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UCSF Issues Escalated COVID-19 Policies and Guidance

Editor's Note: UCSF has updated its guidance to reflect a March 16 public health order by the City and County of San Francisco, including the closure of the UCSF Library and cancellation of all non-essential events and gatherings.

UC San Francisco Chancellor Hawgood, MBBS, on March 15, 2020, ordered an escalation of a wide range of UCSF policies and guidance already in place, as part of an expanded effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.

The overriding goal of this action is the critical need to limit community transmission.  

As the Chancellor stated last week, “We must support every action that helps to ‘flatten the curve’ of new COVID-19 cases...Limiting the growth of new infections, while allowing those who are ill time to be treated and recover, will help our communities get control of COVID-19 and also help hospitals and clinics manage the increased demand for care.”

Visit the redesigned UCSF COVID-19 Resource Website or click the links below for additional details on the updated guidance that follows. In addition, to receive text alerts when updated UCSF guidance and information are available: Text 333 111 and enter “UCSF”

Large Events and Gatherings

  • All non-essential events and gatherings shall be cancelled or postponed, in accordance with the public health order issued March 16 by the City and County of San Francisco.

  • Event organizers must prioritize alternatives – such as teleconferencing – rather than hold in-person gatherings.

Travel

  • UCSF is restricting all non-essential university-sponsored travel, both domestic and international.

Visitors

  • The San Francisco Department of Public Health on March 13, 2020, issued an order restricting visitors and requiring mandatory screening for all workers entering licensed inpatient hospital buildings.

Clinical Research Visits

  • All research visits should be conducted remotely when possible, and only those research visits that cannot be conducted remotely and that are deemed essential to the health and well-being of study participants can be conducted in person.

Laboratory Research

  • UCSF is directing all faculty with research laboratories to take measures immediately to reduce viral spread. A message will be sent to all faculty with details about new requirements.

Faculty, Staff and Trainee Recruitment

  • Effective immediately, no in-person interviews will be conducted.

Library Access – Closed Until Further Notice

  • The UCSF Library is closed until further notice, in accordance with the public health order issued March 16 by the City and County of San Francisco. Collections and essential services will be available remotely. For current information and access to collections and essential services, please visit the Library online.

Campus Facilities – Badge Access Required

  • Most campus building perimeter access points will require UCSF badge access effective March 16 at 6 a.m.  

Fitness Centers – Closed Until Further Notice

  • Effective Sunday, March 15, both Bakar and Millberry Fitness Centers will be closed until further notice.

Parking and Shuttles

Parking

  • UCSF’s parking facilities will be free of charge to non-permit holders from Monday, March 16 until Sunday, March 22. Transportation will determine if an extension is needed on a week-by-week basis.
  • Patients and visitors will also have access to parking facilities at no cost, including patient valet, through 3/22.

Shuttles

  • Given limited ridership, shuttle service will be reduced by up to 40 percent starting Wednesday, March 18, through Friday, April 3. All routes will continue to be serviced, but with less frequency. View limited shuttle schedules here.
  • Trip Planner and Live Shuttle may not be available at this time. For assistance planning your trip, please contact 415.476.GOGO (4646) or [email protected].

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