Guidance released for reopening colleges.

California’s 34-page handbook does not mandate COVID-19 testing for students, staff; masks required indoors

Gov. Gavin Newsom released guidance for reopening colleges and universities on Friday afternoon, just weeks before the start of the academic year.

Notably, the guidance prohibits indoor lectures and dining for schools in counties that have spent three consecutive days on the monitoring list. It also sets restrictions on allowing visitors to access campus and recommends telework for faculty and staff whenever possible.

However, the guidance does not mandate COVID-19 testing for students and staff, telling universities only to “consider routine systematic testing of staff or students for current COVID-19 infection, and procure resources to test exposed IHE student and staff if exposed.”

Students and staff are required to wear masks in all indoor public spaces. When teaching indoors, instructors who maintain a 6-foot distance are allowed to wear a face shield with a drape.

The guidance notes that all implementation depends on local conditions and coordination with local health officers. In the Bay Area, where all counties have been placed on the monitoring list, most colleges have already reversed course in recent weeks, jettisoning hybrid reopening plans in favor of starting the school year virtually as cases have continued to surge. Stanford University has thus far held firm on plans to bring its freshman and sophomore students to campus, although the vast majority of courses will be held online.

Also addressed in the 34-page manual are guidelines for college athletics, clearing the way for schools to begin planning to open football training camps.

For schools who do bring students back, the state’s announcement lays out a cautious plan for resuming some aspects of college life. Only specialized courses like labs and studio arts classes will be allowed to take place in person in counties on the monitoring list, and universities are recommended to hold smaller courses in larger rooms, outside or with synchronous distance learning options.

In residence halls, where communal living is usually a given, the guidance encourages universities to reduce the density of on-campus housing by prioritizing single rooms, setting up individual study spaces and closing down non-essential shared spaces like game rooms and lounges. In counties on the monitoring list, dining halls should follow restaurant guidance for outdoor dining and takeout.

The announcement specifies that schools should “ensure” that organizations like off-campus clubs and Greek organizations also follow the guidelines: “Develop systems to enforce and hold affiliated organizations accountable for adhering to this guidance,” the announcement reads. Last month, UC Berkeley reversed a prior decision to reopen when it announced that it would start the school year virtually, after reporting 72 COVID-19 cases linked to a week of fraternity parties in early July.

When a student, faculty or staff member tests positive, universities are required to immediately isolate that person and notify close contacts and local health officials. Universities are also required to intensify cleaning and sanitation procedures and develop a COVID-19 prevention plan to be communicated with workers and students.

Newsom’s office did not respond to a question on how, or if, the state plans to enforce its guidance for universities.