The high test positivity rates we saw early last week have declined, trending closer to 1% so far this week. However, we ask that community members remain vigilant to keep our numbers down.
Oxy Community:
Last week, the COVID Operations Group (COG) reported a significant surge COVID positivity among Oxy students. We have updated the testing and case data on Oxy's website through the end of last week; the results show the largest number of cases since the pandemic began, with 94 new positives and a 5% positivity rate. As a result, we reinstituted indoor masking requirements.
Your attention to COVID safety on and off campus is essential. We are pleased to see that the high test positivity rates we saw early last week have declined, trending closer to 1% so far this week. However, we ask that community members remain vigilant to keep our numbers down. Across L.A. County, public health officials report a growing presence of the BA.2 subvariant, which is up to 60% more transmissible than the original Omicron variant.
As a reminder:
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Wear a high-quality mask indoors
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It is strongly recommended to wear a mask outdoors when social distancing is not possible
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Weekly COVID testing is required
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Also, a reminder per new CDC guidance, of your eligibility for a 2nd booster shot if you are 50+ or immunocompromised, and it has been 4 months since your initial booster
Thank you for your continued adherence to Oxy’s testing protocols and health and safety guidelines, and doing your part to protect yourself and our community. Community members are encouraged to submit any comments or questions to oxy@oxy.edu, an inbox staffed by the Marketing & Communications team.
Devon Sakamoto, Assistant Dean of Students for Emmons Wellness Center
COVID Operations Group (COG)
Harry J. Elam, Jr., President
Sharla Fett, Faculty Council President, Professor of American History
Rob Flot, Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students
Amos Himmelstein, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer
Nora Kahn, General Counsel
Devon Sakamoto, Assistant Dean of Students for Emmons Wellness Center
Marty Sharkey, Vice President of Communications & Institutional Initiatives
Wendy Sternberg, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College
James Uhrich, Vice President for Information Technology Services & Chief Information Officer