine resistant. The bulk of the session will feature an interview with Any Slavitt, who recently left his role as White House senior adviser on COVID-19. His book, “Preventable: The Inside Story of How Leadership Failures, Politics and Selfishness Doomed the U.S. Coronavirus Response,” was published this week.

New Identification Badge Policy Coming Soon

UCSF will issue a new policy in July requiring employees to wear their UCSF identification (ID) badges above their waist and to swipe their badge at the start of every shift at their primary work location. This new “badging in” requirement will not be used as a timekeeping measure, but will:

• Enable UCSF to know how many faculty, staff and trainees are working at a particular building every day, enabling for us to account for people during a natural disaster
• make it easier to gather data on vaccination rates by building.

A few notes about this new policy:

• Employees may voluntarily start swiping their UCSF identification badges daily upon arrival to campus until this policy is issued to assist with vaccination completion reporting.
• Not all buildings have UCSF ID badge readers, so this policy will be phased in over the next few months.

COVID-19 Vaccination Stickers for ID Badges

UCSF is asking all fully vaccinated employees and learners who work or study on campus to voluntarily place a COVID-19 vaccination sticker on their ID badges. Just like the flu vaccine, these stickers are not being used to monitor compliance, but to show vaccination status to colleagues.

• Stickers can be picked up at Occupational Health Services locations and in the Park Room, M 286, Moffitt Hospital on the Parnassus Heights campus on Tuesdays and Fridays.
• Information about the availability of vaccination stickers or other evidence of vaccination at UCSF Fresno will be coming soon.

New COVID-19 Daily Health Screener Coming Soon

UCSF, including UCSF Fresno, will be moving from the Conversa daily health screening tool for COVID-19 to a new platform developed by the School of Medicine’s Technology Services or SOM Tech. The platform to be piloted first this month will be implemented UCSF-wide in July. Among the features of this new platform are multiple languages and a faster user interface. More details will be shared soon.

Changes for On-Campus and Special Academic Events

Effective July 1, UCSF will lift all COVID-19 restrictions on events and meetings, including special academic course approvals that we previously required. Event planners should seek departmental approval of all events and meetings in the same way they did before the pandemic. The Recovery Operations Center (ROC) will update information on websites to assist with event planning and will pivot from approving events to providing support and advice, upon request.

UCSF to Open Libraries at Parnassus and UCSF Fresno

Effective July 6, the Kalmanovitz Library on the Parnassus Heights campus and the UCSF Fresno library will be open to full capacity, welcoming back faculty and staff. Currently, the library is open to students only. Until indoor masking policies are updated, everyone inside the library is required to wear masks except while eating and drinking. Please note that the library is not open to the public.

UCSF Eases Restrictions on Shuttles, Dining and Retail

• UCSF has lifted capacity limits on campus shuttles, but riders should still wear masks and refrain from eating and drinking while on a shuttle bus.
• Effective June 21, indoor and outdoor dining will return to full capacity, but diners should still wear masks indoors except while eating.
• Effective June 21, all UCSF retail stores will operate at full capacity.
• Catering for meetings and events is available via America to Go

UCSF Marks Parallels in AIDS and COVID-19 Response

This month marks 40 years since the first reported cases of what would eventually become known as AIDS. The commitment of UCSF, the city, and the community in addressing the AIDS epidemic revolutionized the standard of care, saving millions of lives here and around the world. That legacy of leadership and collaboration continues today in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more here and watch a video tribute to those on the frontlines.

REMINDERS

Drop-in Vaccination Room at Parnassus Heights

UCSF is offering COVID-19 vaccines for employees and learners in Moffitt Hospital, Park Room M 286, on the Parnassus Heights campus. People may just walk into this location or schedule an appointment by calling (415) 476-3307. Here are the dates and hours of operation for this vaccination site:

• Tuesdays, from 1 to 5:30 p.m. through July 27

• Fridays, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. through July 30

Pfizer Vaccines Available for Youth and Employees

Youth ages 12 to 15 are eligible to get Pfizer vaccines in San Francisco, Oakland and Fresno. UCSF’s vaccination sites have a large supply of Pfizer vaccines available. Here’s how to get the vaccines:

San Francisco: UCSF Health has many appointments available for employees, youth and patients at the drive-through vaccination site at City College of San Francisco (CCSF), a partnership with the City and County of San Francisco. Please note that the CCSF vaccination site is closing on Saturday, June 26, but people may still receive a first dose at CCSF until June 26. Second doses will be available at other San Franciso neighborhood sites.

• Youth or employees who are parents/guardians can make appointments for this week and next week at City College San Francisco by using this link: https://www.primarybio.com/r/ccsf-public?registration_type=ucsf_employee_kids
• Employees can make appointments by using this link: https://www.primarybio.com/r/ccsf-public?registration_type=ucsf_employee
• Patients can make appointments by using this link:
• Please be sure to answer to answer yes to this question, “Do you live, work or receive care in San Francisco?”

Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland:

Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland is now scheduling appointments for all youth ages 12 to 24 years old. Youth or parents/guardians can make appointments for Oakland’s clinic by calling (415) 514-1196, Monday through Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Choose option 2, and stay on the line to speak with an operator, who will schedule an appointment.

Fresno: The UCSF Fresno Mobile HeaL COVID-19 Equity Project is vaccinating youth age 12 years and older at its drive-through vaccination clinic at Fresno City College. Please note:

• No appointments are needed, but appointments are available on myturn.ca.gov.
• Parent or guardian consent is required. Teens age 14 and older also must consent.
• Proof of age, such as a birth certificate, school parent/student portal printout or other documentation, is required.
• For more information: www.fresno.ucsf.edu/cep email [email protected] or call or text (559) 349-8082. 

Telework Tools and Resources Available on HR Website

Looking toward a post-pandemic future, UCSF supports flexibility and ongoing telework for job duties that can be done remotely. Going forward, UCSF will integrate ongoing telework with a combination of on-site work, as a regular part of the way it does business. More information and resources, including ergonomic and IT support, can be found on the Telework at UCSF webpage on the Human Resources website.

For the latest information about UCSF’s vaccine rollout, please visit the UCSF Vaccine Information Hub. All vaccine questions should be sent to [email protected].

For general information about UCSF’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, please visit the UCSF COVID-19 website. For questions related to our response and recovery efforts, please contact UCSF Emergency Management. You can also sign up to receive text alerts about the latest UCSF news by texting “UCSF” to 333 111.

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May 20, 2021

The following message was sent by the Office of Communications:

Dear UCSF Community,

This week, UCSF joins the City and a broad coalition of hospitals, clinics, pharmacies and community-based organizations to mark 1 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines administered in San Francisco. This amazing milestone is thanks to many of you who have worked hard since the vaccines first became available to UCSF in mid-December 2020. Since then, teams have vaccinated members of our own UCSF community, our patients, children ages 12 to 15 and those in our diverse communities hardest hit by the pandemic and those who historically have faced barriers to accessing care. Together, we are making steady progess to end this pandemic. Please read more about this accomplishment, among other updates, below.

Vaccine News

1. New Walk-in Vaccination Site at Parnassus – NEW

Beginning Friday, May 28, UCSF will offer COVID-19 vaccines for employees in Moffitt Hospital, Room M 286, on the Parnassus Heights campus. As a reminder, all UCSF employees are required to be vaccinated or to decline a vaccination by June 30. Employees may just walk into this new location or schedule an appointment by calling (415) 476-3307. Here are the dates and hours of operation for Room M 286:

• Tuesdays, from 1 to 5:30 p.m. from June 1 to July 27
• Fridays, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. from May 28 to July 30

Get more information on the vaccination hub webpage.

2. San Francisco Marks 1 Million Doses – NEW

On Wednesday, San Francisco reached a milestone of administering its 1 millionth dose of COVID-19 vaccines. UCSF Health played a big role in this accomplishment, itself reaching 100,000 doses in arms through its partnership with the City at City College San Francisco (CCSF). In fact, UCSF Health is just shy of administering a total of 200,000 doses delivered at all sites, including Parnassus Heights and Mission Bay campuses. Today, San Francisco’s vaccination rates rival rates of those countries with the highest vaccination rates in the world, but more work remains to be done:

• UCSF is seeking to vaccinate all members of its community. Note that a drop-in site is starting on May 28 at Moffitt Hospital on Parnassus. See the item above.
• The City has set a goal of vaccinating more than 85 percent of the San Francisco population. Check out San Francisco’s vaccination dashboard here.
• In the coming month, the high-volume sites will be closing, but the city’s clinic-based, mobile and community-based efforts will continue to expand through the strong partnerships and collaborations forged over these last 14+ months.
• Spread the word of San Francisco’s vaccination milestone by using #SF1Million to raise awareness of the importance of vaccinations to help curb the pandemic.

3. Pfizer Vaccines Available for Youth and Employees – REMINDER

As previously reported, youth ages 12 to 15 are eligible to get Pfizer vaccines in San Francisco, Oakland and Fresno. UCSF’s vaccination sites have a large supply of Pfizer vaccines available. Here’s what you should know:

San Francisco: UCSF Health has many appointments available for employees, youth and patients at the drive-through vaccination site at City College of San Francisco, a partnership with the City and County of San Francisco.

• Youth or employees who are parents/guardians can make appointments for this week and next week at City College San Francisco by using this link.
• Employees can make appointments by using this link.
• Patients can make appointments by using this link.
• Please be sure to answer yes to this question, “Do you live, work or receive care in San Francisco?”

Benioff Children’s Hospital (BCH) Oakland: Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland is now scheduling appointments for all youth ages 12 to 24 years old. Youth or parents/guardians can make appointments for Oakland’s clinic by calling (415) 514-1196, Monday through Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Choose option 2, and stay on the line to speak with an operator, who will schedule an appointment.

Fresno: The UCSF Fresno Mobile HeaL COVID-19 Equity Project is vaccinating youth age 12 years and older at its drive-through vaccination clinic at Fresno City College. Please note:

• No appointments are needed, but appointments are available on myturn.ca.gov.
• Parent or guardian consent is required. Teens age 14 and older also must consent.
• Proof of age, such as a birth certificate, school parent/student portal printout or other documentation, is required.
• For more information, visit www.fresno.ucsf.edu/cep, email [email protected] or call or text (559) 349-8082.

4. UCSF Employee Vaccination Webinar – REMINDER

UCSF convened a webinar to answer employee questions about the COVID-19 vaccines. That webinar, featuring faculty experts Malcolm John and Alicia Fernandez, is available for viewing as video on demand here.

5. Youth Vaccination Town Hall Video Available – REMINDER

The San Francisco Department of Public Health and the Department of Children, Youth & Their Families hosted a Youth Vaccination Virtual Town Hall to provide information to parents and caregivers on vaccines for children ages 12 and older. A video of the town hall is now posted on YouTube.

6. UCSF Launches Vaccinations Dashboard – REMINDER

Get an overview of UCSF’s COVID-19 vaccination rollout with metrics on vaccination counts and rates for employees and patients, as well as the inventory of total doses of vaccines received on this new vaccinations summary on the COVID-19 Vaccine Information Hub here.

