COVID-19 Safety & Prevention Resources, Information, and Campus Guidelines
THANK YOU! Together we are helping to keep our community safe and healthy...
Under-reporting of COVID-19 cases jeopardizes the health and safety of our community
Cabrillo College is required by the Division of Occupational Safety and Health of California to report all COVID-19 campus exposures to all potential close contacts. A close contact is anyone who shares the same air space for a cumulative time of 15 minutes or more, regardless of distance, with an infectious person who later tested positive for COVID-19.
Anyone who tests positive would have been infectious during the 48 hours prior to the onset of symptoms or when the positive test was taken- whichever came first. Therefore, it is vital that all positive COVID-19 cases and campus exposures get reported to Krista Kaschalk, Manager, COVID-19 Response and Compliance at 831-234-5804 or email at krkascha@cabrillo.edu and/or Student Health Services at 831-479-6435 or email at healthservices@cabrillo.edu in a timely manner.
To keep our campus safe, contact tracing must be conducted promptly and notifications must be sent as soon as possible. Timely campus exposure notifications also significantly help reduce the likelihood of an outbreak on campus.
All aspects of case investigations and contact tracing are confidential and/or anonymous.
Students are encouraged to reference course syllabi and email professors to inform them that they will be unable to participate in in-person academic activities while isolating due to a recent positive COVID-19 test. Academic accommodations are made for students in these circumstances.
Please report all COVID-19 cases to Krista Kaschalk, Manager, COVID-19 Response and Compliance at 831-234-5804 or email at krkascha@cabrillo.edu and/or Student Health Services at 831-479-6435 or email at healthservices@cabrillo.edu and follow Cabrillo's isolation guidance below:
Everyone, regardless of vaccination status, previous infection, or lack of symptoms, who test positive for COVID-19 must:
Stay home for at least 5 days after start of symptoms (Day 0) or after date of first positive test (Day 0) if no symptoms).
Isolation can end after Day 5 if:
Symptoms are not present, or are mild and improving; AND
You are fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication).
If fever is present, isolation should be continued until 24 hours after fever resolves.
If symptoms, other than fever, are not improving, continue to isolate until symptoms are improving or until after Day 10.
If the confirmed case has severe symptoms, or is at high risk of serious disease or has questions concerning care, they should contact their healthcare provider for available treatments.
Infected persons must wear a well-fitting mask indoors on campus for a total of 10 days.
After you have ended isolation, if your symptoms recur or worsen, get tested again and if positive, restart isolation at Day 0.
As of fall semester 2023, Cabrillo College is aligning isolation recommendations/requirements for those who test positive for COVID-19 based on the California Department of Health COVID-19 isolation recommendations.
Cabrillo College is a mask-friendly environment. Wearing a high-quality mask along with immunization, self-testing, and physical distancing helps protect yourself and others by reducing the chance of spreading COVID-19. Please respect the choices of others.
Face coverings are still required indoors on campus under certain circumstances such as:
For a total of 10 days after the onset of symptoms if returning to campus on Day 6-10 after testing positive for COVID-19
For a total of 10 days after a close-contact exposure to someone who tested positive for COVID-19
For those who have returned from international travel within the last 7 days
At Student Health Services under certain circumstances
Get your free Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Self-Tests and Masks from Manager, COVID-19 Response and Compliance or Student Health Services.
To align with COVID-19 Guidance for Institutions of Higher Education, and because it presents an inequitable barrier to entry for students, Cabrillo College has removed the vaccination mandate for students, faculty, and staff (effective spring semester 2023). Cabrillo College continues to strongly encourage vaccination against COVID-19 for all students, faculty, and staff. Information on current vaccine recommendations can be found at the CDC’s COVID-19 Vaccines page
CDC's COVID-19 Hospital Admission Levels by County
On 9/12/23, the Santa Cruz County COVID-19 Hospital Admission Level is reported as Low
Q: WHAT MUST I DO IF I HAVE TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19?
A positive test result requires self-isolation and immediately contacting Krista Kaschalk, Manager, COVID-19 Response & Compliance at krkascha@cabrillo.edu or by calling 831-477-3274 or 831-234-5804 OR contacting Student Health Services via email, or by calling 479-6435.
Stay home for at least 5 days after start of symptoms (Day 0) or after date of first positive test (Day 0) if no symptoms).
Isolation can end after Day 5 if:
Symptoms are not present, or are mild and improving; AND
You are fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication).
If fever is present, isolation should be continued until 24 hours after fever resolves.
If symptoms, other than fever, are not improving, continue to isolate until symptoms are improving or until after Day 10.
If the confirmed case has severe symptoms, or is at high risk of serious disease or has questions concerning care, they should contact their healthcare provider for available treatments.
