COVID-19 Update: Masking Update, Additional Masks & Test Kits Now Available Throughout Campus

As the spring semester continues to bring warmer weather and more opportunities to return to normalcy, COVID-19 remains a part of everyday life, both here at Saint Mary’s and throughout our county and state. The work to uphold our Lasallian commitment to serve others and keep our campus community as safe as possible also continues, and this week Saint Mary’s is adding new ways to stay protected from the pandemic.

• In an effort to keep our community as safe as possible in required classroom settings, protect at-risk members of our campus community, and do all we can to ensure continued in-person instruction during the spring semester, Saint Mary’s will continue to require masking in all classroom settings and the library until further notice. Wearing a mask also remains strongly recommended in all other on-campus settings. 
• With masking remaining mandatory in all classroom settings and the library, beginning this week, masks are now available to the SMC community at the library during normal hours of operation. Students can also continue to pick up masks through the Health & Wellness Center. Faculty and staff can also pick up masks through Academic Affairs (limit one per person per visit). 
• Newly added COVID-19 test kits are now also available through the library. Students, faculty, and staff can pick up a test kit during normal library hours (limit one per person per visit) as well as through Residential Experience in De La Salle Hall, room No. 117. Faculty and staff can also pick up test kits through Human Resources (Monday-Friday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. with current SMC ID).
• SMC continues to strongly recommend booster shots for all eligible individuals. To schedule a booster shot appointment, visit the state’s MyTurn app or website. You may also schedule an appointment through Contra Costa Health Services by visiting its online portal or calling 1-833-829-2626. Local pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens also offer booster shot appointments. Remember, getting a booster shot is the only way to avoid automatically going into quarantine due to having a close contact to COVID-19.
• If you test positive for COVID-19, remember to log it in the reporting portal. Doing so will help to keep others in our community safe. And, be sure to review and follow the isolation period guidelines put forward by Contra Costa Health Services.
• Finally, if you come into close contact with someone who tests positive for COVID-19, SMC and CCHS provide guidance for what to do next.

Thanks as always for your efforts in keeping our Saint Mary’s community safe!