7. Vaccination Compliance Deadline Approaches – REMINDER

UCSF is requiring all employees and residents, fellows and postdoctoral scholars, including those at Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, to either be vaccinated or decline vaccination in accordance with an interim University of California policy, which aims to protect the health and safety of the entire community. Here’s what you need to know:

• Get the COVID-19 vaccination or decline the vaccination
• If you received a COVID-19 vaccination outside of a UCSF campus location, you must submit proof of your vaccination
• For UCSF employees, go to the new Occupational Health Services (OHS) portal, which is accessible via the UCSF network or VPN. To get a vaccination replacement card, bring your UCSF ID or a valid ID to OHS. Clinic locations and hours are posted here.
• For BCH Oakland employees, send documentation directly to [email protected]. BCH Oakland compliance reports will be sent directly to unit managers. Get more details.
• Find more information about how to be vaccine compliant on the COVID-19 website.

General COVID-Related Updates

8. UCSF Prepares Facilities for More On-Site Activities – NEW

In preparation of welcoming back more faculty, staff and learners as UCSF gradually expands on-site activities, teams across the campus are working to ensure the health and safety of the UCSF community. Over the coming months, teams from custodial workers to grounds keepers will spruce up the indoors and outdoors, including:

• Deep cleaning of common areas such as stairwells, atriums, and hallways.
• Installing hand sanitizer dispensers throughout large classrooms and public areas such as outside elevators.
• Monitoring HVAC systems for classrooms and conference rooms
• Flushing all building water fountains and testing for chlorine and legionella. Testing results confirmed no issues throughout campus buildings and childcare facilities.
• For more information, see the Campus Services webpage on the COVID-19 website.

9. UCSF Offers Telework Tools and Resources – NEW

Looking toward a post-pandemic future, UCSF recently announced that the Chancellor’s Cabinet supports flexibility and ongoing telework for job duties that can be done remotely. Going forward, UCSF will integrate ongoing telework with a combination of on-site work, as part of the way it does business. More information and resources, including ergonomic and IT support, can be found on the newly launched Telework at UCSF webpage on the Human Resources website.

10. UCSF Revises Policy on Outdoor Masking – REMINDER

UCSF revised its policy for wearing masks outdoors in alignment with San Francisco Department of Public Health guidance. The policy for wearing indoor masks has not changed. Here are the highlights for outdoors:

• Those who are fully vaccinated (meaning two weeks after the single-shot vaccine or after the final dose of the two-dose vaccine) can now forgo wearing a mask while outdoors if they are certain that the people they are with are fully vaccinated.
• This means employees and learners may eat, meet and walk with other fully vaccinated colleagues while in outdoor areas.

Find more information about UCSF’s masking policies on the Campus Access & Protocols webpage.

11. UCSF Revises Policy for Outdoor Meetings and Events – REMINDER

As UCSF gradually increases on-site activities, it has revised its policy on group meetings and events in non-clinical settings. Hosting remote meetings and gatherings is still preferred, but some exceptions can be made including:

• All group meetings and events must be limited to a maximum of two hours.
• Except for classroom activities, all indoor events must be limited to 25 people or less.
• All outdoor events must be limited to 75 people or less.
• All meetings and events must be approved by the department head or dean in advance of the gathering.
• More details are posted on the Policy on Meetings and Events webpage here.

12. UCSF Recovery Road Show – REMINDER

Recovery Director Jon Giacomi and other members of the UCSF Recovery Operations Center team are available to speak to individual campus departments or town halls on the recovery and gradual phasing of re-opening activities at UCSF. If you would like to schedule a presentation, please email [email protected].

Virtual Events

13. Second Series of Emotional Well-Being Webinars – NEW

By popular demand, the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences is launching a second series of webinars based on last year’s Emotional Well-Being During the COVID-19 Crisis for Health Care Providers series. Sessions feature experts sharing insights on how to reduce stress and trauma during the COVID-19 outbreak and other crises. More information is available online.

14. Town Hall to Focus on AIDS and COVID-19 – NEW

Join UCSF experts at the COVID-19 Response Town Hall on Friday, June 4, at 4 p.m. via Zoom for a special discussion to mark 40 years of AIDS and how the fight against HIV shaped the COVID-19 response. June 5 marks 40 years since AIDS emerged in San Francisco. Recordings of all Friday COVID-19 town halls are posted online.

15. Frances McDormand to Appear in “Theater of War” – REMINDER

On May 27, from 6 to 8 p.m., UCSF and Stanford University will present a virtual performance by the international theater company, “Theater of War,” which features Frances McDormand among other acclaimed actors reading from ancient Greek plays as a way to spark constructive conversations.

• Registration is free and open to the public via Eventbrite.
• The event Zoom link will be distributed and available to registered attendees starting two days before the event.

Reminders

For the latest information about UCSF’s vaccine rollout, please visit the UCSF Vaccine Information Hub. All vaccine questions should be sent to [email protected].

For general information about UCSF’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, please visit the UCSF COVID-19 website. For questions related to our response and recovery efforts, please contact UCSF Emergency Management. You can also sign up to receive text alerts about the latest UCSF news by texting “UCSF” to 333 111.

 

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May 13, 2021

The following message was sent by the Office of Communications:

Dear UCSF Community,

We are making steady progress toward our post-pandemic life. This week, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration expanded emergency use authorization for Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine to include youth ages 12 and older. UCSF is also relaxing more policies, including those for wearing masks outdoors and hosting meetings and events on campus. And, the tradition of celebrating UCSF Founders Day continues on May 21 when 15 employees will be honored for their exemplary efforts during a virtual awards ceremony. Please see these and other updates below.

Vaccine News

1. Pfizer Vaccines Available for Youth and Employees – NEW

Youth ages 12 and older are now eligible to get Pfizer vaccines this week in San Francisco, Oakland and Fresno. UCSF’s vaccination sites have a large supply of Pfizer vaccines available. As a reminder, all UCSF employees are encouraged to be vaccinated or to decline the vaccination by June 30. Here are the latest developments:

San Francisco: UCSF Health has many appointments available for employees, youth and patients at the drive-through vaccination site at City College of San Francisco, a partnership with the City and County of San Francisco.

• Youth or employees who are parents/guardians can make appointments for this week and next week at City College San Francisco by using this link.
• Employees can make appointments by using this link.
• Patients can make appointments by using this link.
• Please be sure to answer yes to this question, “Do you live, work or receive care in San Francisco?”

Benioff Children’s Hospital (BCH) Oakland:

BCH patients’ parents/guardians can make appointments by calling (415) 514-1196, Monday through Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• Choose option 2, and stay on the line to speak with an operator, who will schedule an appointment.
• Please note that BCH Oakland is vaccinating BCH patients only.

Fresno: The UCSF Fresno Mobile HeaL COVID-19 Equity Project is vaccinating youth age 12 years and older at its drive-through vaccination clinic at Fresno City College. Please note:

• No appointments are needed, but appointments are available on myturn.ca.gov.
• Parent or guardian consent is required. Teens age 14 and older also must consent.
• Proof of age, such as a birth certificate, school parent/student portal printout or other documentation, is required.
• For more information, visit www.fresno.ucsf.edu/cep, email [email protected] or call or text (559) 349-8082.

2. Youth Vaccination Town Hall Video Available – NEW

The San Francisco Department of Public Health and the Department of Children, Youth & Their Families hosted a Youth Vaccination Virtual Town Hall on May 12 to provide information to parents and caregivers on vaccines for children ages 12 and older.

• A video of the town hall is now posted on YouTube.
• UCSF’s Lee Atkinson-McEvoy, chief of the Division of General Pediatrics, and Lillian Brown, an assistant professor of medicine, are featured in the town hall.

3. UCSF Launches Vaccinations Dashboard – NEW

Get an overview of UCSF’s COVID-19 vaccination rollout with metrics on vaccination counts and rates for employees and patients, as well as the inventory of total doses of vaccines received on this new vaccinations summary on the COVID-19 Vaccine Information Hub here.

4. UCSF Requires Vaccination Compliance for Employees – REMINDER

UCSF is requiring all employees and residents, fellows and postdoctoral scholars, including those at Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, to either be vaccinated or decline vaccination in accordance with an interim University of California policy, which aims to protect the health and safety of the entire community. Here’s what you need to know:

• Get the COVID-19 vaccination or decline the vaccination
• If you received a COVID-19 vaccination outside of a UCSF campus location, you must submit proof of your vaccination
• For UCSF employees, go to the new Occupational Health Services (OHS) portal, which is accessible via the UCSF network or VPN. To get a vaccination replacement card, bring your UCSF ID or a valid ID to OHS. Clinic locations and hours are posted here.
• For BCH Oakland employees, send documentation directly to [email protected]. BCH Oakland compliance reports will be sent directly to unit managers. Get more details.
• Find more information about how to be vaccine compliant on the COVID-19 website.

5. UC Proposes Revised Vaccination Policy for Fall 2021 – REMINDER

UC is proposing a revised COVID-19 vaccination policy to require all faculty, staff, trainees and students who access campus facilities at any UC location to be vaccinated against COVID-19 beginning in Fall 2021. Key points are:

• The proposed policy, which would allow for exemptions, would replace the interim UC policy, noted above.
• To learn more about the proposed policy, please see Employee FAQs and Student FAQs.
• The UC Office of the President will provide updates on this policy in the coming months.

General COVID-Related Updates

6. UCSF Revises Policy on Outdoor Masking – NEW

Today the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, expect where required by other rules and regulations, including workplace guidance. UCSF will await guidance from the California and San Francisco departments of public health before making any changes.

UCSF did revise its policy for wearing masks outdoors in alignment with the San Francisco Department of Public Health guidance. The policy for wearing indoor masks has not changed. Here are the highlights:

• Those who are fully vaccinated (meaning two weeks after the single-shot vaccine or after the final dose of the two-dose vaccine) can now forgo wearing a mask while outdoors if they are certain that the people they are with are fully vaccinated.
• This means employees and learners may eat, meet and walk with other fully vaccinated colleagues while in outdoor areas.
• Read more about masking policies on the Campus Access & Protocols webpage.

7. UCSF Revises Policy for Outdoor Meetings and Events – NEW

As UCSF gradually increases on-site activities, it has revised its policy on group meetings and events in non-clinical settings. Hosting remote meetings and gatherings is still preferred, but some exceptions can be made including:

• All group meetings and events must be limited to a maximum of two hours.
• Except for classroom activities, all indoor events must be limited to 25 people or less.
• All outdoor events must be limited to 75 people or less.
• All meetings and events must be approved by the department head or dean in advance of the gathering.
• More details are posted on the Policy on Meetings and Events webpage here.

8. UCSF Incorporates Telework into Work Experience – REMINDER

UCSF will incorporate telework in combination with on-site work in staffing plans for those job duties that can be performed remotely without compromising the mission as a standard way of doing business. Among the details:

• UCSF leaders will discuss the vision and guidelines, talk about nationa trends and psychological effects of work re-entry at the COVID-19 town hall tomorrow Friday, May 14 at 4 p.m.
• For more information, please see the Telework Guidelines and Resources webpage, the content of which will soon be moved to its new home on the HR website.

