Dear UCSF Community,

We continue to monitor the spread of COVID-19 in our communities and on campus. While we have not seen an increase in on-site transmission at UCSF, we are seeing a steep rise in community transmission in several Bay Area counties, including San Francisco.

As a reminder, we strongly recommend wearing medical-grade (surgical, N95 or KN95) masks in all indoor locations across campus. Masks remain mandatory in all clinical or health care areas where patients are present, on campus shuttles and in elevators.

Because of the increased community transmission of COVID-19 infection, we also strongly encourage everyone to wear masks when in public indoor settings like grocery stores, restaurants, and other crowded places.

We will continue to track the latest developments and are prepared to return to mandatory masking in all indoors settings at UCSF when necessary, in alignment with guidance and recommendations from public health officials.

In the meantime, please be vigilant about taking all precautions to reduce transmission of the virus: wash your hands frequently, avoid crowded indoor places, and get a booster shot if you are eligible. In addition, you are required to take the following steps to help minimize the spread of COVID-19:

• Complete the Daily Health Screener before coming to any UCSF location
• Report positive cases through the screener
• In case of a positive test result, complete the separate contact tracing survey as soon as possible, so that we can take steps to stop further transmission quickly

Over the past several months, we have seen a decrease in the number of patients with severe COVID-19 illness, thanks to the protection from vaccination and prior infection. However, COVID-19 continues to impact our families, communities, and workplaces, including serious risks for immunocompromised patients and those with underlying medical conditions.

We must learn to live with this new normal by responding to new waves and surges of COVID-19 through adaptive changes that reduce our risk for infection and protect those with whom we come in contact.

We appreciate your continued cooperation and dedication to our mission throughout this pandemic.

Sincerely,

Josh Adler, MD
Chief Clinical Officer