Dear UCSF Community,

I am writing to inform you about important COVID-19 policy changes that take effect on April 3, 2023, which correspond with the end of the emergency order from the California Department of Public Health. As we have done throughout the pandemic, we revise our policies to align with public health orders and with the best available scientific evidence.

Everyone entering UCSF facilities, including UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, will still be required to follow common-sense COVID safety rules, including testing if you develop symptoms and staying home if you feel sick. Please be aware of the following changes, which apply to all UCSF personnel regardless of location. More details are posted on the UCSF coronavirus website.

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.
• Masking on campus shuttles and elevators is no longer required but is recommended.
• Masking in classrooms for credit-bearing courses is at the dean’s discretion.
• Masks are available at security stations and on-campus shuttles.

Testing

• COVID-19 testing at the Laurel Heights site will end on March 31.
• Effective April 3, Color testing will no longer be available.
• Testing will continue to be offered in UCSF Health clinics.
• 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. For locations and hours, please visit https://occupationalhealthprogram.ucsf.edu/
• 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. Please visit www.fresno.UCSF.edu.mobileheal for the latest updates.

Reporting COVID-19 Infections

• Employees and learners are required to report all COVID-19 infections using the Digital Screener (preferred method) or calling the COVID Hotline at (415) 514-7328.   

Vaccinations

• Current policies remain in place for UCSF faculty, staff, and learners, including those at BCH Oakland and UCSF Fresno.

We have come a long way since we first took steps to guard against coronavirus transmission in March 2020. These changes to UCSF’s policies reflect the progress we have made collectively over the past three years that has led to decreasing the total number of COVID-19 cases and a significant decrease in the severity of cases on campus and in our communities. We will review these changes at our next UCSF monthly town hall on Friday, April 7.

On behalf of the entire UCSF leadership team, I want to thank you for your continued cooperation to keep our community safe and for your commitment to our four-fold mission of research, education, care delivery, and public service. We are in a much different and better place with respect to COVID-19.

Thank you,

Josh Adler, MD

Chief Clinical Officer

UCSF Health