Infected persons should wear a well-fitting mask around others for a total of 10 days, especially in indoor settings.
After you have ended isolation, if your symptoms recur or worsen, get tested again and if positive, restart isolation at Day 0.
Learn more about Isolation and Precautions for People with COVID-19
Q: WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19?
Fever, chills, headache, cough, muscle or body aches, fatigue, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, congestion or runny nose, sore throat.
A symptom that seems to be unique to COVID-19 is loss of taste or smell
https://covid19.ca.gov/long-covid/ Long COVID
It is required to stay home from work or school if you have experienced any of the above- described symptoms in the last 48 hours
The best way to accurately determine whether you have COVID-19 is to get tested
Wear a mask around others if you have respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, runny nose, and/or sore throat)
Q: WHAT MUST I DO IF I HAVE SYMPTOMS OF COVID-19?
Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, regardless of vaccination status or previous infection, is required to :
Stay home from campus and test as soon as possible to determine infection status. Knowing one is infected early during self-isolation enables (a) earlier access to treatment options, if indicated (especially for those who may be at risk for severe illness), and (b) notification of exposed persons (close contacts) who may also benefit by knowing if they are infected.
Remain in isolation while waiting for testing results. If not tested, continue isolating for 5 days after the day of symptom onset (Day 0) and not return to campus until Day 6 and symptom-free or nearly symptom-free.
Q: WHAT MUST I DO IF I HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO COVID-19?
If you were exposed to COVID-19 in one of your classes, you'll get an email from the College with specific instructions about what to do depending on whether you were a close contact or indirect contact. If you have questions about receiving this notice, please contact Manager, COVID-19 Response & Compliance, Krista Kaschalk at krkascha@cabrillo.edu or 831-477-3274; 831-234-5804.
First, determine if you are close contact or an indirect contact:
Close Contact: If you shared the same indoor airspace with someone (e.g., home, clinic waiting room, airplane, etc.) for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period (for example, three individual 5-minute exposures for a total of 15 minutes) during an infected person's (laboratory-confirmed or a clinical diagnosis) infectious period- you are considered a Close-Contact.
Indirect Contact: If you entered a space where a COVID-19 positive individual had been present in the past 24 hours, you may be considered an Indirect Contact.
Infectious Period:
» For COVID-19 cases with symptoms, from two days before the onset of symptoms until 10 days have passed (or five days if the employee tests negative on day five or later) and 24 hours have passed without a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medications, and symptoms have improved. It is required to wear a mask for a full 10 days even if testing negative on day 5.
» For COVID-19 cases without symptoms, from two days before test specimen was collected through 10 days (or through day 5 if the employee tests negative on day five or later).
If someone in your household has tested positive, there are specific recommendations for this situation. Please the FAQ what must I do if someone in my household has tested positive for COVID-19 below.
Q: WHAT MUST I DO IF I AM CONSIDERED A CLOSE CONTACT TO COVID-19?
Obtain testing within 3-5 days after your last exposure, with day zero being the most recent date of exposure
If you have been infected with and recovered from COVID-19 within the prior 30 days, you do not need to be tested unless symptoms develop
Cabrillo's COVID-19 policy requirement under this circumstance is to wear a mask around others for a total of 10 days after exposure; continue to mask well after the 10 days have passed. You may obtain a mask from instructors, managers, Student Health Services, or Manager, COVID-19 Response & Compliance.
Monitor for COVID-19 symptoms twice daily for 14 days after exposure
If you develop symptoms, you should seek testing ASAP and will be required to self-isolate
Q: WHAT MUST I DO IF I AM CONSIDERED AN INDIRECT CONTACT TO COVID-19?
Obtain testing on day 5 after exposure or later, with day zero being the exposure date
It is highly recommended to wear a mask at all times while around others
Monitor for COVID-19 symptoms twice daily for 14 days after exposure
If you develop symptoms, you should seek testing ASAP and will be required to self-isolate
Q: WHAT MUST I DO IF SOMEONE IN MY HOUSEHOLD HAS TESTED POSITIVE FOR COVID-19?
Household exposures are considered a HIGH RISK EXPOSURE. If a household member has tested positive for COVID-19, it is highly recommended to stay home for a minimum of 5 days while avoiding further contact as much as is doable for your given situation. The first day of minimizing exposure is Day Zero.
Get a PCR or Rapid test on Day 5 of minimizing exposure
A negative test result on Day 5 allows for you to return back to campus on Day 6 as long as you are symptom-free, (but wearing a mask through Day 10 is highly recommended) and you should get tested weekly for a total of 14 days.
Thank you Inspire Diagnostics!
