COVID-19 Update: Spring Semester Reminders

January 31, 2022

After enjoying a successful return to classes during Jan Term, the Saint Mary’s community now turns its attention to the start of the spring semester. Last week, the SMC COVID-19 Coordinating Council published new guidelines on return to campus testing and distributed free antigen test kits to students, faculty, and staff. Here are a few reminders as we prepare to start the new term.

For undergraduate students and graduate students on the semester calendar whose instruction begins in February: If you have already submitted your test results, please remember that you are required to submit a negative test result 48 hours or less before returning to campus. You will now need to secure a new test on your own.
- To submit proof of a negative test, use this link before returning.
If you live off campus, you are required to submit proof of a negative test to return to class.
If you have tested positive for COVID-19 within the last 90 days, you should still take an antigen test before returning to campus. You should not take a PCR test.
- If you have tested positive for COVID-19, use this link to report it.
As a way to support employees, Saint Mary’s is using employee Wellness funds to make COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits available for staff and faculty. All staff and faculty are eligible to receive a test kit with a limit of one box per employee (two tests included in each kit). To pick up your test kit, visit Human Resources this week between the hours of 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
The United States Postal Service also offers a free test kit to all households. To request your kit, click here.
- Students may use their campus P.O. Box address to have tests delivered.
In accordance with Contra Costa County health orders, masks remain required in all indoor spaces on campus as the spring semester gets underway. N95 and KN95 masks are highly recommended.
If you test positive for COVID-19 or do not feel well, report your positive test to the SMC COVID-19 Online Portal, and stay home.

For more information on Saint Mary’s COVID-19 policies and procedures, visit our COVID resource page here. And remember to stay masked indoors on campus!