Category: News

As we wrap up our Fall semester, we are sharing an update about the university’s plans for the Spring, in light of the increased spread of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus. We are closely monitoring rising cases on campus and in the community, as well as at institutions of higher education nationally. In the meantime, we know that booster shots are critical to protecting members of our community from serious illness. The university is likely to require them in the spring semester, and an announcement on this requirement is forthcoming.  At this time, we urge everyone to get their booster as soon as possible, and upload the record to mySHR.
…Continue Reading Health Advisory — Omicron Variant

Dec 6, 2021—A recent Los Angeles County Department of Public Health announcement identified the Omicron variant in a college student returning from recent domestic air travel. USC can confirm the individual is a USC student who is currently isolating and doing well. The case was detected as part of USC’s routine surveillance testing program; all…Continue Reading COVID-19 Update

Students are advised that beginning next week (12:01 am EST on December 6, 2021), the U.S. will be requiring valid negative COVID-19 testing within 24 hours prior to boarding a flight to the U.S.

Similarly, other international flights and entry regulations may be placed in effect for pre-boarding testing.

Here is information that may be helpful to you.

Student Health Testing

USC Student Health ongoing surveillance testing is available during regular Pop Testing hours; return of results is typically within 24 hours, however, this is not guaranteed as the timing depends on testing volume and laboratory capacity. Testing does not take place on Sundays or major holidays (Dec 24 & 25, Dec 31 & Jan 1). Documentation: Medical stamps, passport #, and CLIA lab certification may be added to your documentation if required. To contact the Health Information Management team in Student Health for this request, send an email to eshchim@usc.edu with the subject line “Testing Documentation for Travel,” and include your name and USC ID #.

Pre-travel testing is available (fee-based) at LAX, with results that can return within hours. Information is at the following link: https://www.flylax.com/travelsafely#CovidTest
…Continue Reading International Students – COVID testing and travel

Nov. 28, 2021—Information from CA DPH—

We are still learning about the new variant, including how it spreads and infects individuals as well as how it responds to vaccines. Here is what we know:

There are currently no cases in the United States; however, based on other variants, it is only a matter of time before Omicron is detected in the United States. New variants will continue to evolve as long as there are large proportions of unvaccinated people. Additional information is available on the CADPH website….Continue Reading CA Dept of Public Health releases Fact Sheet on the Omicron Variant

Getting a booster shot for COVID-19 is strongly recommended. With the combination of colder weather keeping people indoors, the waning of vaccine and natural immunity, and more mingling among non-household members, California public health officials are urging residents to get vaccinated and boosted as soon as possible to help prevent a possible winter surge in COVID-19 cases. Test before travel, and after you return. If you have symptoms, do not travel. See the CDC Safer Travel Guide for additional travel tips.
…Continue Reading Health Advisory: Pre-Holiday Gatherings

Unfortunately, since late October, positivity rates have increased each week in both LA County and in the campus populations. Last week, (week 10 since move-in) there were 69 positive cases, (0.21% positivity rate among students, 0.62% among faculty and staff).

Some of this can be attributed to more activities open in Los Angeles County, more high-risk interaction such as in restaurants and bars, and reductions of physical distancing measures along with changing weather and the natural patterns of the virus.

…Continue Reading Health Advisory — Prevention of Respiratory Illness

A new policy change to USC’s COVID-19 testing requirements is now in effect that affects faculty, staff, or students who have approved medical or religious exemption for the required COVID-19 vaccine.

According to the new L.A. City Council ordinance, proof of full COVID-19 vaccination or negative test within 72 hours is being required to enter certain indoor public locations. To ensure USC is in compliance with this ordinance, effective Nov. 3, 2021, if you are unvaccinated and will be on campus, you will be required to test for COVID-19 every 72 hours to access USC’s campuses. This does not apply to anyone who teaches, works, or studies remotely but note that if you decided to visit campus for any reason, you must meet this testing requirement….Continue Reading Update for COVID-19 Safety

Students impacted by news of recent events are encouraged to reach out for counseling and support; help is available by phone, for 24/7 support, both for Relationship and Sexual Violence Prevention and Services, and Counseling and Mental Health Services. “Let’s Talk” drop-in sessions (view and book time slots in MySHR) have been added for any…Continue Reading Support Resources for the Student Community

Featuring Prof. Ricky Bluthenthal of the Keck School of Medicine of USC, GSG rep and researcher Sheila Pakdaman, and special guest Shannon Knox, director of education and training at Community Health Project LA, this episode looks at the current drug use landscape, how it impacts college students as we are emerging from COVID-19, and how…Continue Reading Trojan-ish Podcast: Drugs and Overdose Prevention

As we enter the influenza season, the University has renewed the decision to require influenza vaccines for all USC students, faculty, and staff for the 2021-2022 influenza season. The deadline for completion is November 1, 2021. As a reminder, please continue to use recommended hygiene practices: wash your hands, follow masking guidelines, and if you are sick, please stay home.

Recently, the FDA and CDC have also made key announcements on COVID-19 booster shots for the Pfizer (Comirnaty) COVID-19 vaccine. Information for USC students in our campus communities about both these vaccines is outlined in a message to all students….Continue Reading Vaccine Update for Campus— Influenza and COVID-19 Boosters