If you develop symptoms or receive a positive COVID-19 test it is required to stay home and contact Krista Kaschalk, Manager, COVID-19 Response & Compliance at krkascha@cabrillo.edu or by calling 831-234-5804 or 831-477-3274 and/or Student Health Services at (831) 479-6435 or by emailing healthservices@cabrillo.edu, before returning to campus.
Please conduct symptom-checks before coming to campus- stay home if sick:
~Before coming to campus, students, employees and invited guests should familiarize themselves with general safety guidelines that prevent the spread of COVID-19. This includes engaging in a regular health screening and assessment before coming to campus. If you're feeling sick and have any of the symptoms of COVID-19 (even if you think it's just allergies or a cold) it is required to stay home until you can get a negative COVID-19 test and/or symptoms have resolved.
Upon returning from international travel, continue wearing a mask for 48 to 72 hours after your return as you monitor yourself for COVID-19 symptoms.
Wear a mask around others if you have respiratory symptoms (e.g., cough, runny nose, and/or sore throat) and get tested.
Wear a mask if you have been recently exposed to someone with COVID-19- do this for 10 days.
Wear a mask around others if you have recently tested positive for COVID-19; do this for at least 10 days.
Get more information at California for All- your actions save lives: https://covid19.ca.gov/
What do you do to stay safe and protect others from COVID-19?
Effective March 1, 2023: Cabrillo becomes a mask-friendly campus - This means that, although masks are no longer required on campus, (except for those who have been recently exposed or infected with COVID-19) individuals may still choose to wear a mask for any reason; that personal choice must be respected. Cabrillo encourages the use of masks to help protect ourselves and others from COVID-19.
Masks are required to be worn indoors on campus for a total of 10 days after having a close contact exposure or after testing positive for COVID-19.
Masks are available for students and employees through Manager, COVID-19 Response & Compliance and Student Health Services.
Wear the most protective mask you can, that fits well, and that you will wear consistently.
Masks are required to be worn indoors on campus for a total of 10 days after having a close contact exposure or after testing positive for COVID-19.
Consider wearing a mask in indoor areas of public transportation (such as in airplanes, trains, buses, ferries) and transportation hubs (such as airports, stations, and seaports). This is increasingly important as the risk for transmission increases in the community.
When choosing to wear a mask, ensure your mask provides the best fit and filtration (respirators like N95, KN95 and KN94 are best).
If you’ve had a significant exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, wear a mask for 10 days even when not on campus.
For Employees: N95 Respirator Training & Information
The District will provide an N95 Respirator mask to any employee who requests to use N95s while at work or on District business.
Prior to using the N95, the employee IS REQUIRED to watch the 6-minute training video through Keenan Safe Colleges -- see instructions linked below. Manufacturer instructions for the two N95 brands (3M Aura and BYD) the District is currently providing are linked below. If you are an employee and want to use an N95 while at work, please contact your immediate supervisor to request a supply of N95 masks.
Instructions for Accessing N95 Training in Keenan Safe Colleges
Manufacturer instructions for 3M Aura N95
OSHA Respirator Fit Testing Video
Printable Mask Signage: Mask Friendly/Masks Still Required/Masks Required
If you develop symptoms or receive a positive COVID-19 test, it is required to stay home and contact Krista Kaschalk, Manager, COVID-19 Response & Compliance at krkascha@cabrillo.edu or by calling 831-234-5804 or 831-477-3274 and/or Student Health Services at (831) 479-6435 or by emailing healthservices@cabrillo.edu before returning to campus.
Obtain free Rapid COVID-19 Antigen Self-Tests from Manager, COVID-19 Response and Compliance or Student Health Services
Register for no-cost testing with Inspire Diagnostics (no-cost for the entire community) here https://inspirediagnostics.com/santa-cruz-county-office-of-education/
It is highly recommend to get tested for COVID-19 on a regular basis, not just when experiencing symptoms.
No-cost COVID-19 testing is available through November 11, 2023 to Cabrillo College students, staff, and the entire community; please register at the Inspire Diagnostics Cabrillo-specific website using this online registration link https://inspirediagnostics.com/cabrillo-college/ as an employee or student, or at https://inspirediagnostics.com/santa-cruz-county-office-of-education/ to register a community member such as friends or family.
Inspire Diagnostic COVID-19 Testing Locations:
Cabrillo College, Parking Lot R (Park & Walk Up)- 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003
Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
Salud Para La Gente (Sin Cita), 204 E Beach St. Watsonville, CA 95076
Tuesday and Thursday: 9:00 am - 3:30 pm
Inspire Diagnostics is adhering to California's 6-month extension of the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) which allows for continued access to COVID-19 testing with no cost-sharing. California's extension of the federal PHE is set to end on November 11, 2023. This means that Inspire Diagnostics will not be billing any of their patients for any of their services during this time period. Inspire will bill insurance companies and write-off the balance after receiving payment.