9. UCSF Recovery Road Show – REMINDER

Recovery Director Jon Giacomi and other members of the UCSF Recovery Operations Center team are available to speak to individual campus departments or town halls on the recovery and gradual phasing of re-opening activities at UCSF. If you would like to schedule a presentation, please email [email protected].

10. UCSF Seeks Participants for UMPIRE Study – REMINDER

UCSF is looking for participants for a new COVID-19 research study initiated by Charles Chiu, professor of Laboratory Medicine. The UMPIRE (UC employee and community immune response) study is collecting blood samples to look at the body’s antibody response to the vaccine over time, validate novel antibody assays, and attempt to understand the efficacy of vaccines against emerging variants. Among key points of the study:

• Participants will be asked to complete short surveys and provide blood samples at none timepoints at Parnassus Heights and Mission Bay campuses.
• The study is accepting those who have recently received a COVID-19 vaccine, and particularly those who have not yet been vaccinated yet.
• To participate, complete this survey.
• Participants will be contacted by a research coordinator and sent a DocuSign form
• Please contact the research coordinators Martha Rangel-Lugo (415.652.4058, [email protected]), Nikitha Reddy (925.640.2167, [email protected]) or Amelia Gliwa (561.846.1029, [email protected]) for any questions.

Virtual Events

11. COVID-19 Town Hall to Focus on Telework – NEW

Join UCSF leaders tomorrow Friday, May 14, at 4 p.m. via Zoom for the latest information about UCSF’s vision for telework, the guiding principles for decisions and the extension to Oct. 1, 2021 for those job functions that can meet business needs by working remotely. Importantly, Monica Gandhi, professor of medicine, will report on the pandemic in India. Recordings of all Friday COVID-19 town halls are posted online.

12. UCSF to Host Founders Day Virtual Awards Celebration – NEW

The UCSF community is invited to celebrate the accomplishments of 15 employees for their extraordinary service at the 2021 UCSF Founders Day virtual awards celebration on Friday, May 21 at noon. Members will be recognized for their work on COVID-19 response and recovery, efforts to promote health, community and diversity, as well as embodying UCSF PRIDE Values.

13. Employee COVID-19 Vaccine Webinar Now on Video – NEW

UCSF hosted a COVID-19 webinar via Zoom to address employee questions and concerns about the vaccines. A video is available for viewing on demand. The forum featured UCSF experts Malcolm John, professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases, and Alicia Fernandez, director of the UCSF Latinx Center of Excellence.

14. Frances McDormand to Appear in “Theater of War” – REMINDER

On May 27, from 6 to 8 p.m., UCSF and Stanford University will present a virtual performance by the international theater company, “Theater of War,” which features acclaimed actors reading from ancient Greek plays as a way to spark constructive conversations. Here are the highlights:

• This program will feature Oscar winner Frances McDormand and others who will read Sophocles’ “Philoctetes and Women of Trachis” to explore issues such as personal risk, death and dying, grief and helplessness.
• The goal of this production is to foster resilience, build community and spur positive action among health care workers, first responders and all those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Registration is free and open to the public via Eventbrite.
• The event Zoom link will be distributed and available to registered attendees starting two days before the event.

Reminders

For the latest information about UCSF’s vaccine rollout, please visit the UCSF Vaccine Information Hub. All vaccine questions should be sent to [email protected].

For general information about UCSF’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, please visit the UCSF COVID-19 website. For questions related to our response and recovery efforts, please contact UCSF Emergency Management. You can also sign up to receive text alerts about the latest UCSF news by texting “UCSF” to 333 111.

 

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May 5, 2021

The following message was sent by the Office of Communications:

Dear UCSF Community,

The pandemic has been challenging in many ways, but it also has been a catalyst for positive change, spurring us into working in new ways and urging us to stay informed and following evolving rules to keep us safe. Throughout it all, we have proven to be resilient, innovative, flexible and productive. We are now at a turning point in our recovery. Please see these latest updates, including a webinar designed to answer your questions about the COVID-19 vaccines.

General COVID-Related Updates

1. New Guidance for Telework at UCSF – NEW

Today, Chancellor Sam Hawgood announced that UCSF will incorporate a combination of telework and on-site work in staffing plans for those job duties that can be performed remotely without compromising the mission. Please join UCSF leaders for a COVID-19 town hall on Friday, May 14 to hear more about new guidance for telework. Here are the highlights:

• The Chancellor’s Cabinet agreed upon guiding principles to inform decisions about telework.
• UCSF is extending the work-from-home guidance to Oct. 1, 2021, for those employees currently working remotely.
• Some employees may be called to return to campus earlier to support education and research operations that are ramping up for the new academic year.
• From now through September, leaders will create staffing plans and will communicate them in the coming weeks.

2. Wearing Masks: Indoors and Outdoors – NEW

Please note that all employees, learners, patients and visitors – regardless of their vaccination status – must wear masks indoors in UCSF buildings unless in a private office. UCSF is currently reviewing new San Francisco Department of Public Health guidance on outdoor masking for vaccinated people and will communicate these updates soon.

3. UCSF Recovery Road Show – NEW

Recovery Director Jon Giacomi and other members of the UCSF Recovery Operations Center team are available to speak to individual campus departments or town halls on the recovery and gradual phasing of re-opening activities at UCSF. If you would like to schedule a presentation, please email [email protected].

4. Participants Sought for UMPIRE Study – NEW

UCSF is looking for participants for a new COVID-19 research study initiated by Charles Chiu, professor of Laboratory Medicine. The UMPIRE (UC employee and community immune response) study is collecting blood samples to look at the body’s antibody response to the vaccine over time, validate novel antibody assays, and attempt to understand the efficacy of vaccines against emerging variants. Among key points of the study:

• Participants will be asked to complete short surveys and provide blood samples at nine timepoints at Parnassus Heights and Mission Bay campuses.
• The study is accepting those who have recently received a COVID-19 vaccine, and particularly those who have not yet been vaccinated yet.
• To participate, complete this survey.
• Participants will be contacted by a research coordinator and sent a DocuSign form
• Please contact the research coordinators Martha Rangel-Lugo (415.652.4058, [email protected]), Nikitha Reddy (925.640.2167, [email protected]) or Amelia Gliwa (561.846.1029, [email protected]) for any questions.

5. Convening Small Indoor and Outdoor Events – REMINDER

UCSF has begun to allow schools and departments to convene small indoor and outdoor events of up to two hours for a maximum of 25 people.

• To host an event, please fill out an event request form posted on the Policy on Events and Gatherings webpage.
• All requests will require approval from either a department head, department chair or dean approval for campus or vice presidents at UCSF Health.
• UCSF Health has a phased approach to relaxing safe and physical distancing guidelines and has resumed allowance of essential small-group meetings at UCSF Health when directly related to patient care and when meeting certain criteria. Employees and learners should look to this guidance for safe and physically distanced gatherings that is unique to the clinical enterprise.

Virtual Events

6. UCSF Department of Medicine COVID-19 Medical Grand Rounds – NEW

Join experts for a Grand Rounds discussion titled, “The State of the Pandemic and COVID-19 and Immunosuppressed Patients,” on Thursday, May 6, at 12 p.m. via Zoom. Topics include:

• a global pandemic update by George Rutherford, professor of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, including the dire situation in India,
• unique challenges of patients whose immune systems are suppressed with speakers including rheumatologist Lianne Gensler, oncologist Shagun Arora, and infectious disease specialist Brian Schwartz.

7. UCSF COVID-19 Vaccine Webinar – NEW

UCSF will host a COVID-19 webinar on Monday, May 10, at 10:30 a.m. via Zoom to address questions and concerns about the vaccines.

• The forum will feature UCSF experts Malcolm John, professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases, and Alicia Fernandez, director of the UCSF Latinx Center of Excellence.
• Employees and learners will be able to ask any questions during the Zoom webinar.

8. UCSF COVID-19 Response Town Hall – NEW

Join UCSF leaders on Friday, May 14, at 4 p.m. via Zoom for the latest information about UCSF’s approach to telework and the extension to Oct. 1, 2021 for those job functions that can meet business needs by working remotely, as well as updates on the state of the pandemic, both globally and locally. Recordings of all Friday COVID-19 town halls are posted online.

9. “Theater of War” Production For Frontline Health Workers – REMINDER

On May 27, from 6 to 8 p.m., UCSF and Stanford University will present a virtual performance by the international theater company, “Theater of War,” which features acclaimed actors reading from ancient Greek plays as a way to spark constructive conversations. Here are the highlights:

• This program will feature Oscar winner Frances McDormand and others who will read Sophocles’ “Philoctetes and Women of Trachis” to explore issues such as personal risk, death and dying, grief and helplessness.
• The goal of this production is to foster resilience, build community and spur positive action among health care workers, first responders and all those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Registration is free and open to the public via Eventbrite.
• The event Zoom link will be distributed and available to registered attendees starting two days before the event.

Vaccine News

10. Vaccination Compliance for Employees – REMINDER

UCSF is requiring all employees and residents, fellows and postdoctoral scholars, including those at Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, to either be vaccinated or decline vaccination in accordance with an interim University of California (UC) policy, which aims to protect the health and safety of the entire UC community. Here’s what you need to know:

• Get the COVID-19 vaccination or decline the vaccination.
• If you received a COVID-19 vaccination outside of a UCSF campus location, you must submit proof of your vaccination.
• For UCSF employees, go to the new Occupational Health Services (OHS) portal, which is accessible via the UCSF network or VPN. To get a vaccination replacement card, bring your UCSF ID or a valid ID to OHS. Clinic locations and hours are posted here.
• For BCH Oakland employees, send documentation directly to [email protected]. BCH Oakland compliance reports will be sent directly to unit managers. Get more details.
• Find more information about how to be vaccine compliant on the COVID-19 website.

11. UC Proposes Revised Vaccination Policy for Fall 2021 – REMINDER

UC is proposing a revised COVID-19 vaccination policy to require all faculty, staff, trainees and students who access campus facilities at any UC location to be vaccinated against COVID-19 beginning in Fall 2021. Key points are:

• The proposed policy, which would allow for exemptions, would replace the interim UC policy, noted above.
• To learn more about the proposed policy, please see Employee FAQs and Student FAQs.
• The UC Office of the President will provide updates on this policy in the coming months.

12. UCSF Consolidates Vaccinations at CCSF – REMINDER

UCSF Health has closed its vaccination site at the Rutter Center at the Mission Bay campus to focus its vaccination efforts at City College of San Francisco (CCSF), a successful partnership with the City and County of San Francisco. UCSF employees are encouraged to get COVID-19 vaccines at CCSF. Call for an appointment 415.476.3307 or register here.

Reminders

For the latest information about UCSF’s vaccine rollout, please visit the UCSF Vaccine Information Hub. All vaccine questions should be sent to [email protected].

For general information about UCSF’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, please visit the UCSF COVID-19 website. For questions related to our response and recovery efforts, please contact UCSF Emergency Management. You can also sign up to receive text alerts about the latest UCSF news by texting “UCSF” to 333 111.

 

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April 28, 2021

The following message was sent by the Office of Communications:

Dear UCSF Community,

As more members of our community become fully vaccinated, we are continuing to refine and relax policies to transition to more on-site activities, a topic that will be covered at this Friday’s town hall. Fortunately, UCSF is receiving a more predictable supply of vaccines, including many first doses of Pfizer vaccine now available at the City College of San Francisco site. Please review the updates below, especially the new vaccine compliance requirement.

