SJSU’s Response to State Moving Santa Clara County to Red Tier

Sent: September 8, 2020
From: President Mary A. Papazian

SJSU campus community,

Today, Santa Clara County improved from Purple (Tier 1 - Widespread) to Red (Tier 2 - Substantial) in the State of California’s four-tier color-coded tracking system that went into effect last Monday, August 31. This is a promising sign for the county, with the move to Red allowing for the reopening of some limited indoor operations, as well as enabling additional businesses and activities to resume. However, the change does not affect any of our current operating guidelines.

SJSU is also awaiting further guidance specific to higher education from the Santa Clara County Public Health Department and, in the meantime, continues to adhere to currently published state and county public health guidelines. We hope to receive this guidance in the next week. It is important to note that when state, county and other external guidelines are not in agreement, SJSU will follow the strictest guidelines.

The state’s rating of a county’s tier is contingent on daily case rates and positive tests. Santa Clara County would be eligible to move to Orange (Tier 3 - Moderate) after three weeks if conditions continue to improve. The county could also revert back to Purple (Tier 1 - Widespread) if conditions worsen. 

Although today’s move is a small sign of progress for the county, it is imperative that we continue to adhere to behaviors outlined in the Spartan Community Promise. This includes a daily check of symptoms consistent with COVID-19, wearing a face covering or mask and practicing physical distancing. Thank you for your continued efforts in keeping San José State University safe.