Inspire will work, on the patient's behalf, with insurance companies through any plan stipulations or any denials of payment; Inspire may ask for a copy of a patient's Explanation of Benefits in order to do so. For this reason, Inspire still recommends plan holders to contact their plan representatives to confirm benefits. In any event, no single patient of Inspire Diagnostics will have to pay out of pocket through November 11, 2023. If anyone at Cabrillo does receive a bill directly from Inspire Diagnostics, the Manager, COVID-19 Response & Compliance in Human Resources can connect the individual with the appropriate person(s) at Inspire to manage and resolve the billing issue.
California Department of Managed Health Care- COVID-19 Fact Sheet
CA Notify- Free, easy to use, accessible, and privacy preserving exposure notification technology that can help stop the spread of COVID-19
Health Equity means the attainment of the highest level of health for all people, where everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their optimal health regardless of race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, geography, preferred language, or other factors that affect access to care and health outcomes (CMS.gov).
The Cabrillo College COVID-19 Response & Compliance team is working to advance health equity by designing and implementing outreach initiatives to support health for all the people served by our COVID-19 prevention programs and to eliminate disparities in health care quality and access.
Medi-Nurse can help. California has launched an advice line than can connect you with a nurse, day or night, to talk about COVID-19 symptoms and help connect you with local resources in your area.
Call the Medi-Nurse Line: (877) 409-9052
"Staying up to date on vaccines isn’t just about our individual health. It’s about the people we interact with and care for. If you aren’t worried about getting infected, consider the more vulnerable people in your life and those who may rely on you: kids, pets, parents, partners. Consider the older person behind you at the grocery store checkout or the loved ones you want to visit in a residential facility. When it comes to public health, it’s important to focus on the “we” instead of just “I.” We’re all connected, especially when it comes to highly transmissible respiratory viruses" (Johns Hopkins University).
A lot has happened in the years since the pandemic began. Recommendations have changed as experts continue to learn more about the coronavirus, how it spreads, and how it’s evolving.
The CDC has easy-to-follow guidelines for which vaccines and boosters are recommended for each age group, as well as for people who are immunocompromised and an interactive tool to determine if you’re up to date on COVID vaccines.
If you received a booster dose after the date the bivalent booster was rolled out for your age group, you received the bivalent booster. Those dates were:
September 2, 2022, for people 12 years and older.
October 12, 2022, for people ages 5–11.
December 9, 2022, for children 6 months–4 years who completed the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine primary series.
COVID-19 vaccines help your body develop protection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Although vaccinated people sometimes get infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, staying up to date on COVID-19 vaccines significantly lowers the risk of hospitalization due to COVID-19. It is recommended that everyone who is eligible get a booster and stay up to date on their COVID-19 vaccines.
Quarantine means staying home. It is no longer required for most people who have been exposed, but test negative. But it may be recommended if you live or work in a high-risk setting.
Isolation means staying home and away from others in your household. It is for people who are ill or test positive.
For each level, CDC recommends actions you can take to help you protect yourself and others from severe impacts of COVID-19
Check CDC's COVID-19 Hospital Admission Levels by County
At all COVID-19 Hospital Admission Levels (low, medium, and high):
Stay up to date on vaccination, including recommended booster doses.
Maintain ventilation improvements.
Avoid contact with people who have suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
Follow recommendations for isolation if you have suspected or confirmed COVID-19.
Follow the recommendations for what to do if you are exposed to someone with COVID-19.
If you are at high risk of getting very sick, talk with a healthcare provider about additional prevention actions.
At MEDIUM or HIGH COVID-19 Hospital Admission Levels:
If you are at high risk of getting very sick, wear a high-quality mask or respirator (e.g., N95) when indoors in public.
If you have household or social contact with someone at high risk for getting very sick, consider self-testing to detect infection before contact, and consider wearing a high-quality mask when indoors with them.
At HIGH COVID-19 Hospital Admission Levels:
Wear a high-quality mask or respirator.
If you are at high risk of getting very sick, consider avoiding non-essential indoor activities in public where you could be exposed.
All COVID-19 positive cases, exposures, and outbreak situations must be communicated with Krista Kaschalk, Manager, COVID-19 Response & Compliance at krkascha@cabrillo.edu or by calling 831-477-3274 or 831-234-5804 OR Student Health Services at (831) 479-6435 or healthservices@cabrillo.edu, so that full case investigation and contact tracing may be conducted.