New COVID-19 Policy Changes Effective April 3

Person in PPE administering COVID test approaches a car at drive-in testing

New COVID-19 Policy Changes Effective April 3

The changes to screening, masking and testing policies align with the end of the California Department of Public Health emergency order.

UCSF has made changes to its screening, masking and testing policies to align with the end of the California Department of Public Health emergency order. Key changes are highlighted below. More detailed information can be found in the message from Josh Adler, MD, Chief Clinical Officer, to the UCSF community or on the UCSF coronavirus website.

The April UCSF Town Hall on Friday, April 7 at 4 p.m. will discuss these policies in detail and provide an opportunity for questions.

Screening

  • Effective April 3, daily health screening with the Digital Screener is no longer required.
  • The Digital Screener will still be available to provide faculty, staff and learners with return-to-work/campus instructions for COVID symptoms, exposures and infections.
  • Using the Digital Screener will remain the best way to get these instructions and pathways to return to work when ready.

Masking

  • Effective April 3, wearing masks is now optional, but recommended, in all non-clinical buildings.
  • Faculty, staff and learners are required to wear masks in areas where patients are present.
  • Patients and visitors are no longer required but are strongly recommended to wear masks.

Testing

  • COVID-19 testing at the Laurel Heights site ended March 31.
  • Effective April 3, Color testing is no longer available.
  • If you need testing guidance for COVID symptoms, exposure, or return to work following COVID-19 infection, you can visit the Digital Screener webpage, refer to the COVID-19 testing page or call the COVID Hotline at (415) 514-7328 for more information.
  • Beginning April 3, if you have any issues obtaining home antigen tests for return-to-work early requirements, you may pick up a maximum of two rapid antigen tests from Occupational Health Services during regular business hours. See locations and hours Employees can obtain eight free antigen tests through health insurance each month.
  • BCH Oakland employees should check with Employee Health at ext.3620 or email: [email protected].
  • The UCSF Fresno COVID-19 Equity Project will close at the end of the day on April 14. However, UCSF Fresno Mobile Heal will continue to provide services.

  • UCSF has made changes to its screening, masking and testing policies to align with the end of the California Department of Public Health emergency order. See the key changes.