Spring 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 Wednesday, June 1, 2022, the usage of masks inside buildings and classrooms will be done at the discretion of each individual according to personal health preferences. MiraCosta College strongly recommends wearing masks while indoors when the County CDC Risk is “High”, but will not require them. Health Services and Athletic Training will still require masks until April 3, 2023, per new CDPH regulations. After April 3, no masks will be required in healthcare settings.
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 February 24, in San Diego County, 80.7% of the eligible population are fully vaccinated, but only 22.9% have received a bivalent booster. MiraCosta College and the County of San Diego support COVID-19 boosters 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
Larger events will remain outdoors and any event that may approach 1,000 total attendees will remain outdoors. For indoor events, 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.