Face Covering requirements are based on the COVID-19 Community Levels per CDC for Merced County.
Merced County's current status as of 5/11/2023 is: LOW
Spring 2023 Semester
When Visiting Campus
If you plan to visit campus for any reason, even if as an invited guest, please check with your campus contact for any special considerations or precautions for your visit. Also, take the time to familiarize yourself with the following general guidelines.
If you feel sick, stay home. Visitors may not enter University facilities if they have tested positive for COVID-19 or feel unwell. Students, staff, and faculty will submit Health Screening Questionnaire if they are sick - see more details below.
Face Coverings: CDC Community Transmission Status
High Transmission Level for Merced County
All indoor activities will require face coverings for students, employees and guests.
Medium Transmission Level for Merced County
Indoor classrooms and instructional activities require face coverings.
Exempt Situations:
Instructors engaged in teaching.
Students, faculty and staff who must remove face coverings during indoor performing arts rehearsals may continue to do so. Face coverings must be worn in indoor rehearsal spaces when not practicing, rehearsing, or performing.
Low Transmission Level for Merced County
Face coverings are not required but are strongly encouraged.
Face coverings are required regardless of CDC Transmission Status for the following situations:
Student Health Services and Counseling Services
When face coverings are required, the following are exempt situations:
In an enclosed private space (such as an occupant’s private office with door closed or an individual’s dorm room)
Showering, washing their face or brushing their teeth in a residence hall or other UC Merced facility with common bathroom facilities
While eating or drinking
Engaged in indoor, approved intercollegiate athletic activities (while physically practicing or playing), where wearing a face covering could inhibit their ability to breathe, provided they observe other appropriate mitigation measures
Children under age 2
Persons with a medical or mental health condition or developmental disability that prevents wearing a face covering
Anyone performing a specific task that cannot feasibly be performed with a face covering. This exception is limited to the time period in which such tasks are actually being performed
UC Merced Students, Faculty, and Staff: Do Your Part
Remain Up-to-Date with COVID19 Vaccination and Booster
All individuals who are active on UC Merced controlled property must be in compliance with the UC Policy on Vaccination Programs and the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Vaccination Program. The COVID-19 Vaccination Program requires students and employees, subject to limited exceptions, to be up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccination before physically accessing UC Merced property. A person is up-to-date with their COVID-19 vaccination when they have received all doses in the primary series and all CDC- or CDPH-recommended boosters, when eligible.
Employees who are up-to-date with required vaccination or have an approved medical/religious exemption are required to complete an COVID19 Vaccination Attestation in the WorkHealth Solutions Portal. Individuals who are not up-to-date can find a local vaccine clinic through the MyTurn website. Once you receive your booster, please click here to complete an COVID19 Vaccination Attestation in the WorkHealth Solutions Portal. For more detailed information, visit the Get Vaccinated page.
In addition to COVID19 vaccination, it is strongly encouraged that all employees and students remain up-to-date with annual flu vaccination. Employees are required to complete the 2022 - 2023 Flu Vaccination Attestation or Declination in the WorkHealth Solutions Portal. Students can upload flu vaccination documentation to the MyHealth Portal.
Student Health Services - Flu Vaccination Information
Face Covering Distribution Locations
Campus Face Covering Distribution Locations:
Police Department
Valley Terraces Housing Office
Welcome Center
Office of Student Involvement
Dining Center
ECEC (for employees and parents only)
Library
Student Health Center
Bobcat Pantry
Rec Center
Science & Engineering 2
Off-campus Face Covering Distribution Locations:
Downtown Campus Center
Castle
Fresno Center
Stay Home When Sick and Submit a Health Screening Questionnaire
If you have tested positive for COVID19, please complete the COVID-19 Positive Form
If you have been exposed to someone who has tested positive for COVID19, regardless of vaccination status, quarantine is not required if you are NOT currently experiencing symptoms.
If you begin to experience symptoms, follow these instructions.
Healthy Behaviors
Wash Your Hands. Individuals should appropriately wash their hands several times a day, especially after being in a public place and touching an item or surface that was likely touched by others.
CA Notify
UC Merced recommends that all individuals sign up and use the CA Notify COVID-19 exposure notification system to stay informed and protected. Visit CA Notify for installation guidelines.
Respect Individual Choices
Those who wear face coverings when optional, keep physically distant, and/or refrain from handshakes, etc. are doing what they feel is necessary to protect themselves or loved ones, and will be free from judgement in our Bobcat community.
Unvaccinated Individuals Do Their Part
In addition to the mitigation measures above, unvaccinated or partially vaccinated individuals are required to:
Take COVID-19 Tests Weekly
Academic appointees, Staff, and Students are required to complete one COVID-19 test per week. Rapid antigen tests are available for all employees and students at mask distribution kiosks.
Campus Map of Distribution Points
Asymptomatic Testing
Options for Unvaccinated Individuals
COVID-19 Vaccination
Unvaccinated individuals can change their minds at any time and receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Once proof of vaccination is submitted, you are removed from unvaccinated requirements
How to Get Vaccinated