Vaccine Updates

1. Vaccination Compliance for Employees – NEW

UCSF is requiring all employees and residents, fellows and postdoctoral scholars, including those at Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, to either be vaccinated or decline vaccination in accordance with an interim University of California (UC) policy, which aims to protect the health and safety of the entire UC community. Here’s what you need to know:

• Get the COVID-19 vaccination or decline the vaccination.
• If you received a COVID-19 vaccination outside of a UCSF campus location, you must submit proof of your vaccination.
• For UCSF employees, go to the new Occupational Health Services (OHS) portal, which is accessible via the UCSF network or VPN.
• For BCH Oakland employees, send documentation directly to [email protected]. BCH Oakland compliance reports will be sent directly to unit managers. Get more details.

Find more information about how to be vaccine compliant on the COVID-19 website.

2. UC Proposes Revised Vaccination Policy for Fall 2021 – NEW

UC is proposing a revised COVID-19 vaccination policy to require all faculty, staff, trainees and students who access campus facilities at any UC location to be vaccinated against COVID-19 beginning in Fall 2021. Key points are:

• The proposed policy, which would allow for exemptions, would replace the interim UC policy, noted above.
• To learn more about the proposed policy, please see Employee FAQs and Student FAQs.
• The UC Office of the President will provide updates on this policy in the coming months.

3. UCSF to Consolidate Vaccinations at CCSF – NEW

UCSF Health will close its vaccination site at the Rutter Center at the Mission Bay campus on April 29, to focus its vaccination efforts at City College of San Francisco (CCSF), a successful partnership with the City and County of San Francisco. Here are the latest vaccine distribution developments:

• UCSF has many first doses of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines available tomorrow, April 29, at CCSF. Call for an appointment 415.476.3307 or register here.
• The vaccination team at CCSF can administer up to 3,000 doses, five days a week, the amount of vaccine expected to be allocated to UCSF going forward.
• UCSF is considering operating smaller vaccination site locations based on the needs of employees and patients.

4. Emergency Paid Sick Leave for COVID-19 Relief Available to Employees – REMINDER

UC recently announced that all University paid employees unable to work because of COVID-related issues can use a new leave bank, Emergency Paid Sick Leave (EPSL). Among the highlights of this new leave bank:

• Separate from COVID Paid Administrative Leave (PAL), EPSL is available through Sept. 30.
• Full-time employees may take up to 80 hours of EPSL; part-time employees will be allocated a two-week equivalent.
• Employees should contact their supervisor/manager or submit an EPSL request form.

More details about the EPSL program, including all the provisions for using this leave, can be found in the UC announcement or in the FAQs for staff and for academics. BCH Oakland EPSL program guidelines can be found here.

5. UCSF Eases Travel Restrictions for Fully Vaccinated People – REMINDER

UCSF revised its international and domestic travel guidance for fully vaccinated individuals to reflect recent changes made by the California Department of Public Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. UCSF will allow self-attestation of vaccination status by in-person screener or digital screener. No verification will be required.

Domestic Travel Outside of California: Please note the language has changed from greater than 120 miles from home to outside of California

• For fully vaccinated persons, no quarantine or testing will be required after domestic travel.
• For unvaccinated persons, there is no change to the current guidance.

International Travel

• For fully vaccinated persons quarantine is not required, but they will need to attest to doing a test at UCSF on day 3-5.
• For unvaccinated persons, there is no changes to current guidance.

Please note that local, state, and international governments may have travel restrictions in place, including testing requirements, stay-at-home orders and and quarantine requirements upon arrival.

Virtual Events

6. UCSF COVID-19 Response Town Hall – NEW

Join UCSF leaders on Friday, April 30, at 4 p.m. via Zoom for the latest information about UCSF’s ongoing expansion of on-site activities, including the relaxing of restrictions on indoor and outdoor gatherings for up to 25 people, as well as updates on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine and the state of the pandemic, both globally and locally. Recordings of all Friday COVID-19 town halls are posted online.

7. “Theater of War” Production For Frontline Health Workers – NEW

On May 27, from 6 to 8 p.m., UCSF and Stanford University will present a virtual performance by the international theater company, “Theater of War,” which features acclaimed actors reading from ancient Greek plays as a way to spark constructive conversations.

• This program will feature three-time best actress Oscar winner Frances McDormand and others who will read Sophocles’ “Philoctetes and Women of Trachis” to explore issues such as personal risk, death and dying, grief and helplessness.
• The goal of this production is to foster resilience, build community and spur positive action among health care workers, first responders and all those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Registration is free and open to the public via Eventbrite.
• The event Zoom link will be distributed and available to registered attendees starting two days before the event.

General COVID-Related Updates

8. UCSF to Ease Small Indoor and Outdoor Event Policies – NEW

Effective May 1, UCSF will begin to allow schools and departments to convene small indoor and outdoor events of up to two hours for a maximum of 25 people, if all the San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) requirements are met. More information can be found on the Campus Life Services website and will be shared at the Friday town hall.

• To host an event, please fill out an event request form posted on the Policy on Events and Gatherings webpage.
• All requests will require approval from either a department head, department chair or dean approval for campus or vice presidents at UCSF Health.
• UCSF Health has resumed small group meetings of 12 people or less to discuss direct patient care in approved rooms. Employees and learners should look to this guidance for safe and physically distanced gatherings that is unique to the clinical enterprise.

9. UCSF Removes Specific Density Restrictions for Research Activities – NEW

UCSF removed specific density restrictions on research activities in UCSF facilities and linking UCSF research guidelines directly to compliance with Cal/OSHA COVID-19 policy. Among highlights:

• Cal/OSHA policy still requires 6-foot distancing in the workplace, regardless of vaccination status.
• All other existing safety protocols will remain in place, including wearing face masks, frequent hand-washing, and completing the daily health screening before coming to campus.
• Laboratory and clinical research groups are encouraged to develop strategies that will maximize research activity while still complying with Cal/OSHA regulations.
• More details about on-site research activities are posted on the Office of Research website.

10. Future of Telework at UCSF – NEW

UCSF teams are planning for the future of telework for positions that can be performed remotely without compromising UCSF’s mission and operational needs. Here’s the latest:

• A team is refining telework guidelines and tools, incorporating lessons learned over the past year, for UCSF to operate with a combination of remote and on-site work.
• The Chancellor’s Cabinet is meeting to discuss the topic and will provide an update the week of May 3.
• The future of telework will be discussed at the town hall on Friday, May 14.
• Read more about what you can expect in the months ahead in this update.

11. Fitness Center to Reopen to Employees and Learners – REMINDER

The Bakar Fitness and Recreation Center at UCSF Mission Bay will reopen to UCSF employees and learners on Tuesday, July 6. The programs and services that will be offered are pending, with more details to come as the reopening date approaches.

Reminders

For the latest information about UCSF’s vaccine rollout, please visit the UCSF Vaccine Information Hub. All vaccine questions should be sent to [email protected].

For general information about UCSF’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, please visit the UCSF COVID-19 website. For questions related to our response and recovery efforts, please contact UCSF Emergency Management. You can also sign up to receive text alerts about the latest UCSF news by texting “UCSF” to 333 111.

 

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April 13, 2021

The following message was sent by the Office of Communications:

UCSF Health Pauses Use of Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Until Further Notice

UCSF Health is following public health guidance to pause the use of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 vaccine at all of its sites as of April 13, 2021.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) made its recommendation in light of six cases of a rare type of blood clot that occurred after more than 6.8 million doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine were administered across the United States.

All six cases occurred among women between the ages of 18 and 48, with symptoms appearing 6 to 13 days after they received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The CDC and FDA are reviewing data regarding the cases to determine whether it is safe to continue to provide the vaccine, the CDC and FDA said in a joint statement.

To date, UCSF Health has administered 2,647 Johnson & Johnson vaccinations since it began administering the vaccine on March 12, 2021. No UCSF Health patients have reported any severe symptoms after receiving the vaccine. Patients who received a Johnson & Johnson vaccine through UCSF and have questions or concerns may call their primary care provider or the COVID-19 hotline at 415-514-7328.

The CDC advises anyone experiencing severe symptoms, including shortness of breath, confusion and severe headaches, within three weeks after the Johnson & Johnson vaccination should go to the Emergency Department and inform their provider.

The CDC also advises clinicians against using the anticoagulant drug called heparin to treat blood clots thought to be associated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Alternative treatments should be considered.

Pending further guidance from the CDC, UCSF is pausing all Johnson & Johnson vaccinations for its hospitalized patients, homebound patients, and at community vaccination sites, including the City College San Francisco site and a pop-up clinic that had been scheduled for April 17.

UCSF Health continues to provide the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines. UCSF Health highly recommends COVID-19 vaccination, which has been proven to protect against severe illness and death from COVID-19.

 

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April 7, 2021

The following message was sent by the Office of Communications:

Dear UCSF Community,

Although parts of the nation have entered a fourth wave of the pandemic, it remains to be seen if transmissions will climb in California. Meanwhile, contagious variants are spreading in our community. Regardless of your vaccination status, we urge you to continue to adhere to public health measures and complete the daily health screening before coming to campus. Please take note of these important updates:

Vaccine Updates

Vaccination Appointments Available at UCSF Vaccine Locations – NEW

UCSF has received new supplies of vaccines to continue to vaccinate all employees.

• To make an appointment, log onto MyChart or call 415-514-1196
• UCSF is offering COVID-vaccinations at:
  • William J. Rutter Center located at Mission Bay
  • City College of San Francisco
  • UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland

As a reminder, vaccines are no longer being offered at the Parnassus Heights campus.

Notify OHS After Being Vaccinated Outside UCSF – NEW

Employees who receive their COVID-19 vaccine outside of UCSF should email a copy of their vaccine record to UCSF Occupational Health Services ([email protected]). Employees are encouraged to get a vaccine whenever and whereever it’s most convenient.

• MyTurn, the state’s vaccine scheduling system, is adding more appointments regularly and continues to expand statewide.
• In addition, each Bay Area county’s vaccine website offers appointments at county-run vaccination sites and at Walgreens, CVS and Safeway pharmacies.

UCSF Health Expands COVID-19 Vaccinations to Eligible Inpatients – NEW

Beginning Thursday, April 8 at 8 a.m., UCSF Health will offer Jansen (Johnson & Johnson) single-dose vaccines to eligible inpatients. The goal is to vaccinate patients as soon as they are clinically stable as early in the hospital admission as feasible. This program will be administered on weekdays only. Eligible inpatients are:

• Those age 65 and older
• Those with planned discharge dispositions to congregate settings, such as skilled nursing facilities, long term care centers, etc.

More information can be found on the UCSF Health Hospital Epidemiology and Infection Prevention website.

