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General Prevention

Many respiratory viruses such as , , and circulate year-round in the United States and California. Respiratory viruses can cause cold or flu-like symptoms. They can spread through the air by coughing or sneezing. These illnesses share similar symptoms, risk factors, and prevention strategies.

We are still recommending these general health & safety protocols for infection control:

• Stay home when you are sick or have.
• If you have been exposed to someone that has tested positive for COVID-19, the Flu, or RSV, watch for symptoms. It is recommended that you wear a well-fitting mask indoors around others for 10 days. . 
• Get vaccinated and protect yourself from these viruses. Use to locate a COVID vaccine near you.
• Face Coverings – When required and recommended, utilize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) or Community Protective Equipment (CPE).
• Practice Cough Etiquette – Remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or use the inside of your elbow.
• Hand Hygiene – Wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds or utilize hand sanitizer when running water and soap is not available.
• Distancing – Although physical distancing is no longer required, it is always recommended to give people their space when it is possible. It is equally important to know what the comfort level is when you approach another person during your initial greetings. Hugging and handshakes are not recommended.
• Avoid sharing food, cups or utensils.
• Get additional prevention strategies and information from the CDC page: .​

Face Covering Guidance

• At this time, face coverings are not required. We fully support and respect those who wish to continue wearing face coverings as an effective way to protect oneself and others.
• A face covering is defined as a surgical mask, a medical procedure mask, a respirator worn voluntarily, or a tightly woven fabric or non-woven material of at least two layers. A face covering has no visible holes or openings and must cover the nose and mouth. A face covering does not include a scarf, ski mask, balaclava, bandana, turtleneck, collar, or single layer of fabric. Source: 8 CCR §3205(b)(8)
• N-95 & KN95 Respirators are provided by request to employees through the Covered Cougar Distribution Center for voluntary use.
• Face shields: Clear face shields will be offered to faculty, staff, and students where applicable due to the nature of their work and/or their work areas. This may include work in research laboratories or other instructional spaces where maintaining sufficient social distancing is challenging. In this case, it is used in conjunction with a face covering.  Also, it is used for approved accommodations (via HR or DSS). The face shields are reusable and can be disinfected after use with disinfectant spray or disinfecting wipes. The face shield when used without a face covering must include a drape. This drape is adhered to the bottom of the shield.

Links

PCR Testing for COVID-19, Flu A, Flu B and RSV is now available by same-day appointment at the following public health centers.

Stay up to date on recomm​ended vaccines. Vaccines are a core strategy to prevent serious illness and hospitalization.

•  (vaccination information) | California Department of Public Health
•  | SD County HHSA
• I'm Fully Vaccinated, Now What? (, ) | SD County HHSA
•  | CA.gov
• Agency communications on masks:
  • •  | November 8, 2022
    •  | January 15, 2025
• Covered Cougar Distribution Center