Health and Safety FAQs

• How will physical distancing in classes be managed?
  USD is working with San Diego County health officials to ensure that classrooms and other spaces support the safety of our community. We have reduced the number of students in classrooms to allow physical distancing as recommended by government officials. All community members are expected to wear face coverings in common areas, support physical distancing and maintain strong sanitation practices.
  
  All classrooms have had seating reduced to allow for six feet physical distancing between desks/tables and chairs. Each classroom has a diagram located next to the door and on the podium in case any desks get moved.
• What steps will USD take to reduce the risk of a community member contracting COVID-19? What if an on-campus member of the University community tests positive for COVID-19 or has the symptoms of COVID-19?

  USD will follow State, County and other appropriate health guidelines on how to deal with such outbreaks. Additionally, we are planning to have quarantine spaces for people who have been exposed but are asymptomatic.

  COVID testing for all resident students is now required and commuting students will also be tested. Faculty and staff tests will also be provided on campus.

  USD has dedicated staff for Contact Tracing and COVID Support Team to work with the campus community.  A campus community member who is known to have tested positive will be contacted by each group to inform them of requirements and to support them during their isolation period.  Additionally, anyone who is believed to have been in “close contact” with a campus community member who is diagnosed with, or presumed to have COVID-19 will be contacted to inform them of requirements and to support them during their quarantine period.

• What steps am I expected to take as a USD community member to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19?

  Face coverings are required on campus at all times. Use proper face covering technique and washing for reusable masks (link to page being developed regarding this).

  Each member of the campus community who will be coming to campus must respond to the daily prescreening email that is sent at 3AM PST in order to be approved to come to campus.

  After receiving email approval to come to campus, the campus community must visit one of many Campus Temperature Screening Stations located across campus.  If your temperature reading is below 100 degrees, you will receive a daily colored wristband that allows you to enter campus buildings.  If you do not have a the specific wristband, you are not authorized to enter any building and will not be allowed to attend classes or programs on campus.

  Sanitizing stations are located inside each building.  Please use this when entering buildings.

  Physical Distancing: Community members are expected to maintain at least six feet of distance from one another on campus. 

  Staying Home if Experiencing Symptoms: If a community member is experiencing any of the below symptoms per CDC and county guidelines, it is imperative to stay home: 

  • Fever of 100℉ or chills
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Fatigue
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headache
  • New loss of taste or smell
  • Sore throat
  • Congestion or runny nose
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Diarrhea

  Hand Washing and Sanitation: Wash hands with soap and water often and for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol when soap and water are not available.

  Sanitize all personal items (phone, keys, cards, laptop, bags, etc.) and high-touch surfaces in your living space (desk, door knobs, counters, common appliances, etc.) often. 

  Avoid Gatherings and Large Groups: Physical distancing is a critical measure in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Focus on socializing and self-care activities that allow you to keep at least 6 feet of distance and do not involve large groups of people or being in enclosed, poorly ventilated spaces with others outside of your living space.

Students

• What will Campus Recreation, Fitness and Outdoor Adventures services, programs and facilities look like this fall?

  Campus Recreation will have various activities to support the elbowing of the community. Most activities are by appointment only.  Please review the Campus Recreation website for details.

• What services will the Counseling Center be providing?
  Students will have access to counselors through telehealth and in person based on student need and county guidance. Our counselors have all been trained to offer the highest quality services via telehealth. Visit the Counseling Center website to learn more.
• How do I schedule a counseling appointment?
  The easiest way to schedule a counseling appointment is by visiting the online USD MyWellness Portal and using your USD MySanDiego username and password to login to the portal. This portal can be accessed via any computer or smartphone that offers access to the internet. *Please note that online scheduling is for first time clients only. For returning clients, or for students experiencing difficulty scheduling initial appointments online, please call the Counseling Center office at (619) 260-4655 to schedule an appointment.
• Can I speak to a counselor after hours?
  A counselor is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week by calling (619) 260-4655, press 1 for urgent concerns.
• In addition to telehealth, what other online mental health resources are you offering?

  There are many online mental health resources available to students. Please take some time reviewing the different options to find what works best for you.

  The You are USD has resources available online to support mental health while navigating the remote learning experience.

  Students can access Mental Well-being for Students, an online program to help equip students with essential skills and information to navigate some of the primary stressors and emotional challenges associated with college life. Learn more at the Center for Health and Wellness Promotion website. 

  If you have coverage under the Student Health Insurance Plan plan provided by Aetna, you can access the online mental health platform Silver Cloud where you can learn more about mental health and coping skills. https://gsh.silvercloudhealth.com/onboard/gsh/

• I am a student with a disability, how do I ensure I can get my accommodations?
  Students with disabilities need to provide current documentation of their disability on their provider’s letterhead. Please review the DLDRC Student FAQ for more information.
• Will the Center for Health and Wellness Promotion (CHWP) still provide outreach for my campus organization/club?
  The Center for Health and Wellness Promotion is available to students for outreach requests (which may include virtual outreaches). Please click here to request a presentation.
• What wellness online education do I need to complete prior to classes starting?