Emergency Paid Sick Leave for COVID-19 Relief Available to Employees – NEW

UC recently announced that all University paid employees unable to work because of COVID-related issues can use a new leave bank, Emergency Paid Sick Leave (EPSL). Among the highlights of this new leave bank:

• S eparate from COVID Paid Administrative Leave (PAL), EPSL is available through Sept. 30, 2021
• Full-time employees may take up to 80 hours of EPSL; part-time employees will be allocated a two-week equivalent
• Employees should contact their supervisor/manager or submit an EPSL request form
• More details about the EPSL program, including all the provisions for using this leave, can be found in the UC announcement or in the FAQs for staff and for academics. 

UCSF to Ease Travel Restrictions for Fully Vaccinated People – NEW

Beginning Monday, April 12, 2021, UCSF will revise its international and domestic travel guidance for fully vaccinated individuals to reflect recent changes made by the California Department of Public Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. UCSF will allow self-attestation of vaccination status by in-person screener or digital screener. No verification will be required.

Domestic Travel Outside of California: Please note the language has changed from greater than 120 miles from home to outside of California 

• For fully vaccinated persons, no quarantine or testing will be required after domestic travel
• For unvaccinated persons, there is no change to the current guidance

International Travel

• For fully vaccinated persons quarantine is not required, but they will need to attest to doing a test at UCSF on day 3-5  
• For unvaccinated persons, there is no changes to current guidance

Please note that local, state, and international governments may have travel restrictions in place, including testing requirements, stay-at-home orders and and quarantine requirements upon arrival.

Vaccine Scheduling for Contractors and Temporary Staff – REMINDER

UCSF will no longer add contractors and temporary staff to UCSF’s medical record system for scheduling vaccination appointments. On-site contractors and temporary staff should:

• Use MyTurn, the state’s vaccine scheduling system, to schedule their vaccination.
• Categorize themselves as a “health care worker” or an “education/child care worker” in MyTurn to ensure that they are immediately eligible for vaccination.

Vaccine PSAs in Multiple Languages – REMINDER

UCSF is featuring members of our community in a series of public service announcements (PSAs) to build confidence in the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines to guard against serious illness of the disease.

• The PSAs are currently available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Russian and Vietnamese. 
• More videos to follow will include Tagalog and Cantonese speakers.
• Please help us promote vaccine confidence by sharing these PSAs with your family, friends and colleagues and  through social media.

Virtual Events

Department of Medicine COVID-19 Grand Rounds – NEW

Join Chair Bob Wachter for the UCSF Department of Medicine COVID-19 Grand Rounds on Thursday, April 8, from noon to 1 p.m., to hear George Rutherford discuss the emerging but regional fourth wave of the pandemic and Monica Gandhi and Peter Chin-Hong opine on whether various scenarios are safe or risky for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals.

UCSF Health COVID-19 Town Hall – NEW

Join UCSF Health leaders and experts for an update on the COVID-19 pandemic during a town hall on Tuesday, April 13, from  4 to 5 p.m.

UCSF COVID-19 Response Town Hall – NEW

Join UCSF leaders on Friday, April 16, at 4 p.m. via Zoom for an update on UCSF’s vaccine rollout and the current state of the pandemic both globally and locally. Recordings of all Friday COVID-19 town halls are posted online.

One Year of COVID: A Special Three-Part Series – REMINDER

To mark one year since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, UCSF hosted “COVID-19: The Path Forward,” a three-part series of virtual panel discussions that examined lessons learned over the past year, issues of health equity and our post-pandemic future. Recordings of each event are available online.

UCSF Time of Remembrance: Honoring Lives Lost During COVID-19 – REMINDER

A recording is now available of the UCSF Time of Remembrance, a town hall dedicated to acknowledging the grief and loss that our community has experienced during the pandemic. In addition, UCSF offers a variety of counseling, wellness and spiritual resources to help members of our community cope with the challenges.

General COVID-Related Updates

Future of Telework at UCSF – REMINDER

As Bay Area counties and cities reopen indoor offices and expand activities as they move into state’s moderate or orange tier based on the level of spread of COVID-19, UCSF teams are planning for the future of telework for positions that can be performed remotely without compromising UCSF’s mission and operational needs. Here’s what we know:

• A team is refining telework guidelines and tools, incorporating lessons learned over the past year, for UCSF to operate with a combination of remote and on-site work.
• The Chancellor’s Cabinet will discuss this topic in late April and we will provide an update on remote work and recovery efforts soon thereafter.
• Read more about what you can expect in the months ahead in this update.

Fitness Center to Reopen to Employees and Learners – REMINDER

The Bakar Fitness and Recreation Center at UCSF Mission Bay will reopen to UCSF employees and learners on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. The programs and services that will be offered are pending, with more details to come as the reopening date approaches.

Reminders

For the latest information about UCSF’s vaccine rollout, please visit the UCSF Vaccine Information Hub. All vaccine questions should be sent to [email protected].

For general information about UCSF’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, please visit the UCSF COVID-19 website. For questions related to our response and recovery efforts, please contact UCSF Emergency Management. You can also sign up to receive text alerts about the latest UCSF news by texting “UCSF” to 333 111.

 

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April 1, 2021

The following message was sent by the Office of Communications:

Dear UCSF Community,

As Bay Area counties and cities reopen indoor offices and expand activities as they move into state’s moderate or orange tier based on the level of spread of COVID-19, many of you are wondering what to expect at UCSF in the weeks ahead. Please take note of these updates:

Future of Telework

A year ago, in response to public health orders to limit the spread of COVID-19, we issued guidance enabling those who can work and study remotely to do so. Last September, we extended the telework policy through June 30, 2021 since COVID-19 remained widespread in the community. With that date fast approaching, here’s what we know:

• The COVID-19 pandemic has showed us that some UCSF positions can be performed remotely without compromising our mission and operational needs.
• In light of this, a team is developing telework guidelines and tools, incorporating lessons learned over the past year, for UCSF to operate with a combination of remote and on-site work.
• As we explore the future of where and how we work at UCSF, our goal is to ensure the health and safety of our UCSF community while upholding our campus culture and delivering on our mission.
• The Chancellor’s Cabinet will discuss this topic in late April and we will provide an update on remote work and recovery efforts soon thereafter.

Increasing On-Site Work

Many of you have been caring for patients and communities, conducting research, and supporting our operations by working in a variety of positions on site all along, and we are grateful for your dedication during this public health crisis. Over the next few months, UCSF will gradually increase on-site work.

• Education activities will ramp up for the academic year in phases starting June 4 through mid-September. The current plan will allow for small group instruction on campus while larger class sizes will continue with remote learning.
• We are working to vaccinate all of our new and returning learners before they come to campus.
• For research, we are closely monitoring public health orders, occupational health guidelines and our own metrics for making decisions about on-site research, and are hopeful that we can increase density in the coming weeks.
• We are also monitoring the K-12 school situation and will do our best to take childcare factors into account as we plan ahead.

Vaccination Eligibility Expands

As of today, more Californians are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccines, based on state guidelines.

• Beginning April 1, 2021, individuals age 50 or over are eligible for vaccines.
• Beginning April 15, 2021, every Californian age 16 and older will become eligible for vaccines.

State of the Pandemic

The state of this pandemic remains unpredictable, with increasing coronavirus cases and hospitalizations and the growing prevalence of highly transmissible COVID-19 variants, across the country.

• Until the pandemic comes to an end, we must remain flexible and adaptive to changing conditions.
• With more progress, however, we will see further easing of COVID-19 restrictions that will trigger revised policies for in-person gatherings, events and traveling, among others.
• Please be vigilant in following the public health safety measures like wearing face coverings, maintaining physical distancing, washing hands regularly, and completing the daily health screening before coming to campus.
• We encourage you to continue to stay informed by visiting the COVID-19 website and by participating in the bi-weekly COVID-19 Response Town Halls.

Reminders

For the latest information about UCSF’s COVID-19 vaccination efforts, please visit the UCSF Vaccine Information Hub. All vaccine questions should be sent to [email protected].

For general information about UCSF’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, please visit the UCSF COVID-19 website.

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March 24, 2021

The following message was sent by the Office of Communications:

Dear UCSF Community,

We have now reached an important milestone in our ongoing vaccination against COVID-19, administering the 100,000th vaccine dose at UCSF as this video celebrates. We continue to see a steady decline in new COVID-19 cases around the Bay Area as cities begin to re-open more businesses.

While we are making great progress fighting this pandemic, we urge you to help us keep our community safe by continuing to mask, physically distance, wash hands frequently, take the daily health screener before coming to campus and follow all public health guidance regardless of your vaccination status. Please take note of the following vaccine and COVID-related updates.

Vaccine Updates

1. UCSF Vaccine Clinic Location Update – NEW

UCSF is offering COVID-19 vaccines by appointment at:

• William J. Rutter Center located at Mission Bay
• City College of San Francisco
• UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland

Vaccines are no longer being offered at the Parnassus Heights campus. Those who received their first dose of a two-dose vaccine series (Moderna or Pfizer) at Parnassus will be scheduled for their second at Rutter Center.

2. First and Second Dose Scheduling – NEW

Those who received the first dose of a two-dose vaccine series (Moderna or Pfizer) should schedule their second dose from the same provider (e.g., UCSF, Kaiser, etc.) as the first dose. Some providers may not honor a scheduled second-dose appointment if the first dose was received from a different provider.

3. Post-Vaccine Symptoms or Illness – NEW

Employees who are too ill to report to work or have been advised by Occupational Health Services to remain off work due to symptoms from the vaccine, may use accrued COVID-19 paid administrative leave, sick leave, vacation leave, compensatory time off, or paid time off hours as appropriate. Employees who have exhausted all accrued time off may be eligible to receive donations from the Emergency Voluntary Catastrophic Leave Sharing Program.

4. Vaccine Scheduling for Contractors and Temporary Staff – NEW

UCSF will no longer add contractors and temporary staff to UCSF’s medical record system for scheduling vaccination appointments. On-site contractors and temporary staff should:

• Use MyTurn, the state’s vaccine scheduling system, to schedule their vaccination.
• Categorize themselves as a “health care worker” or an “education/child care worker” in MyTurn to ensure that they are immediately eligible for vaccination.

5. UCSF Vaccinates Special Olympics Athletes – NEW

On Monday, UCSF vaccinated about 100 Special Olympics athletes at the City College of San Francisco vaccine site. Photos and video of the event are available online.

6. Vaccine PSAs in Multiple Languages – REMINDER

UCSF is featuring members of our community in a series of public service announcements (PSAs) to build confidence in the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines.

• The PSAs are currently available in English and Spanish.
• Next week, additional videos will be available for speakers of Cantonese, Mandarin, Russian, Tagalog and Vietnamese.

Please help us promote vaccine confidence by sharing these PSAs with your family, friends and colleagues and through social media.

Virtual Events

7. Grand Rounds on the State of the Pandemic, Therapeutics and Variants – NEW

Join Department of Medicine Chair Bob Wachter on Thursday, March 25, at noon via Zoom for a discussion about the current state of the pandemic, an update on therapeutics used to treat COVID-19, and the latest data on coronavirus variants. Recordings of previous Grand Rounds are available on the Department of Medicine website.

8. COVID-19 Response Town Hall on Emerging COVID Science – NEW

Join UCSF leaders on Friday, April 2, at 4 p.m. via Zoom for a discussion about the latest research on post-acute COVID-19 syndrome, an update on UCSF’s vaccine rollout, and the state of the pandemic both globally and locally. Recordings of all Friday COVID-19 town halls are posted online.

