(909) 621-8000
Many viruses frequently change through mutation. These mutations add up and create slightly different versions of the virus, called “variants.” Sometimes new variants appear and then disappear. Other times, new variants stay around. They are called variants of concern if there is evidence that they spread more easily, cause more serious illness, are harder to detect, treat or prevent with vaccines. Scientists continue to study and track these variants as they evolve.
Many variants of COVID-19 have emerged in the United States. At this point, the original version of the virus that was spreading in January 2020 is no longer circulating.
On-campus call Campus Safety at 909-607-2000 (x72000)
Off-campus call 911 immediately
Yes, this is correct. Effective March 13, 2023, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health no longer requires proof of a negative viral test to leave isolation. As long as your symptoms are mild and improving, and you haven’t had a fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines, contact tracing should be able to release you from isolation after speaking with you on Day 6. However, you will still be required to wear a well-fitting mask over your mouth and nose when around others, especially indoors, even after your isolation ends, until Day 11.
You can receive at-home antigen tests through:
- Your insurance company (most insurances are required to cover the costs of up to 8 at-home antigen tests per month)
- https://www.covid.gov/tests – you may be eligible to receive a limited quantity of test kits directly from the federal government, delivered by the United States Postal Service
- Purchase from pharmacies (e.g. Hendricks, CVS, Walgreens), other retailers (e.g., Walmart and Target), or online (e.g., Amazon)
SHS does not distribute any at-home antigen test kits. However, antigen testing may be performed for students during a visit with a SHS provider if they suspect their symptoms may be due to COVID-19.
TCC supports the personal choice to wear a mask as an effective strategy for individuals seeking to protect themselves and their colleagues from COVID-19. We encourage anyone who wishes to wear a mask to do so and will continue to have KN95 masks available for pickup around campuses.
We recognize that some people may not be ready to stop wearing masks while others are eager to do so. Please continue to be compassionate and respectful of personal decisions regarding masking that fall within TCC’s regulations. Masks remain required in SHS and MCAPS.
State COVID Information:
L.A. County Department of Public Health COVID-19 site
The Claremont Colleges COVID Pages:
Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; going to the bathroom; and before eating or preparing food. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
COVID-19 can be spread by people who do not have symptoms and do not know that they are infected. Wearing face masks provide proven protection against the spread of illness as masks provide an extra layer to help prevent the respiratory droplets from traveling in the air and onto other people.
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Please note that this list does not include all possible COVID-19 symptoms.
Some of the emergency warning signs* for COVID-19 are listed below. If someone is showing any of these signs, they should seek emergency medical care immediately
- Trouble breathing
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
- New confusion
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- Bluish lips or face
*This list is not inclusive of all the possible emergency symptoms. Please call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.
The Claremont Colleges consortial COVID-19 website was last updated in January 2024.
