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COVID-19

Last updated: August 31, 2023

On this page, you’ll find COVID-19 related public health guidance and expectations for residents of campus housing for 2023-24. Our residents’ health and well-being are of paramount importance. We will continue to work closely with campus and local public health experts, and update this page as needed.

Vaccination

All students should take precautions to protect against getting COVID-19. University Health Services (UHS) strongly encourages all members of the University community to follow vaccine recommendations adopted by the Center for Disease Control and the California Department of Public Health. Learn more about vaccine policies at UC Berkeley. 

Masks

There are currently no masking requirements on campus. Regardless of COVID-19 case rates, the CDC recommends masking:

  • If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as a cough, runny nose, or sore throat
  • In crowded indoor settings, such as in airplanes, trains, and buses
  • In public areas around people who are older or have medical conditions that put them at increased risk for severe COVID-19
  • For 10 days after having a significant exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
  • If you have tested positive.

Testing

If you experience symptoms of COVID-19, it is highly recommended that you schedule a clinical (PCR) test at UHS on eTang.  Home antigen tests, if used, should be repeated 48 hours later if negative initially, since they are less likely to pick up early COVID.

If you think you have been exposed or are a close contact, you can take an over-the-counter rapid antigen test 3-5 days after exposure.  See the UHS testing page for more information. 

What to do if you test positive

Residents who test positive for COVID-19 should isolate in their room while wearing a mask and follow current isolation guidelines from UHS:

  • Stay home for at least 5 days after the start of symptoms or after the date of first positive test, if no symptoms).
  • Isolation can end after day 5 (e.g. day 6) if:​​​​​​ symptoms are not present, or are mild and improving; AND if you remain fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication).

​If fever is present, isolation should be continued until 24 hours after fever resolves. If symptoms, other than fever, are not improving, continue to isolate until symptoms are improving or until after Day 10.  Please wear a mask for the full 10 days, regardless, to protect others.

If you test positive, you do not need to notify your RA.  You can report your positive test on eTang and will be sent isolation and care guidelines. If your symptoms are moderate to severe, or you are immunocompromised or otherwise at high risk for severe disease, you can call the 24/7 UHS Advice Line at (510) 643-7197 for medical advice and treatment.

Isolation Guidance

If you test positive, remain in your room with the door closed as much as possible – and no visitors – during this time. Do not go to class. Open windows for ventilation if possible.  And wear a well-fitting mask whenever you leave your room or are around others.

The following exceptions are allowed for brief trips and then returning directly to your room:  

  • Use the common bathroom. If possible, avoid heavy traffic times, and wash hands with soap as soon as you enter. Always keep your mask on except when brushing your teeth/brief showering. Wipe down any surfaces you have touched with a sani wipe.
  • Pick up to-go meals at your closest campus dining commons. Berkeley Dining offers a to-go accommodation for those with medical conditions; please email dining@berkeley.edu or dietitian@berkeley.edu with the reason for your request. You may also pick up food deliveries outside your residence from an off-campus restaurant or delivery service. Eat in your room away from others, or outdoors.
  • Use the laundry facilities in your building only when absolutely necessary, and try to avoid peak times.
  • Sit outside, away from others to get fresh air. You can go for a walk alone. Please wear your mask.

What if your roommate tests positive

If your roommate, or other close contact, tests positive and you do not have symptoms, you are not required to quarantine. Instead, it is recommended that you take a rapid test 3-5 days later, monitor for symptoms, and wear a facial covering around others for 10 days following last exposure. If you become symptomatic, please isolate and get tested (see above).

Where to go for help

  • Call the 24/7 UHS Advice Line at (510) 643-7197 if you are ill and are unsure if you need to be seen.
  • Cal Housing: Email reshall@berkeley.edu for questions involving your housing contract or housing assignment.
  • Your RD (Resident Director) or RA (Resident Assistant): Questions involving rules and requirements in your housing unit, roommate conflict, etc.