Important additions to protocols for campus events and departmental holiday gatherings
COVID-19 Response and Recovery Task Force
Dear Bruin Community:
On Dec. 1, we shared UCLA Protocol for Organized Events (PDF) with the UCLA community. Today, we would like to share a few new guidelines designed to make your events and gatherings even safer. Please review this document if you are planning UCLA events.
All protocols are in effect until further notice and will be adjusted as needed to respond to evolving public health conditions. For workers in UCLA Health hospitals and clinics please follow guidance issued by UCLA Health.
Please note that faculty, staff and student attendees must present their UCLA COVID-19 Symptom Monitoring Clearance Certificate showing “cleared for events and venues” prior to entry along with a photo ID when entering restaurants and other applicable public venues. See UCLA Protocol for Restaurants and Other Public Venues (PDF). The UCLA Mobile App can also be used to present clearance.
As we shared earlier this month, virtual events are still highly encouraged, especially as new strains of COVID-19 emerge, including the newly identified Omicron variant, and new cases of the virus remain high.
Newest protocols when planning social events and organized gatherings:
- Pre-packaged, store bought meals/drinks and grab and to-go food are highly preferable. Self-service food and buffet-style service present higher risk and are highly discouraged, though are permitted from a University or University-contracted food service provider who is contractually required to comply with University policies.
- Consider having the event at a formal restaurant establishment or catering venue, which must follow LACDPH Best Practices Guidance for Food and Beverage Services or LACDPH Guidance for Institutes of Higher Education (PDF).
- See LACDPH Holiday Events Guidance for Businesses (PDF) for additional mitigation recommendations.
As a reminder about all event protocols that must be adhered to, please read our Dec. 1 message and the complete UCLA Protocol for Organized Events (PDF).
We want the UCLA community to enjoy this special time of year and deepen the in-person connections we have slowly been returning to this fall, but we must do so as safely as possible. We thank you all for your continued support and cooperation.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Beck
Administrative Vice Chancellor
Co-chair, COVID-19 Response and Recovery Task Force
Megan McEvoy
Professor, Institute for Society and Genetics,
Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics
Co-chair, COVID-19 Response and Recovery Task Force
