2024-2025COVID-19 Information

August 26th Update

Hello Westmont Community,  

As we prepare for an amazing new school year and welcome you back to Westmont, Institutional Resilience wanted to share the updated protocols related to COVID-19 via the CDC, California Department of Public Health, and Santa Barbara County Departmet of Public Health. From the CDC: 

When people get sick with a respiratory virus, the updated guidance recommends that they stay home and away from others. For people with COVID-19 and influenza, treatment is available and can lessen symptoms and lower the risk of severe illness. The recommendations suggest returning to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, symptoms are improving overall, and if a fever was present, it has been gone without use of a fever-reducing medication.

Once people resume normal activities, they are encouraged to take additional prevention strategies for the next 5 days to curb disease spread, such as taking more steps for cleaner air, enhancing hygiene practices, wearing a well-fitting mask, keeping a distance from others, and/or getting tested for respiratory viruses. Enhanced precautions are especially important to protect those most at risk for severe illness, including those over 65 and people with weakened immune systems. CDC’s updated guidance reflects how the circumstances around COVID-19 in particular have changed. While it remains a threat, today it is far less likely to cause severe illness because of widespread immunity and improved tools to prevent and treat the disease.  Importantly, states and countries that have already adjusted recommended isolation times have not seen increased hospitalizations or deaths related to COVID-19.

Long story short, please remember the following: 

  • You can resume normal activities when your symptoms are improving and you have not had a fever for 24 hours (with no medication help), and 

  • It is recommended, though not required, that you wear a well-fitting mask. 

For any comments/questions/concerns, please email risk@westmont.edu. 

Have a great semester, and welcome back!