SJSU’s Response to State Moving Santa Clara County Back to Purple Tier

Sent: November 16, 2020
From: President Mary A. Papazian

SJSU campus community,

Today, it was announced that Santa Clara County (SCC) will revert back to Purple (Widespread) tier from Orange (Moderate) in the State of California’s four-tier color-coded tracking system. This move back to the most restrictive tier is emblematic of the drastic spike in cases that the state is experiencing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The average daily case rates and positivity rates in SCC led the state to move the county back two full tiers, with hopes that the greater restrictions will help to control the spread of the virus. 

What SJSU campus services will be impacted due to the state and Santa Clara County’s move to the purple tier [pdf]? 

Spartan Recreation and Aquatic Center (SRAC): Gym and fitness facility will be closed. The SRAC Aquatic Center outdoor pools will remain open for Athletics, Kinesiology classes, and student/faculty/staff lap swim by reservation.
Student Union: We will be closed for in-person services and programs, beginning today.  
Spartan Bookstore: The bookstore will be closed for in-person shopping. We will continue to fulfill online orders.

What SJSU campus services will remain the same?

Critical Operations, Infrastructure & Facilities: We will continue to operate as necessary to support the campus and its ongoing programs and services.
Academic Courses: We will continue to offer face-to-face experiences that have been previously approved with all precautions in place.
Dining Commons: We will continue to operate take-out/grab n’ go services based on current operating hours.
Spartan Food Pantry: We will continue to provide services based on current operating hours. 
Student Wellness Center: Medical services continue to be open Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays for in-person visits and remotely for telehealth on Wednesdays and Fridays. Counseling and Psychological Services remain available five days per week through telecounseling. After hours telesupport remains available.
Student Services Center: We will continue to provide services as currently offered.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library: We will continue to provide services as currently offered. You should check the website, however, for ongoing updates regarding online library resources.
Research, Scholarship, and Creative Activity (RSCA): Critical and time-sensitive on-campus and field RSCA projects will continue as approved. New project plans submitted for approval are required to demonstrate criticality and/or time-sensitive deadlines within three months.  
SJSU Athletics: We continue to follow Santa Clara County guidelines and testing requirements regarding participation.
SJSU Child Development Center (CDC): The CDC will continue to remain open with a limit of 49 children.

Thanksgiving and Holiday Breaks: Important Recommendations and Reminders 

With the holiday season ahead of us, we urge our community to take proactive measures to do our part in taking care of ourselves and each other. These measures include adhering to physical distancing guidelines, wearing a mask or face covering, and getting tested for COVID-19. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), traditional Thanksgiving celebrations this year with family and friends may increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19 or the flu. We encourage you to review CDC guidelines before you decide whether to travel for the holiday. The county health department strongly encourages residents to refrain from all travel. If you choose to travel during the upcoming break, please consider being tested and then quarantining before going to spend time with family and friends.  

Important Reminder: COVID-19 Testing Resources

We strongly encourage all residents to take advantage of the testing resources available in the Santa Clara County/San Jose metropolitan area. Below are several options. Be sure to bring a valid photo ID with you to the testing site. 

1. If you are from the Bay Area and have a regular health care provider, it is recommended that you contact them to take a test and use your existing health insurance. This is the best option if you are experiencing symptoms since some free testing sites do not serve people with symptoms. If you do not have a doctor and have symptoms, please call 1-800-334-1000 for assistance.

2. There are many free testing sites available by appointment throughout the county.  Several are configured in the 'drive-through' model. Full details are available on the Santa Clara County Public Health Free COVID-19 Testing Sites page.

3. No appointment free testing occurs in the form of "Pop Ups" throughout the county. Visit the Santa Clara County COVID-19 Popup Testing Location website for full details. It is important to note that some sites do not serve people with active symptoms.

4. One of the closest appointment sites is nine blocks from campus: Santa Clara Valley Medical Center (SCVMC) - Valley Health Center Downtown, 777 E Santa Clara Street, San Jose, CA 95112. Another option is Roots Community Health Center at Antioch Baptist Church at 268 East Julian Street, San Jose, CA 95112.  

5. Santa Clara County Fairgrounds Site: Scheduled appointments are available Tuesday through Friday (12 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.) and Saturday (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.) at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds (344 Tully Road in Lot A across from the main entrance) for people with or without symptoms. The site is set up for drive-through testing, but there is a bike and pedestrian entrance available off 7th Street at the corner of Tully Road. Visit the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds site to check for available appointments. You can schedule from your phone or from a computer using a web browser other than Internet Explorer. Appointments will be open for scheduling three days before the testing date.  Once all appointments are filled, this location will no longer appear for scheduling on the website.

In closing, I encourage you to 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. 

For campus updates about COVID-19, please visit the SJSU Health Advisories website.  There you can find the SJSU Adapt Plan and links to FAQs. 

Thank you for your continued efforts in keeping San José State University safe.

Sincerely,

Dr. Mary A. Papazian

President