  Starting July 13th, all incoming undergraduate students, and all students joining Fraternity and Sorority Life, are required to complete various online prevention-based education courses. Find more information about online wellness courses.

• How do I remove the premium charged to my Student Account for the Student Health Insurance Plan?
  All full-time students are required to carry health insurance. If you have your own health insurance plan, you need to submit a waiver form by February 3, 2021. If this form is not submitted, you will be automatically enrolled in USD’s student health insurance and responsible for the premium charged to your Student Account.
• Am I eligible for the Student Health Insurance Plan?

  All full-time students are subject to the Student Health Insurance Requirement. If you are enrolled in full-time units you are eligible to enroll to have coverage. If you are temporarily remote learning due to COVID-19, you are still subject to the Student Health Insurance Requirement and need to either enroll or waive.

  Please review the Student Health Insurance Requirement website for more information about eligibility.
• Do I need a referral to see a doctor in the community?
  Students currently enrolled in the USD Student Health Plan (SHIP) do not need a referral to see an in-network preferred provider. Please note that the $300 deductible will be waived without a referral from USD during this time. This exception will be in place until August 14, 2021 for Domestic and International students.
• How will the Student Health Center provide care?

  To ensure students receive the medical care needed, the Student Health Center (SHC) has adjusted services to align with current CDC recommendations. In an effort to limit the spread of COVID-19 on campus and support the well-being of the USD community, we will work quickly to support all students’ medical care. 

  • The SHC will screen all patients by telephone for symptoms of COVID-19 prior to coming into the health center.
  • Students with non-respiratory concerns will be supported by telehealth whenever possible.
  • All students who visit the SHC will need to wear a face covering. Patients with respiratory symptoms will be kept separated from non-respiratory patients by scheduling times and utilizing different entrances and areas of the health center.
  • If the SHC is experiencing a surge of patients with respiratory symptoms, individuals with non-respiratory concerns may be asked to work with an off-campus provider for care during these times.
• How do I schedule a medical appointment with the Student Health Center?
  Some telehealth appointments will be available for web-booking on the MyWellness portal.  If you are unable to book an appointment online, you should call the SHC at 619-260-4595 so that we can determine how to best assist you.  Most patients will be scheduled for a telehealth appointment done by phone or video.  Even if an in-person visit is likely needed, a telehealth visit may first be conducted to reduce in-person time needed at the SHC.
• I have a health condition that makes me high risk for complications from COVID-19. What precautions should I take?
  Students at high risk should actively try to reduce interactions with others. Students should take advantage of online learning, whenever possible. Connect with your medical provider who manages your condition to determine the best option for you. Specifically discuss your living and learning environments. Also, discuss with your provider a plan for if you do get sick. This may include establishing care with a new specialist in San Diego that can help manage your care while you are away from home. Please review the CDC website for other recommendations: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/what-you-can-do.html.
• How do I submit my immunization information?
  Submit your immunization information to the Student Health Center. Registration holds are applied until this information is provided. Please click here to learn how to submit your information.
• What does the process look like if a student wants to be tested for COVID-19?

  If you live on campus, and are experiencing symptoms, contact the SHC to arrange for COVID-19 testing or schedule online. 

  • If you are experiencing symptoms, it is important to self-isolate until the SHC opens and you can be given medical and testing advice. 
  • Notify your RA or residential life if you are experiencing symptoms and waiting to be evaluated or testing and need to be in isolation.

  If you live off-campus and are experiencing symptoms, it is important to self-isolate. COVID testing can be obtained on or off campus. 

  If you have been tested off campus email your results to ContactTracing@sandiego.edu.

  The majority of cases of COVID-19 are mild and many are able to stay home as they get better under self isolation. 

  • Even if your symptoms are mild, you should still get tested (pending supply availability and public health guidelines). 
  • Even if you don’t get tested, or while you are waiting for test results, you need to isolate yourself. 

  For more information: 

  • 10 Things You Can Do to Manage COVID-19 at Home
  • What to Do If You Are Sick
  • List N: Disinfectants for Use Against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)
  • Symptoms of Coronavirus
  • Home Isolation Instructions for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) 

  There are many local off-campus sites also available.

  • For a list of free testing sites by the State and County visit or call San Diego County at 2-1-1 or State of California at (888) 634-1123.
  • Kaiser Permanente has telehealth visits available to its members.

   Flu Vaccines

  Flu shots are currently available to students through the Student  Health Center (SHC) at no cost thanks to the support of Associated Student Government. Students can call to make an appointment. For information on flu vaccines, see the SHC website. 

• What happens when there is a confirmed case of COVID-19 associated with USD?
  The university works closely with County Health officials to take the necessary steps to protect our community. When a positive COVID-19 case is confirmed from an individual associated with the campus, County Health officials will provide information to those who were in contact with the individual while also respecting the privacy of the patient under HIPAA regulations.
• If I am a student coming from out of the state or out of the county will I need to self-quarantine?

