COVID-19 Self-Quarantine Instructions & Housing
Updated: 3:00 PM PST December 22nd, 2020
The
Institute has received updated guidance from our local public health
agencies. As you are preparing to move to or return to Caltech, we would like
to update you on our plans for mitigating risks for the spread of infection and
ensuring a smooth transition to campus.
The Housing Office will contact you with confirmation of your assignment and move in information for new assignments. If you left campus for an extended period of time and are returning to an existing assignment with multiple occupants, please submit this form for a temporary quarantine space request. If you are requesting travel quarantine housing after non-essential travel, it is subject to availability and there will be a charge for dining services during your quarantine period.
Upon arrival at Caltech, the Institute will require that everyone moving into
Caltech Housing undergoes arrival testing for COVID-19 and completes a
mandatory quarantine. This process, which is outlined in detail
below, is reflective of Caltech's commitment to prioritizing the health and
well-being of our community. We believe it is a prudent approach for managing
new living arrangements for multiple occupant apartments.
In order to effectively implement these new measures and to manage space across
campus, we have intentionally staggered check-in dates and times for all newly
arriving residents. PLEASE NOTE THAT WE ARE NOT ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE EARLY OR
LATE CHECK-INS WITH THIS PROCESS; AND YOU CAN ONLY CHECK IN DURING THE HOURS OF
YOUR ASSIGNED CHECK-IN APPOINTMENT SLOT. Check-in times are from 9 a.m. to 12
p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday only. If you plan to arrive in
Los Angeles on the weekend or after hours, you will need to make independent
arrangements to stay off campus until your assigned check-in day and time.
Please also remember that when you come to campus to check-in, you will be
expected to follow the Institute's Health and Hygiene Policy for Undergraduate and Graduate
Students, and any other Institute policies around COVID-19, which includes requirements for wearing face coverings and
maintaining physical distancing, among other measures.
https://studentaffairs.caltech.edu/documents/15523/SA_Health_Hygiene_Policy_July_2020_FINAL.pdf
CHECK-IN, QUARANTINE, AND TESTING PROCESS:
- When you arrive, you will need to check in with Student Wellness Services to receive your COVID-19 test. Your check in date will be sent to Student Wellness Services so they can schedule your COVID-19 test before check-in. After you are tested you will receive your new Caltech ID, (if applicable). In order to reduce person-to-person contact we will be emailing your temporary quarantine room assignment (if applicable), instructions and expectations for the duration of your quarantine ahead of time.
- Undergraduate dorm rooms on campus
have been designated for use as temporary quarantine space for residents moving into multiple occupant apartments. Those moving into single apartments will quarantine in their permanent assignment. You will be expected to
reside in your on-campus quarantine assignment for 14 days, and you will be retested on your 13th day in quarantine or if you become symptomatic during the quarantine period. Please bring sufficient clothing,
linens, and personal items to support your personal needs for the duration of
the quarantine period. Caltech Dining will be providing meals to you at no additional
charge while you are in a temporary quarantine space in the undergraduate dorm rooms only. Additional information regarding dining
will be sent ahead of time. Those moving directly into their permanent assignments will not be provided meals.
- You should plan to bring all of the necessary clothing, personal hygiene supplies, and other items needed to complete a 14 day self-quarantine period. A suggested packing list can be found here.
- For those in a temporary quarantine assignment: After you receive a negative test result (approximately 24 to 48 hours) from your second test, you will be cleared to move to your permanent assignment. You will be able to pick up your check in packet from the Housing Office and will need to move that day.
- On your last day in quarantine, you will receive an automated email with a button to click when you have completed your move to your permanent assignment.
- If you receive a positive COVID-19
test upon check-in or at the test on the 13th day, you will need to immediately
relocate into isolation housing, in another undergraduate residence.
There is additional COVID-19 information on our website at: https://together.caltech.edu/
Thank you for your understanding and continued flexibility with this process.