Below outlines various scenarios that an employee (faculty, staff, and administration) may encounter as common questions related to working at SSU. Please do not hesitate to contact our office if you have any other additional questions.
Do I still have to report COVID cases to the university?
Yes. OSHA regulations require that employees report COVID cases and close contacts to their employer. This is required so that we can track outbreaks and notify other employees confidentially of exposures so they can consider testing and other actions.
I have tested positive for COVID. What do I do now?
- Follow your department's usual procedure for calling out sick if you are unable to work or are requesting a change to remote work.
- Complete the COVID Case Survey so we can collect some information from you, including when you tested positive, where you have been on campus, and who you had contact with. Please note it is not required to notify your supervisor of your COVID status (only your illness-related absence), however, the COVID Monitoring Office must be notified to ensure compliance with Cal-OSHA regulations.
Do I have to stay home from work while I have COVID?
Effective January 9, 2024, employees may return to work while COVID positive as long as symptoms are mild and improving and they are fever free without the use of fever suppressing medication for 24 hours.
Any employee who returns to work after testing positive for COVID must wear a mask until ten days have passed since the onset of symptoms or the positive test, whichever came first. If you do not have a face covering, you can pick one up at the Seawolf Service Center during regular business hours. Please note that neck gaiters, bandanas, and N95 masks with exhalation valves are not suitable face coverings. For more information on masks, please visit the California Department of Public Health website.
Will I have to test negative before I return to work?
I was exposed to COVID. What do I do?
There are no requirements to quarantine if you have been exposed to COVID. You may continue to work on campus and participate in activities on campus. We do recommend that you wear a mask when indoors and in close contact with others for 5 days after the exposure. We also recommend testing after exposure. You may use at home antigen tests, which are available through most health care providers and drug and grocery stores. Treat the development of any symptoms within 5 days of exposure as likely be COVID until you can confirm through testing.
I have heard about outbreaks in other areas? What does that mean and how does it affect me?
Cal-OSHA defines an "outbreak" as 3 or more employee cases in a shared workspace within 7 days. Should this occur in your work area, you will be notified by the COVID Monitoring Office if you were present when the infected individuals were also within their exposure period (generally 48 hours within on set of symptoms and for at least 15 minutes or longer) and how the outbreak designation affects you. Usually, this means you will be entitled to free weekly testing for at least 14 days, will be required to test at some point after your exposure, and will be required to wear a face covering.
Please note that even if you are not in an affected group, you may visit an area on campus subject to a temporary outbreak designation and face covering designation. Please be respectful of this situation and either mask up or request an alternate accommodation for your visit.
Are masks still available?
Yes, the university still has masks available at the Seawolf Service Center. If you do not have a face covering, you can pick one up there during regular business hours. For more information on masks, please visit the California Department of Public Health website.