  Based on the current guidelines, in general, travelers from outside California are asked to self-quarantine after their arrival to California . If you have specific questions regarding self-quarantine practices, please contact the Student Health Center. USD will continue to defer to the guidance from the government and best practices across the country, but students who are living on-campus will be able self-quarantine on campus. Students coming from out of state, living off campus and have not yet secured housing can quarantine in a hotel according to December 3rd  Regional Stay at Home Guidance Dec. 3, 2020 guidance.

Parents and Families

• Where can my student go if they have any health and wellness concerns?

  Students have access to the following Student Wellness resources on campus:

  • Center for Health and Wellness (Mental Well-Being and Health Promotion)
  • Student Health Center (Medical Care)
  • Disability and Learning Difference Resource Center (Support for Learning Differences or Disabilities)
  • Counseling Center (Mental Well-Being & Urgent Mental Health concerns)

Employees

• Health Guidance
  If you are sick, USD students, faculty, staff, and administrators should stay home, rest, and practice social distancing.  Those who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness are recommended to stay home and to practice social isolation. 
  

  Even when on the road to recovery, you are encouraged to stay home and practice social distancing until you are free of fever (100.4oF/37.8oC or greater), signs of a fever, or any other symptoms for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicine, such as Tylenol, Ibuprofen, or cough suppressant.

  If an employee needs to report an illness, discuss any specific arrangements that may be needed, or has any questions or concerns, please contact the Employee Relations team in Human Resources at 619-260-4594.

  The CDC has information to help faculty, staff, students, and their families understand COVID-19 and additional steps they can take to protect themselves:

  • What you need to know about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
  • What to do if you are sick with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
  • Stop the spread of germs – help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses like COVID-19
  • Share facts about COVID-19 to help prevent stigma

  It is our hope that during this health emergency, all members of the USD community will act with compassion and seek to ensure that all people are treated with dignity and respect. It is important that we work together to maintain a supportive and inclusive community as we learn more about how to support the overall well-being of our Torero family.

• Benefits Information

  Kaiser: Visit kp.org for the latest updates and health and safety information. Kaiser is also offering many of its services via telehealth so you can connect with a provider from the comfort of your home. To learn more and see how you can make an appointment, check out this flyer.

  Kaiser is also providing its members with access to two evidence-based self-care apps at no cost:

  • Calm: Use meditation and mindfulness to help lower stress, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep quality.
  • myStrength: Use personalized interactive programs to help improve awareness, change behaviors, lower stress, reduce anxiety, manage depression and insomnia, and more.  (I’ve sent this app promotional flyer to you in previous communications)

  Please view this flyer to learn how to take advantage of these powerful resources. 

  Cigna: Visit cigna.com for the latest updates and resources. 

  You can also call Cigna's 24-hour toll-free helpline at 1-866-912-1687 to speak with someone directly. You do not need to be enrolled in Cigna's medical coverage to use the toll-free helpline. This resource is open to anyone who has questions or needs support or guidance during this time. 

  Cigna Virtual Dental Care: If you need urgent dental care and you're unable to reach your regular provider, Cigna dental customers can now consult with a dentist through a video call. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. To learn more, see the flyer or log into your myCigna.com account. 

  SIMNSA: Visit https://simnsaprevencion.com/ for updates and information. Visited https://simnsaprevencion.com/ para obtener actualizaciones e información.

  Simnsa is now offering telehealth services for its members. View this flyer to learn more.

  Health Advocate: Get support with benefits questions, claims assistance, or help finding resources in the community. Call 866-695-8622 or email answers@healthadvocate.com. Health Advocate is available to USD employees and their immediate family members (spouses, parents, parents-in-law, and dependent children) even if they aren't covered on your medical plan!

   

  Prescription Reminders:

  • Most over-the-counter medications are now FSA and HSA eligible!
  • If you take an ongoing medication, you may be able to skip the line at the pharmacy and sign up for mail-order delivery! To learn more, check out the attached flyers in English and in Spanish.
• Employee Assistance Program

  The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a benefit that is designed to help employees and their families handle personal problems. This program provides confidential problem assessment, and in many cases, referral for a specific course of treatment.

  To access the program directly, employees or their immediate family members may call the EAP at 1-800-342-8111 and indicate that they are covered by the University of San Diego.  You may also visit their online website.

  Website: resourcesforliving.com
  Login ID: USD
  Password: eap

• How to Stay Active

  Staying active while sheltering-at-home can be difficult, but we've got some ideas for how it can be done! Check them out below:

  • USD Campus Recreation: Remote At-Home Recreation & Fitness Options
  • LiveWell@Home 30-day Challenge
  • Action for Healthy Kids
• Mindfulness Resources
  • Mindful.org offers mindfulness meditation practices and research.
  • Stop, Breathe, and Think is a meditation app available on iPhone and Android.