Welcome to the start of the 2024–25 academic year. We hope this message finds you well and energized for the year ahead. As we continue to navigate the ongoing presence of COVID-19, it’s important to remember our community’s health and safety remain a top priority of the College. As such, part of our responsibility as an employer is the enforcement of required legal obligations per guidelines provided by Cal OSHA and Los Angeles County Department of Health (LACDPH). Essential information about Scripps’ health and illness policies is provided below.
We sincerely appreciate your continued cooperation and commitment to the health and safety protocols that have kept Scripps strong.
Scripps College COVID-19 Policy:
If you are not feeling well, it is the College’s policy that you stay home to minimize the risk of exposure to others. The College’s reporting protocol for positive COVID-19 test results or close contact identification remains unchanged. If you test positive or are identified as a close contact, you must report this to Student Health Services (SHS) by phone or email. SHS will provide guidance on next steps and inform any close contacts via email and/or text. Scripps College is required to perform contact tracing under Cal OSHA regulations, and SHS will continue to provide this essential service.
SHS Contact Tracing Team:
[email protected]
(909) 607-9995
Los Angeles County Isolation and Masking Requirements
If you test positive:
- You may exit isolation once you’ve been fever-free (without the use of fever-reducing medication) for 24 hours and your symptoms have either resolved or are improving. You must continue to wear a mask through day 10.
- While a negative test before exiting isolation is recommended by LACDPH, it is not required.
- The infectious period remains defined as two (2) days prior to symptoms or a positive test through day 10. The day of the first positive test or symptom onset is considered day zero (0).
- Wear a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days after your positive test.
If You Are a Close Contact:
- Wear a well-fitting mask around others for 10 days after your last exposure.
- Monitor your health for 10 days following your last exposure.
- If you feel sick, test immediately.
- If you do not feel sick, test 3–5 days after your last exposure.
- If you test positive, follow the above COVID-19 positive guidelines.
Testing Resources
Employees may utilize medical providers within the community for their testing needs. By accessing testing through your medical provider, you will benefit from the expertise and resources of healthcare professionals who specialize in COVID-19 testing and can provide accurate and timely results. These providers are equipped to oversee the necessary testing protocols and are experienced in navigating the complexities associated with COVID-19 testing.
Mask Distribution and Guidelines
As a reminder, masks are no longer automatically provided in classrooms. Faculty may request masks for their classrooms through the Facilities Department. The College has provided an ample supply of high-quality masks that adhere to the latest health guidelines. To request masks, contact Facilities at [email protected] or x72541. Faculty retain the authority to determine whether masks should be worn within their classrooms, considering the unique circumstances of each class. Faculty will directly communicate any mask requirements to their students.
COVID-19 Vaccinations – Recommended
We continue to strongly encourage all students, faculty, and staff to consider vaccination and/or get the current booster. Keeping the Scripps community safe and healthy is paramount, and this preventive measure aligns with the College’s commitment to prioritize the health and safety of everyone in our community. To find a vaccination location near you, please visit the California Department of Public Health website.
If you have any concerns or need assistance with finding a medical provider, please do not hesitate to contact your benefits specialist at TCCS.
To view all COVID-19 updates sent to the Scripps community, visit the COVID-19 Community Messages available in the College’s newsroom and Inside Scripps.
We appreciate your understanding, cooperation, and dedication to the collective welfare of our campus community. Please stay vigilant, prioritize your health, and continue to follow all recommended health practices.
Respectfully,
Sha Bradley
Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Dean Calvo
Vice President for Business Affairs and Treasurer