Summer 2023
As part of MiraCosta College’s safe, steady, and sustainable approach to COVID-19 protocols and procedures, MiraCosta College will proceed with the following as it relates to COVID-19 vaccinations, usage of masks, and COVID-19 tracing.
Mask Policy
Effective May 11, 2023, the CDC eliminated its “COVID-19 Community Levels” and as a result, the CDPH sunset its previous guidance. Wearing a mask is not mandated by the district and it is up to individual risk assessment. The district recommends the following mask protocols indoors, consistent with current CDPH guidance:
- Wear a mask indoors around others if you have respiratory symptoms
- Wear a mask indoors for 10 days if you’ve had significant exposure to someone who has tested positive for COVID-19
- Choose a mask that provides best fit and filtration (N95, KN95, and KF94 are the best)[JC1]
If Students need a facemask, they can pick one up at Student Services, Library, or tutoring front desks.
Vaccination Requirement
Students & Community Members
Students and community members present on a MiraCosta College facility, will not be
required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. However, they are highly encouraged to do
so.
Bivalent Booster
As of the week of May 27, in San Diego County, 81% of the eligible population are fully vaccinated, but only 24% have received a bivalent dose. MiraCosta College and the County of San Diego support COVID-19 up-to-date doses for those who are eligible and meet the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidelines for time between doses.
Student Health Services organizes vaccine events on campus every semester. The events include COVID-19 vaccines, boosters, and influenza vaccines (influenza vaccines are available during flu season October-March). The costs have been completely free to all with no insurance and are for students, employees, family, and community members. Please reach out to Health Services for updates.
COVID-19 Case Protocol
Students should *not* come to campus when exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms and should rapid antigen test as a precaution. If testing negative, students should return to campus once symptoms improve. You can access a list of the symptoms associated with COVID-19 on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
If students test positive for COVID-19, they must report their cases to each instructor. Instructors will file a CARE Referral Form on the student’s behalf. They may also reach out to Student Health Services at 760.795.6675 or mccshs@miracosta.edu for questions regarding care and testing resources. Health Services will provide isolation instructions and a return-to-campus timeline based on most recent CDPH guidance. Students should isolate for at least 5 days and wear a mask indoors for at least 10 days. If necessary, exposure notifications will be sent by the COVID Response Team to students & employees potentially exposed, without revealing any personal identifying information to protect the COVID-19 case’s privacy.
Individuals are not required to quarantine from potential exposure, per current CDPH guidance. Individuals should monitor for symptoms, wear a mask indoors for 10 days from date of close contact exposure, and rapid antigen test at least once between 3 and 5 days from exposure. People who have recovered from COVID-19 within the last 30 days do not need to test or take additional actions unless they develop symptoms. Students may reach out to Health Services regarding testing resources.
Event Protocol
Outdoor events have no additional protocols. For indoor events, CDC-recommended face masks will be available by request.
Where Can I Find Additional Information?
For current information on MiraCosta’s return to campus and how to get vaccinated or receive the booster, please visit miracosta.edu/COVID. Students can also ask questions at COVID@miracosta.edu.
