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Updates to UCLA COVID-19 protocols and further consolidation of surveillance testing

April 5, 2023

Infectious Diseases Management Team


What you need to know:

  • UCLA has updated COVID-19 protocols to align with new LACDPH guidance
  • Based on testing patterns and low use, nine COVID-19 surveillance testing distribution sites and five vending machine locations will be discontinued beginning April 14
  • Ten test distribution centers and five vending machine locations remain available to the UCLA community

Note: Those who work in UCLA Health clinical areas (including medical, dental and nursing clinics) will receive communications directly from UCLA Health regarding COVID-19 protocols.


Dear Bruin Community:

Welcome to the start of a wonderful spring quarter. Local COVID-19 numbers have continued to drop in recent weeks. With the lifting of local, state and federal COVID-19 emergency orders, the LA County Department of Health has issued updated guidance in line with these improvements, which we are using to make adjustments to our campus protocols.

A complete list and links to these updated protocols are available on the COVID-19 resources protocols web page.

Among them:

  • A negative COVID-19 test is no longer required to end isolation, provided other prescribed criteria and timeframes are met. Additionally, it is strongly recommended but no longer required for close contacts to wear a mask for 10 days.
    (See LACDPH 3/10 Guidance and UCLA Isolation and Quarantine Protocol (PDF) for details.)
  • Masking continues to be optional although strongly recommended indoors for the general public. However, for those visiting medical settings, masks continue to be required for all patient care and waiting areas. Masking is not required in the main building lobbies or in offices and conference rooms outside of patient care units.


COVID-19 surveillance testing program locations

We are also monitoring patterns of use and declining visits to our COVID-19 vending machines and test collection sites. Based on data:


The following vending machine locations will be discontinued beginning April 14:

  • Switzer Plaza
  • Law Library
  • Melnitz Hall
  • Murphy Hall
  • CHS Store Courtyard


The following collection box locations will be discontinued beginning April 14:

  • Sproul Hall
  • Hedrick Hall
  • Melnitz Hall
  • Anderson Courtyard
  • Law Library
  • Murphy Hall
  • Facilities Bldg
  • CHS Store Courtyard
  • Weyburn Commons


The following vending machine and collection box locations will remain open:

  • Pauley Pavilion (northwest entrance)
  • La Kretz Hall
  • Neuroscience Research Building (west entrance)
  • Haines Hall (westside entrance lecture hall)
  • Ackerman Union (southwest area near entrance)


The following collection box locations will remain open:

  • De Neve Hall
  • Rieber Hall
  • Haines Hall
  • Ashe Student Health and Wellness Center
  • Ackerman Union (west side)
  • Pauley Pavilion (north side)
  • La Kretz Hall
  • Neuroscience Research Building
  • Switzer Plaza
  • Wilshire Building


For your convenience, an updated location map can be found on the Ashe Student Health and Wellness Center’s website.

As a community, we have navigated the evolving nature of COVID-19 with care, consideration and compassion, and we will continue to do so. Wishing you a safe, healthy and happy spring!

Sincerely,

Tim Groeling
Professor, Department of Communication
Co-chair, Infectious Diseases Management Team

Michelle A. Sityar
Chief of Staff, Administration
Co-chair, Infectious Diseases Management Team