9. One Year of COVID – COVID-19: The Path Forward – Special Event – REMINDER

To mark one year since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, UCSF hosted “COVID-19: The Path Forward,” a three-part series of virtual panel discussions that examined lessons learned over the past year, issues of health equity and our post-pandemic future. Recordings of each event are available online.

10. UCSF Time of Remembrance: Honoring Lives Lost During COVID-19 – REMINDER

A recording is now available of the UCSF Time of Remembrance, a town hall dedicated to acknowledging the grief and loss that our community has experienced during the pandemic. In addition, UCSF offers a variety of counseling, wellness and spiritual resources to help members of our community cope with the challenges. 

General COVID-Related Updates

11. Fitness Center to Reopen to Employees and Learners – NEW 

The Bakar Fitness and Recreation Center at UCSF Mission Bay will reopen to UCSF employees and learners on Tuesday, July 6, 2021. The programs and services that will be offered are pending, with more details to come as the reopening date approaches. Members who are not UCSF employees or students will not have access to Bakar or any other UCSF facilities until the California Department of Public Health lifts restrictions governing public access to college and university campuses.

Reminders

For the latest information about UCSF’s vaccine rollout, please visit the UCSF Vaccine Information Hub. All vaccine questions should be sent to [email protected].

For general information about UCSF’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, please visit the UCSF COVID-19 website. For questions related to our response and recovery efforts, please contact UCSF Emergency Management. You can also sign up to receive text alerts about the latest UCSF news by texting “UCSF” to 333 111.

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March 10, 2021

The following message was sent by the Office of Communications:

Dear UCSF Community,

As more people get vaccinated and COVID-19 cases continue to decline, federal, state and local public health agencies are offering updated guidance. However, we cannot let down our guard until more people are fully vaccinated and COVID-19 is no longer a threat to public health. Everyone must continue to mask, physically distance, wash hands regularly, and follow all COVID-related policies, including completing the daily health screening before coming to campus. Here are the latest vaccine and COVID-related updates.

Vaccine Updates

1. Book Vaccine Appointments through State and County Websites – NEW

MyTurn, the state’s vaccine scheduling system, is now active for Bay Area residents. In addition, each Bay Area county’s vaccine website offers appointments at county-run vaccination sites and at Walgreens, CVS and Safeway pharmacies.

• Employees who receive their COVID-19 vaccine outside of UCSF should email a copy of their vaccine record to UCSF Occupational Health Services.
• Please note that statewide vaccine supplies remain limited, so appointments at UCSF locations are currently being prioritized for those needing their second dose.

More information about vaccine scheduling can be found on the UCSF Vaccine Hub.

2. CDC Guidelines for Fully Vaccinated People – NEW

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued interim recommendations for fully vaccinated people. Please note that this new guidance does not apply to health care settings. UCSF experts are reviewing this guidance to determine how it will affect our campus settings. According to the CDC, fully vaccinated people outside health care settings can:

• Visit with other fully vaccinated people indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing
• Visit with unvaccinated people from a single household who are at low risk for severe COVID-19 disease indoors without wearing masks or physical distancing
• Refrain from quarantine and testing following a known exposure if asymptomatic

The CDC recommends that while out in public, fully vaccinated individuals should continue to mask, physically distance, practice hand hygiene, and avoid travel and convening in large crowds.

3. Vaccine Eligibility for Individuals with Pre-Existing Conditions – REMINDER

Starting March 15, individuals under age 65 who are at high risk for severe COVID-19 due to one or more health conditions will be eligible to schedule a vaccination appointment, when available, through the state’s MyTurn system, county vaccine websites, and some health care providers.

4. Join a Vaccine Response Study – REMINDER

Researchers are seeking participants to join a UCSF study to identify factors that predict a strong and lasting immune response after a COVID-19 vaccine. The Building Optimal AntibOdies STudy (BOOST) is assessing how vaccine response is influenced by factors such as age, immune cell age, sleep, mood and stress.

• Participants in the study funded by the National Institutes of Health can earn up to $300 while helping to advance COVID science. 
• Learn more and sign up on the UCSF BOOST website. Please note that those interested in joining the study will need to enroll before receiving their first vaccination. 

5. PSAs to Promote Vaccine Confidence in the Community – REMINDER

UCSF is featuring members of our community in a series of public service announcements (PSAs) to build confidence in the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines. As a reminder, three vaccines, from Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson, have been authorized by the FDA for emergency use during the pandemic.

• The PSAs are currently available in English and Spanish, and will be followed by additional videos for speakers of Cantonese, Mandarin, Tagalog and Vietnamese. 
• Please help us promote vaccine confidence by sharing these PSAs with your family, friends and colleagues and through social media.

Virtual Events

6. Grand Rounds – COVID at One Year: Looking Back and Looking Ahead – NEW

Join Department of Medicine Chair Bob Wachter on Thursday, March 11, at noon via Zoom for a conversation with UCSF leaders Kirsten Bibbins-Domingo, Peter Chin-Hong and George Rutherford to reflect on the past year, describe the current state of the pandemic, and predict what the future might look like. Recordings of previous Grand Rounds are available on the Department of Medicine website.

7. Special Series to Commemorate One-Year of COVID-19 Pandemic – REMINDER

To mark one year since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, UCSF is presenting COVID-19: The Path Forward, a three-part public series of virtual panel discussions that will examine science, health equity and our shared future in the wake of COVID-19. The three panels are:

•  How the Science Will Drive Recovery, recording available online.
• The COVID-19 Mandate for Equity, Tuesday, March 16 at 5 p.m.
• Mapping a Post-Pandemic World, Tuesday, March 23 at 5 p.m. 

More information about each panel, including a list of speakers and the Zoom link for each event, can be found on the UCSF Events Calendar.

8. COVID-19 Response Town Hall on Planning for a Post-Vaccine Future – NEW

Join UCSF leaders on Friday, March 19, at 4 p.m. via Zoom for an update on UCSF’s vaccine rollout, the latest global and local pandemic news, and a conversation to explore how the changing public health guidelines may affect UCSF’s mission areas as more members of the community are fully vaccinated. Recordings of all Friday COVID-19 town halls are posted online.

9. Time of Remembrance for UCSF Staff, Faculty, and Learners: Honoring Our Losses During COVID-19 – REMINDER

Join members of the UCSF community on Tuesday, March 23, at 4 p.m. via Zoom, a time dedicated to acknowledging the grief and loss that our community has experienced during the pandemic. Staff, faculty, learners and leaders will share their experiences and spiritual leaders will guide the audience in a memorial ceremony to honor our losses, including patients and loved ones who have died. Please note the new Zoom link for this event, which was updated after the town hall was first announced.

Reminders

For the latest information about UCSF’s vaccine rollout, please visit the UCSF Vaccine Information Hub. All vaccine questions should be sent to [email protected].

For general information about UCSF’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, please visit the UCSF COVID-19 website. For questions related to our response and recovery efforts, please contact UCSF Emergency Management. You can also sign up to receive text alerts about the latest UCSF news by texting “UCSF” to 333 111.

 

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March 4, 2021

The following message was sent by the Office of Communications:

Dear UCSF Community,

We are making progress in the ongoing fight against the pandemic as more people get vaccinated and the number of new COVID-19 cases decline. Nevertheless, as COVID-19 remains widespread in our community and new variants emerge, please continue to adhere to public health measures, such as masking, physical distancing and handwashing. Here are the latest vaccine and COVID-related updates.

Vaccine Updates

1. Vaccine Eligibility Guidelines – REMINDER

UCSF employees and learners, including those working remotely, are eligible to schedule a COVID-19 vaccination under California Department of Public Health vaccine eligibility guidelines. However, vaccine supplies are limited statewide, so first-dose appointments may not be available over the next two weeks, even for those who are eligible. Members of the UCSF community have several options to schedule their vaccinations. These include:

• MyChart, UCSF’s patient portal for appointments at Mission Bay and Parnassus Heights campuses
• Each county’s vaccine website
• The state’s MyTurn system, which offers appointments where available.

More information about vaccine scheduling can be found on the recently updated UCSF  Vaccine Hub.

2. PSAs to Promote Vaccine Confidence in the Community – REMINDER

UCSF is featuring members of our community in a series of public service announcements (PSAs) to build confidence in the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines.

• PSAs are available in English and Spanish, and will be followed by additional videos for speakers of Cantonese, Mandarin, Russian, Tagalog and Vietnamese. 
• Please help us promote vaccine confidence by sharing these PSAs with your family, friends and colleagues and through social media.

Virtual Events

3. COVID-19 Response Town Hall on the Science Behind COVID Safety – REMINDER

Join UCSF leaders on Friday, March 5, at 4 p.m. via Zoom for a discussion about the science behind staying safe during the pandemic, an update on UCSF’s vaccine rollout, and the latest global and local pandemic news. Recordings of all Friday COVID-19 town halls are posted online.

4. UCSF Health COVID-19 Town Hall – NEW

Join UCSF Health on Tuesday, March 9, at 4 p.m. via Zoom for updates on COVID variants, UCSF’s vaccine rollout, policies for onsite workers, and the latest global and local pandemic news.

5. One-Year Anniversary of the COVID-19 Pandemic – Special Panel Series – NEW

In recognition of the one-year anniversary of the World Health Organization declaring COVID-19 a pandemic, UCSF is hosting a three-part public series of virtual panel discussions that will examine lessons learned over the past year, issues of health equity and shed light on our post-pandemic future.

• How the Science Will Drive Recovery, Tuesday, March 9 at 5 p.m.
• The COVID-19 Mandate for Equity, Tuesday, March 16 at 5 p.m.
• Mapping a Post-Pandemic World, Tuesday, March 23 at 5 p.m.

More information about each panel, including a list of speakers and the Zoom link for each event, can be found on the UCSF Events Calendar.

6. UCSF Time of Remembrance: Honoring Lives Loss During COVID-19 – NEW

Join members of the UCSF community on Tuesday, March 23, at 4 p.m. via Zoom for a special UCSF Health Town Hall dedicated to acknowledging the grief and loss that our community has experienced during the pandemic. Frontline care workers will share their experiences and spiritual leaders will guide the audience in a memorial ceremony of lives lost. Live music will accompany an artistic presentation honoring our shared experiences over the past year.

General COVID-Related Updates

7. Post-Vaccine Return To Work Policy – NEW

UCSF has enacted a new return-to-work policy for fully vaccinated employees who have had a high-risk exposure to COVID-19. Please note that individuals who are fully vaccinated should still follow UCSF’s protocols, including taking the daily health screener before coming to campus. More information is available online.

8. Post-travel Quarantine Requirements – NEW

UCSF has updated its travel guidance and post-travel testing and quarantine policies for employees and learners who have traveled outside of California or more than 120 miles from their place of residence. Updated travel guidance is also available for vendors and for visitors to UCSF.

