Omicron, Boosters, Winter Gatherings, and More: What You Need to Know for December

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Announced: December 2, 2021

To: Campus Community
From: Pandemic Management Team

Here are a few updates about the pandemic and our current health and safety guidelines:

Omicron

As you have likely heard, the World Health Organization identified a new variant of concern called omicron within the last few days. At this point, scientists are still studying the variant, but public health experts have urged caution, noting that there is as yet no firm evidence that omicron is more dangerous than previous variants like delta. 

However, Chico State is working with public health officials and currently planning for the variant. In the meantime, the guidance remains the same: if you’re not vaccinated, get vaccinated, get boosted if you are vaccinated, continue to wear masks, and avoid large crowds and poorly ventilated spaces. 

Boosters

After news broke about omicron, the CDC updated its COVID-19 booster recommendations on Monday and is now recommending everyone 18 and older who is eligible get a booster shot.  

To meet this recommendation, Chico State will offer walk-in, on-campus COVID-19 booster clinics on December 8 and 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in BMU 203. The clinic is open to the public as well as our entire campus community for anyone who:

• Received their second shot of either Pfizer or Moderna more than six months ago (before June 8).
• Received their single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine more than two months ago (before October 8). 

Please remember to bring your vaccine card with you so it can be updated. Booster shots are NOT currently required by CSU mandate so you don't need to update your self-certification status. 

Holiday Gatherings

For any group that would like to hold an end-of-year gathering or party, remember that you must follow Chico State guidelines for both on- and off-campus events. That means masks are required (except when eating and drinking). For more information, please refer to the guidelines for hosting campus events. 

Masks

As a reminder, facial coverings are required for everyone accessing indoor campus facilities like classrooms and labs, Meriam Library, the Bell Memorial Union, and the WREC. Mask rules will remain in place through the end of the fall semester and into the spring semester.

The University has several locations on campus where students and employees who forgot their mask can pick one up. However, disposable masks contain plastic and can become environmental pollutants. It is important to hold onto and reuse masks as much as possible.

Winter Break Travel

Many of you will leave Chico for winter break. The University is encouraging anyone, even if you are fully vaccinated, who is planning to travel to get tested one to two days before leaving town and upon your return. If you believe you are showing signs of COVID-19 infection, get a test and alert those who you spent time with during the break. 

Students who live in University Housing and student-athletes should be on the lookout for a separate email about testing requirements upon their return for the spring semester.

Thank you for continuing to keep our community safe and good luck on closing out the semester.