ERT COVID-19 Reminders for Winter Break

Dear BSC Members,

Congratulations on finishing your exams! As we approach winter break, and we know a majority of people are traveling home for the holidays, we would like to remind you of the following:

If you are planning to travel by air, please consider some new advice from the University Health Services that some airlines, regardless of vaccination status, may be REQUIRING documentation of a negative test within 48-72 hours. With that in mind, UHS reminds students of the following:

• It can be challenging for travelers to get a test - and its result - within the required timeframe.

• Published turnaround times range greatly, from an hour to 5 days, and reality does not always match expectations.

• You will need to know what the requirements are and timing by checking with the airline or your destination. We cannot validate this for you.

• If you are ill or experiencing symptoms, please reconsider any travel plans

Omicron COVID-19 Variant:

• COVID-19 positivity rate has DOUBLED in 3 days due to the Omicron variant in New York City.

• According to the New York Times, preliminary evidence suggests that the Omicron COVID-19 Variant is HIGHLY transmissible and less susceptible to vaccines than other variants.

  • As the first U.S. case of the Omicron variant was discovered in San Francisco, we highly recommend getting tested once arriving at your destination after traveling.

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Testing Information and Resources (Berkeley):

• The University Health Services offers two types of COVID-19 testing on campus: symptomatic/clinical tests and surveillance/asymptomatic tests. All COVID-19 testing can be ordered online at eTang, where you will be guided to the appropriate testing site.

More info about Covid Booster Shots from the CDC:

• Johnson and Johnson Booster Shot:

  • It is recommended that you get a booster shot 2 months after your initial dose of the vaccine

• Moderna and Pfizer Booster Shots:

  • The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expanded eligibility on November 19th 2021. It is now available for everyone 18+ who was fully vaccinated at least 6 months ago.

  • You are considered fully vaccinated 14 days after your second vaccine dose.

Other Resources and UC Berkeley Cases:

• CDC on Covid Effectiveness

• CDC Recommendations on Domestic Travel

• CDC Recommendations on International Travel

• UHS Website on Testing

If you do test positive returning to Berkeley, or while in Berkeley over the holidays, please contact the COVID-19 Action Team as soon as possible at covid@bsc.coop so that we can properly help you and give you any resources you may need. If you have any questions about this email, or questions in general, please contact the Emergency Response Team at ert@bsc.coop.

We hope you have a restful and safe winter break ahead. Have a Happy Holidays!

-Emergency Response Team