9. Free COVID-19 Self-Test Kits for UCSF Employees and Learners – NEW

Asymptomatic UCSF employees and learners seeking a COVID-19 test can pick up a free self-test kit from vending machines located at the Mission Bay, Mount Zion and Parnassus Heights campuses. Please only take a self-test kit if you are concerned about a possible COVID-19 exposure but have no symptoms. You must clear the daily health screener and have an active UCSF ID badge to obtain a test kit. Vending machine locations and instructions for obtaining a test kit are available online.

10. Using Sick Leave to Care for Children At Home – NEW

Policy-covered staff may use all of their accrued sick leave if they are unable to work onsite or telecommute because they are caring for children who are unable to attend school or a place of care in person due to COVID-19 precautions. This policy will remain in effect through June 30, 2021. Subject to collective bargaining, a similar expansion of the use of sick leave is available to represented staff who have accrued sick leave.

11. Request Anonymity After A Positive COVID-19 Test – NEW

California law (AB 685) requires the University of California to notify exclusive union representatives of the names of employees who have tested positive for COVID-19 and who worked onsite during the infectious period. Employees may request that their names not be included in these notifications. UCSF employees who wish to remain anonymous when relating their COVID-positive status to the unions may opt out by submitting a form that’s available on the COVID-19 testing page.

12. Online COVID-19 Clinical Resources for Health Care Workers – NEW

UCSF and USAID have launched Open Critical Care, an online resource where health care workers in resource-variable settings can find open-access, high-quality, critical care learning tools focused on respiratory care and COVID-19. 

13. Break Space Available at Parnassus Heights – NEW

Break space is now available at the place formerly known as Palio Cafe at UCSF’s Parnassus Heights campus. Entry to the new break space requires UCSF ID badge access. To ensure safe physical distancing, occupancy is limited to a maximum of 10 individuals indoors and another 10 on the outdoor patio. All available seating arrangements are for one person only.

Reminders

For the latest information about UCSF’s vaccine rollout, please visit the UCSF Vaccine Information Hub. All vaccine questions should be sent to [email protected].

For general information about UCSF’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, please visit the UCSF COVID-19 website. For questions related to our response and recovery efforts, please contact UCSF Emergency Management. You can also sign up to receive text alerts about the latest UCSF news by texting “UCSF” to 333 111.

 

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March 1, 2021

• Chancellor Sam Hawgood mourns the loss of 500,000 lives in the COVID-19 pandemic and announces a series of events that will examine lessons of the past year.

 

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February 24, 2021

• Chief Clinical Officer Josh Adler announces the new tier of vaccine-eligible populations and how UCSF staff can sign up.
• The following message was sent by the Office of Communications:

Dear UCSF Community,

Today, the State of California expanded vaccine eligibility, a decision that impacts our UCSF community and those we serve. More information about the eligibility expansion, as well as additional COVID-related updates, can be found below.

Vaccine Updates

1. Expanded Vaccine Eligibility Guidelines – NEW

Today, the California Department of Public Health updated its vaccine eligibility guidelines.  Under the new guidelines:

• All UCSF employees and students, including those working remotely, are eligible to schedule a COVID-19 vaccination as employees of a college or university.
• Those working in childcare and education, first responders, and food and agricultural workers are now eligible.

You may schedule a vaccination appointment at UCSF through MyChart, or sign up through the state MyTurn or your county website. Please note that vaccine supplies nationwide remain limited, and appointments may not be immediately available due to high demand, even for those who are eligible. Here are links for local county vaccination websites: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo and Sonoma counties.

2. PSAs to Promote Vaccine Confidence in the Community – NEW

UCSF is featuring members of our community in a series of public service announcements (PSAs) to build confidence in the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines.

• The PSAs are currently available in English and Spanish, and will be followed by additional videos for speakers of Cantonese, Mandarin, Russian, Tagalog and Vietnamese. 
• Please help us promote vaccine confidence by sharing these PSAs with your family, friends and colleagues and through social media.

3. Join a Vaccine Response Study – NEW

Researchers are looking for participants for a new BOOST study to help discover what predicts a strong immune response after a COVID vaccine and identify the factors that lead to lasting immunity.

• Participants in this study funded by the National Institutes of Health can earn up to $300 while helping to advance COVID science. 
• Learn more and sign up on the UCSF BOOST website. (Note: You will need to enroll before receiving your first vaccination). 

4. Sign up for the UCSF Vaccine Standby List - REMINDER

To help UCSF avoid wasting COVID-19 vaccine doses at the end of each day, employees and learners who are waiting for a vaccine or who have had trouble securing a vaccination appointment are encouraged to sign up for the vaccine standby list. More information about the standby list, eligibility and how to sign up is available online.

Virtual Town Halls

5. COVID-19 Response Town Hall on the Science Behind COVID Safety – NEW

Join UCSF leaders on Friday, March 5, at 4 p.m. via Zoom for a discussion about the science behind staying safe during the pandemic, an update on UCSF’s vaccine rollout, and the latest global and local pandemic news. Recordings of all COVID-19 town halls are posted online.

General COVID-Related Updates

6. COVID Financial Relief Program – NEW

The UCSF COVID Relief Program was established with philanthropic funding to provide up to $1,000 in aid to members of the UCSF community who have experienced unexpected financial hardship resulting from the pandemic. During two rounds of COVID relief, UCSF was able to provide more than $4.15 million in support to 4,749 employees and students who are part of the UCSF and Benioff Childrens Hospital Oakland communities.

7. UCSF Alerts for Potential COVID-Positive Exposures – REMINDER

In accordance with state law (AB 685), UCSF has begun sending written UCSF Alerts to all employees, students and contractors who may have been exposed to a COVID-positive person on campus within one business day of learning about the potential exposure.

•  These UCSF Alerts are being sent enterprise-wide rather than targeting specific buildings or floors when a case has been confirmed. Please note:
• Although the number of COVID-positive cases among faculty, staff and students is on a downward trend at UCSF, members of the community may receive more frequent UCSF Alerts about confirmed cases as a result of this new process.
• For regular updates on COVID-positive cases in the UCSF community, see the UCSF COVID-19 dashboard.  

Reminders

For the latest information about UCSF’s vaccine rollout, please visit the UCSF Vaccine Information Hub. All vaccine questions should be sent to [email protected].

For general information about UCSF’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, please visit the UCSF COVID-19 website. For questions related to our response and recovery efforts, please contact UCSF Emergency Management. You can also sign up to receive text alerts about the latest UCSF news by texting “UCSF” to 333 111.

 

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February 10, 2021

The following message was sent by the Office of Communications:

Dear UCSF Community,

As vaccine production and distribution challenges get addressed nationwide, we are continuing to make progress towards vaccinating all employees, students and patients as quickly as possible. Here are the latest vaccine- and COVID-related updates:

Vaccine Updates

1. Sign Up for Your Second Dose – NEW

Employees and learners who have not scheduled their second dose of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine should sign into MyChart to schedule an appointment. If you have trouble scheduling an appointment, please call the Vaccine Scheduling Helpline at (415) 476-3307.

2. Vaccine Progress – NEW

As of Feb. 9, we have provided 55,900 vaccines to our employees, learners, patients and community health care workers, reaching almost 42,000 people with at least one dose. This includes:

• More than 18,200 of our health care, service, transportation and other onsite workers, nearly 12,400 of whom have also received their second dose
• Almost 19,000 patients through our Mission Bay and Parnassus Heights sites, and the City College drive-through site that we are operating in partnership with the City and County of San Francisco.
• To follow the progress of our vaccine rollout, visit the recently revamped COVID-19 Vaccination dashboard (Pulse Secure VPN required for off-site access)

3. Framework for UC-Wide Vaccine Rollout – NEW

The UC Office of the President developed a framework for all UC campuses to provide consistency during the next phase of the rollout.

• Starting Feb. 1, all UC campuses began vaccinating employees and patients aged 65+, followed by on-site food services, childcare and emergency services workers who had not yet been vaccinated.
• We are currently vaccinating these groups, as well as all other workers who are required to be on site at least once a week.

4. Vaccine Standby System for Employees and Students – NEW

In order to maximize all available vaccine doses at the end of each day, UCSF has created a standby system for employees and learners who are eligible for the vaccine.

• Currently, these include people in group 1A or have worked onsite regularly at least once a week for the past three months.
• New standby vaccine appointments will be released in two-week increments, and employees and learners will be allowed to sign up for one appointment every two weeks.

5. Vaccine Scheduling on MyChart – NEW

UCSF employees may now self-schedule their vaccination appointment through MyChart when they become eligible for the vaccine. When scheduling an appointment, you will be asked to confirm your eligibility by attesting that you are:

• Age 65 or older; or
• An eligible onsite worker; or
• Performing a service defined as essential by the state.

Virtual Town Halls

6. COVID-19 Response Town Hall to Focus on Children and School Reopening – NEW

Join UCSF leaders on Friday, Feb. 19, at 4 p.m. via Zoom for a panel discussion about the impact of COVID-19 on children and school reopenings, an update on UCSF’s vaccine rollout, and the latest global and local pandemic news. Recordings of all Friday COVID-19 town halls are posted online.

7. Department of Medicine COVID Grand Rounds – NEW

Join Department of Medicine Chair Robert Wachter for a town hall titled, “The New Vaccines, Attitudes Toward Vaccination, and the Biden Covid-19 Task Force,” on Thursday, Feb. 11, from noon – 1:15 p.m. Speakers include: Monica Gandhi, Marguerita Lightfoot, Eric Goosby, and Robert Rodriguez.

General COVID-Related Updates

8. Clinical Research Density Expansion – NEW

On Feb. 1, the Office of Research increased on-site category 3 clinical research density to 25 percent. More information is available on the Office of Research website.

9. UCSF COVID-Positive Case Notifications – NEW

In accordance with state law (AB 685), UCSF will begin sending a written notification to all employees, students and contractors who may have been exposed to a COVID-positive person on campus within one business day of learning about the potential exposure. These notifications will be sent enterprise-wide rather than targeting specific buildings or floors when a case has been confirmed. Please note:

• Although the number of COVID-positive cases among faculty, staff and students is on a downward trend at UCSF, members of the community may receive more frequent notices about confirmed cases as a result of this new process.
• For regular updates on COVID-positive cases in the UCSF community, see the UCSF COVID-19 dashboard.

10. Expanded Access to COVID-19 Testing Via Vending Machines – NEW

Vending machines supplying Color COVID self-test kits will be available on Tuesday, Feb. 19, at UCSF sites in San Francisco. Any asymptomatic UCSF employee or learner with an active UCSF ID badge will be able to access one test per week to be tested via the Color process. Please note:

• The vending machines are intended to improve access to test kit pick up locations for those without symptoms.
• A key feature of the vending machines is that you do not have to go through the testing portal. Please see more information in this FAQ.
• Employees who have symptoms should still call the Occupational Health COVID hotline at (415) 514-7328.
• If you require multiple tests, for example after travel, you will still need to pick up multiple test kits via the COVID Asymptomatic Testing Centers. You can find travel guidance here.

11. Safely Share Your Vaccine Story on Social Media – NEW

As we continue to use social media to help spread the word about the ongoing vaccinations of faculty, staff and learners, we urge those taking selfies of themselves to not take photos of their vaccination cards, which may contain protected health information. Instead, consider printing out a UCSF Health or UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital sign and write-in why you got vaccinated.

