Health Advisories

If you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms you should get tested as soon as possible.

Contra Costa Health Services provides helpful resources for obtaining at-home test kits. Contra Costa residents may order free test kits through the County here. And, students, faculty, and staff can also get tested at a local County testing site.

Report a positive COVID-19 test of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 using the link below. 

Report a Positive Test

You do not need to quarantine after contact with someone who had COVID-19 unless you develop symptoms. If you develop symptoms, get tested and wear a mask indoors in public for 10 days following exposure or until your test result is negative. 

• If you do not have symptoms you may attend classes and other events. 
• Follow Contra Costa County Guidance  &  COVID-19 Patients and Contacts

If you have experienced a positive test result, complete this form. Anyone in our community who tests positive will be required to isolate for at least 5 days. Students who live on campus should report their positive test result to their RA or RD. The Residential CARE Team will provide guidance on isolation on campus or at home. 

Students who test positive through the Health and Wellness Center will be contacted by the H&WC team. 

You may choose to notify those you live with or who may have had exposure to you to encourage them to keep an eye out for symptoms over the next ten days. In accordance with Contra Costa County Guidance. 

Anyone exposed to someone who tests positive will only need to quarantine themselves if they are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. 

Follow Contra Costa County Guidance  &  COVID-19 Patients and Contacts

If you do need to isolate, we encourage you to work with your academic advisor, success coach, and professors to communicate clearly about how you will continue to make academic progress. Please remember that it is your responsibility to work with your teachers on completing class requirements. You may be required to fulfill class assignments and other responsibilities as assigned. You may choose to work with Student Disabilities Services (SDS) on temporary learning accommodations if needed.

Know emergency warning signs* for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:

• Trouble breathing
• Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
• New confusion
• Inability to wake or stay awake
• Bluish lips or face 

Call 911 or call ahead to your local emergency facility: notify the operator that you are seeking care for someone who has or may have COVID-19 symptoms. This list is not all possible symptoms. Call your medical provider for any symptoms that are concerning to you. 

*Emergency symptom list is taken from Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2020, May). Symptoms of Coronavirus. Accessed 10/27/2020.

For COVID-19 Patients and Contacts (Contra Costa Health Services)

COVID-19 Vaccine Safety: Facts & Myths (Contra Costa Health Services)

Updated on-campus masking guidance for Jan Term '23 can be found here.

Information on dealing with the Flu can be found on the Student Health Center website.

Most of the information below is found on the Contra Costa Health Services webpage.

Contra Costa Health Services, along with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and other agencies, are monitoring a growing outbreak of MPX cases in the United States and California. Visit the CDPH MPX tracking page f​or the latest information about confirmed or suspected cases of MPX in the county.

While it is good to stay alert about any emerging public health outbreaks, the current risk of getting MPX in the general public is very low, outside of certain activities that increase the chance of exposure.

MPX is a rare disease that is caused by infection with the MPX virus. It belongs to the same family of viruses as smallpox, although MPX tends to be milder than smallpox. MPX spreads to through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact, including sex and kissing. The virus can be spread from the time symptoms start until all sores, including scabs, have healed and a fresh layer of skin has formed. This can take several weeks.

Symptoms 

MPX symptoms usually start within 2 weeks of exposure to the virus. Initial symptoms are similar to flu (fever, headache, fatigue, swollen lymph nodes), followed by a rash and sores that look similar to herpes sores. The rash or sores may be located on or near the genitals or anus but could also be on other areas like the hands, feet, chest, or face.

• The sores will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.
• The sores can look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.
• Sores may be inside the body, including the mouth, vagina, or anus.

Prevention

• Avoid intimate and physical contact with anyone who has symptoms
• Talk openly with sexual partners prior to intimate physical contact
• Consider covering exposed skin in dense, indoor crowds
• Don't share bedding, clothing with others
• Stay aware if traveling to countries where there are outbreaks

Vaccination

The Student Health Center does not have access to the Monkeypox vaccine at this time and encourages eligible individuals to pursue vaccination through Contra Costa Health (CCH) Services. Vaccine supply is currently limited, please see the CCH website for more information on who is currently being prioritized for vaccination. 

Medical Support and Testing:

The Student Health Center is here to support our students. If you have symptoms or believe you have been exposed to Monkeypox contact the Student Health Center at (925) 631-4254. One of our nurses will speak to you to determine the best next steps in regards to your medical treatment, including scheduling an appointment if indicated.  

Students who are notified they have tested positive for Monkeypox outside of the Student Health Center are also asked to contact our office to report. 

Contra Costa Health Services provides a helpful fact sheet for information on RSV.