Recent COVID rise on campus: Where to find resources

As of Sept. 22, one in every 25 people in California are actively infectious, and there are around 857,000 new daily cases nationwide, according to estimates by the Pandemic Mitigation Collaborative (PMC19).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) tracks community viral activity through wastewater systems. As of Sept. 14–20, the tracker reported Humboldt County at a “very high” level of COVID-19 activity.

Melissa Hutsell from the university’s Marketing and Communications Department, said that from August to Sept. 23, there were 17 positive COVID-19 tests out of 66 processed by the Student Health and Wellbeing Service Lab (SHWS). That number does not include students who tested at home or did not test at all. Hutsell stated these numbers are similar to last year’s during this time. Additionally, three university employees have reported positive tests through the school’s COVID-19 reporting form or by emailing hr-covid-coordinator@ humboldt.edu.

On campus resources

Well-fitting masks, which have been proven to be the most effective way to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other airborne illnesses, are not readily available on campus. However, if a student tests positive at the SHWS center, they can be provided with a mask. There are currently no free tests provided on campus. Tests can be found at the price of $20 for two tests in the following vending machine location:

• Nelson Hall East, across from the Goodwin Forum
• The Housing Cashier on the third floor of the Jolly Giant Commons
• The College Creek Mail Room lobby
• First floor of the Student Activities Center, next to the entrance of The Depot
• The Creekview Lounge
• Hinarr Hu Moulik dorms

“Students who are showing symptoms can be seen by a health provider at SHWS, and if needed, tested through the lab for just $6,” Hutsell said. “Anytime we have been able to acquire free tests, we offer these in our vending machines at no cost.”

The university’s COVID policy

According to the university’s COVID Health and Safety Guidance page, as of January 2024, anyone with COVID-19 is required to wear a mask indoors for 10 days after symptoms begin or the first COVID test was taken, but can remove masks after two consecutive negative tests.

Students, faculty and staff with a positive COVID test can return to work and school “after at least 24 hours have passed since a fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher has resolved without the use of fever- reducing medication.” Those who are asymptomatic that test positive can return to work after 24 hours if no symptoms develop.

On Sept. 16, Housing and Residence Life emailed dorm residents about the updated policy, but did not issue a campus-wide notice. El Leñador asked why.

“The SHWS notified Housing officials about a rise in cases, and out of an abundance of caution, a message was sent. We tend to see spikes in communal living areas, where students are in close quarters and share bathrooms and sleeping spaces,” Hutsell said. “Students are encouraged to notify Resident Advisors about positive COVID tests, so Housing officials can promptly inform the community and residents can take appropriate precautions when needed.”

The university added that people who come in contact with a COVID- positive person “are well are encouraged (but not required) to wear a mask around folks who are at risk for serious COVID infection (elderly, ill, immunocompromised, etc) and test on day 5 after exposure.”

Khyla Bennet, a junior criminology major, reached out to the Housing and Residence Life department regarding their email addressing the COVID cases on campus but hasn’t received a response.

“I thought it was pretty negligent of the school because asymptomatic people can still spread COVID,” Bennet said. “The school is underestimating human behavior, most people nowadays automatically think that no symptoms means no mask.” Bennet said these policies are making her reconsider going to class. “It’s not fair for students and faculty who do their part, to go to school and work and wonder if the person next to them has COVID or has anxiety around getting sick.”

Off-campus COVID resources

Most clinics in Humboldt County and some pharmacies such as CVS Arcata, McKinleyville and Eureka, offer COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots. To schedule an appointment call the clinic, pharmacy or go to the following website to view available places: myturn.ca.gov/ The Mask Bloc, a nationwide group providing free COVID-19 supplies, launched a Humboldt chapter in summer 2024 after the Siemens Hall occupation. Students can request free masks, tests, and informational zines through the group’s Instagram: @humboldtmaskbloc