• Use the hashtags #IGotTheShot #UCSFProud
• On Twitter make sure to tag @UCSF @UCSFHospitals @UCSFChildrens or @UCSFBenioffOAK
• On Instagram make sure to tag @ucsfhealth @ucsf @ucsfchildrens

12. International Travel Policy – NEW

UCSF has updated its return-to-work policy for those resuming on-site activities after international travel. The updated policy includes guidance for post-travel quarantine, symptom monitoring and testing, and also includes circumstances that may warrant exceptions. More information is available on the travel guidance page.

13. Break Room Policy – NEW

In accordance with San Francisco Department of Public Health policy, UCSF will limit breakroom capacity to 25 percent. Employees are encouraged to enjoy their breaks outdoors to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Reminders

For the latest information about UCSF’s vaccine rollout, please visit the UCSF Vaccine Information Hub. All vaccine questions should be sent to [email protected].

For general information about UCSF’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, please visit the UCSF COVID-19 website. For questions related to our response and recovery efforts, please contact UCSF Emergency Management. You can also sign up to receive text alerts about the latest UCSF news by texting “UCSF” to 333 111.

 

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February 9, 2021

• UCSF creates a new vaccine standby system for vaccine-eligible employees and learners.

 

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February 5, 2021

• Chief Clinical Officer Josh Adler provides an overview of the next phase in the vaccine rollout.

 

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February 2, 2021

• Updated Travel Guidance shortens the quarantine upon return from international travel from 14 days to 10 days.

 

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February 1, 2021

• Chief Clinical Officer Josh Adler outlines the vaccination timeline and updated policies for distribution.

 

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January 27, 2021

The following message was sent by the Office of Communications:

Dear UCSF Community,

As our vaccine rollout moves forward, we appreciate the UCSF community’s patience as we work towards vaccinating all employees, students and patients as quickly as limited vaccine supplies allow. Here are the latest vaccine- and COVID-related updates:

Vaccine Updates

1. Vaccine Progress – NEW

We’ve offered vaccination appointments to 92 percent of the more than 23,000 employees and learners whose on-site responsibilities involve high-risk exposure to COVID-19.

• More than 17,600 of these have received their first dose, and nearly 16,500 have scheduled their second.
• Vaccinations have begun for UCSF patients age 75+ and health care workers who live or work in San Francisco and are unaffiliated with a major medical center.
• To follow the progress of our vaccine rollout, visit the new COVID-19 Vaccination Summary dashboard (Pulse Secure VPN required for off-site access).

2. CDC Guidance on Vaccine Timing – NEW

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its guidance on second dose timing.

• Everyone should try to receive their second vaccine dose as close as possible to day 21 (Pfizer) or day 28 (Moderna) after their first dose.
• However, both vaccines can be administered up to 6 weeks (42 days) after the first dose without restarting the vaccination series. More vaccine resources are available on the UCSF Vaccine Hub.

3. Mass Vaccination Partnership with SF – NEW

UCSF partnered with the City of San Francisco to launch the city’s first high-volume, drive-through vaccination site on Jan. 22 at City College. At this time, only those age 75+ who are UCSF patients or San Francisco residents are eligible to schedule a vaccination at this site.

4. UCSF Vaccine Site Expansion – NEW

This week, the UCSF Mission Bay campus vaccination site was moved to the Rutter Center. The new location will allow UCSF to increase the number of vaccine doses administered from about 600 to 1,100 per day. We are vaccinating both employees and patients at this site.

5. Share Your Vaccine Story on Social Media – NEW

To encourage vaccinations in the our community, UCSF is launching a social media campaign to help spread the word. Already got your COVID-19 vaccine? Print out a UCSF Health or UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital sign and write-in why you got vaccinated. Take a photo and share it on social.

• Use the hashtags #IGotTheShot #UCSFProud
• On Twitter make sure to tag @UCSF @UCSFHospitals @UCSFChildrens or @UCSFBenioffOAK
• On Instagram make sure to tag @ucsfhealth @ucsf @ucsfchildrens 

6. Discontinuing HR Umbrella for Vaccine Phasing  – NEW

UCSF will no longer use HR Umbrella to inform employees about the phase of the vaccine rollout they’ve been assigned to for appointments. HR Umbrella will still be used for other purposes, but all vaccine phasing and scheduling will be managed through the online patient portal MyChart.

7. Simplified Vaccine Scheduling on MyChart – NEW

When employees and students become eligible to receive the vaccine during upcoming phases of the rollout, they will be notified through MyChart.

• Those who don’t have a MyChart account should sign up now to receive alerts related to vaccine eligibility and scheduling.
• New and existing MyChart users should make sure their MyChart notification settings allow email and text alerts.

Virtual Town Halls

8. Grand Rounds on Vaccines and COVID Variants in the U.S. and U.K. – NEW

Join Department of Medicine Chair Bob Wachter on Thursday, Jan. 28, at noon via Zoom for a discussion about vaccine distribution in San Francisco, the current state of the pandemic, and U.S. and U.K. perspectives on new coronavirus variants. Recordings of previous Grand Rounds are available on the Department of Medicine website.

9. Anti-Racism Town Hall to Focus on Faculty – NEW

Join UCSF leaders and colleagues on Friday, Jan. 29, at noon via Zoom for for the third in a series of quarterly town halls focused on UCSF’s Anti-racism Initiative. This forum will address racism’s impact on faculty. Topics of discussion include the current climate, opportunities, gaps, and initiatives. Recordings of previous anti-racism town halls are available on the Office of Diversity and Outreach website.

10. COVID-19 Response Town Hall to Focus on COVID-Related Racial Disparities – NEW

Join UCSF leaders on Friday, Feb. 5, at 4 p.m. via Zoom for a panel discussion about the impact of COVID-19 on people of color, an update on UCSF’s vaccine rollout, and the latest global and local pandemic news. Recordings of all COVID-19 town halls are posted online.

General COVID-Related Updates

11. Research Density Expansion – NEW

On Jan. 25, the Office of Research increased on-site laboratory research density to 50 percent. Please note that clinical research density will remain at 12.5 percent until further notice. More information about this decision is available on the Office of Research website.

12. COVID-19 Protection Plan – NEW

UCSF Environmental Health and Safety has released its COVID-19 Prevention Plan, required by Cal/OSHA and describes the many measures that UCSF has enacted to help safeguard the health and safety of those who are working, learning or receiving care on-site during the pandemic.

13. Visitor and Vendor Policy Updates – NEW

UCSF has updated its policy for approving essential visits to campus during the pandemic. In addition, all visitors and vendors traveling from from outside the Bay Area are required to:

1. Comply with San Francisco’s mandatory 10-day quarantine; or
2. Receive a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours or less before entering UCSF facilities.

More information for visitors and vendors can be found on the UCSF COVID-19 website.

14. State and City Lift Stay-at-Home Orders – NEW

On Jan. 25, Gov. Gavin Newsom lifted the statewide stay-at-home order after projected ICU availability increased to over 15 percent in all regions of the state. In response, Mayor London Breed announced that some activities will resume in San Francisco starting at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 28., but the mandatory 10-day quarantine for anyone traveling to San Francisco from outside the nine-county Bay Area will remain in effect. Please note that local jurisdictions can impose stricter measures than those required by the state, so members of the UCSF community should monitor the public health measures in effect where they live.

Reminders

For the latest information about UCSF’s vaccine rollout, please visit the UCSF Vaccine Information Hub. All vaccine questions should be sent to [email protected].

For general information about UCSF’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, please visit the UCSF COVID-19 website. For questions related to our response and recovery efforts, please contact UCSF Emergency Management. You can also sign up to receive text alerts about the latest UCSF news by texting “UCSF” to 333 111.

 

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January 21, 2021

• Chief Clinical Officer Josh Adler shares further rollout of vaccine to new populations and notes short supply.
• New FAQs for UCSF Health patients about getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

 

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January 13, 2021

The following message was sent by the Office of Communications:

Dear UCSF Community,

As our COVID-19 vaccine rollout continues to move forward, here are additional updates to keep you informed about the vaccination process and other COVID-related news.

1. First Phase of Vaccination Nearly Complete – NEW

We’ve offered vaccination appointments to more than 20,800 employees and learners whose on-site responsibilities involve high-risk exposure to COVID-19. Nearly 16,000 of those have received their first dose, and we expect to complete both doses for this group by early February. To follow the daily progress of UCSF’s vaccine rollout, visit the COVID-19 vaccine dashboard (Pulse Secure VPN required for off-site access).

2. Next Phase of Vaccine Rollout – NEW

This week, we will launch the next phase of our vaccine rollout, which is based on federal and state guidelines and will include:

• Employees (on-site and remote) and patients age 75 and older.
• Essential UCSF employees and learners whose responsibilities require them to work on site regularly, including in research, education, operations and administrative roles.
• Vaccination appointments will be scheduled through MyChart. Employees, learners and patients are encouraged to sign up for MyChart if they don’t have an account.

3. Checking Your Assigned Vaccination Phase – NEW

Employees can use HR Umbrella to find out which phase they’ve been assigned to in the vaccine distribution plan.

• Those not yet assigned a phase will be listed as “later phase” for the moment and more information will become available as vaccine availability and public health authorities’ guidance is updated.
• Managers can use HR Umbrella to change the phase of an employee who has been assigned to an incorrect phase. Instructions for managers are available here.

4. Travel and Testing Update – NEW

Employees and learners who are resuming on-site work after travel are now required to complete three COVID-19 tests starting on or before the day they return to UCSF.

• Additional details about the updated travel and testing policy are available on the UCSF travel guidance page.
• Those working on-site who are asymptomatic but concerned about a possible exposure can use the free COVID-19 testing available for employees and learners.
• Visit the COVID-19 Testing page to access a test.

5. 2021 Friday COVID-19 Response Town Hall Schedule – NEW

UCSF leaders will continue to participate in COVID-19 response town halls every other Friday at 4 p.m. via Zoom. Town halls will provide regular updates about UCSF’s vaccine rollout, the latest global and local pandemic updates, and other COVID-related news. A complete list of 2021 town hall dates is available here. Recordings of all prior town halls are posted online.

6. Grand Rounds on Vaccines and New COVID Variants – NEW

Join Department of Medicine Chair Bob Wachter on Thursday, Jan. 14, at noon via Zoom for a discussion about the vaccine rollout at UCSF, vaccine distribution nationwide, vaccine hesitancy, and the public health implications of new coronavirus strains. Recordings of previous Grand Rounds are available through the Department of Medicine website.

7. CA COVID Notify – REMINDER

CA COVID Notify, the state’s smartphone-based COVID-19 exposure notification system, is available to all Californians. Visit the COVID Notify landing page for more information about the privacy-protected technology first piloted at UCSF and UC San Diego.

For the latest information about UCSF’s vaccine rollout, please visit the UCSF Vaccine Information Hub. All vaccine questions should be sent to [email protected].

For general information about UCSF’s COVID-19 response and recovery efforts, please visit the UCSF COVID-19 website. For questions related to our response and recovery efforts, please contact UCSF Emergency Management. You can also sign up to receive text alerts about the latest UCSF news by texting “UCSF” to 333 111.

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