Institutes of Higher Education

• All IHE should review and follow the Guidance for COVID-19 Prevention at IHE English | Español (updated 11/2/22)
• All IHE must comply with COVID-19 Non-Emergency Regulations established by the California Occupational Safety and Health Standard Board (Cal/OSHA).
  • For additional information, visit:
    • Cal/OSHA COVID-19 Guidance and Resources
    • COVID-19 Prevention Non-Emergency Regulations FAQs
    • Cal/OSHA – Consultation Service Areas
• A summary of best practices to enhance safety for businesses, employers, and organizations is available here.

• The IHE Exposure Management Plan (EMP) English | Español (updated 4/21/23) details the recommended and required steps for managing exposures to 1, 2, and 3 or more COVID-19 cases at your institute. Immediate implementation of the EMP after identifying a case of COVID-19 can accelerate the ability to contain spread of COVID-19 and prevent an outbreak.

IHE are required to notify LAC Department of Public Health (DPH) of any identified cluster of 3 or more epidemiologically linked confirmed cases (students and/or employees) with possible connections with each other (e.g., sharing a defined physical space together like a classroom, workspace, communal area, sports activity, or IHE-sponsored gathering) who were on campus at any point within the 14 days prior to their illness onset date. The illness onset date is the first date COVID-19 symptoms started, or the COVID-19 test date, whichever is earlier. All cluster notifications should be submitted to DPH within 1 business day of being notified of the third, or last, case in the cluster through the reporting method outlined below.

• Online reporting: Clusters of 3 or more IHE-associated COVID-19 linked cases must be reported online through the secure web application, Shared Portal for Outbreak Tracking (SPOT). This can be done on a computer or mobile device.
  • If reporting many cases, you may choose to use the “Bulk Upload Template” (an Excel file) located within the SPOT portal to submit your report.
• Training Resources for how to report COVID-19 Clusters through SPOT:
  • Training videos and resources can be found at the SPOT School Help and Training Materials.
  • This data dictionary (English | Spanish - updated 5/1/22) describes each of the items of information (variables) that are collected as part of case reporting when using the Excel line list.

• Exposure Notice
  • This exposure notice is intended to make people aware that they may have been in close contact with someone who is positive for COVID-19.

• Ventilation
• CDC Interactive School Ventilation Tool
• CDPH guidance on improving indoor air quality in schools Webpage | English PDF |  Spanish PDF
• DPH Best Practices for Gymnasium Ventilation to Reduce the Risk of COVID-19 - one page guide with checklist and diagram.
• CDC Ventilation in Buildings
• COVID-19 Vaccine
  • VaccinateLAcounty.com (English) and VacunateLosAngeles.com (Spanish) provide information on COVID-19 vaccines, including how to get the vaccine in Los Angeles County, vaccine safety, authorized vaccines, data, and information for providers.
  • For information regarding vaccine booster doses for students vaccinated outside the United States, see current CDC recommendations.
• Limit Exposures to Sick Persons
  • All IHE must have a have a way to communicate to students and staff that anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 and/or a positive COVID-19 test should not attend classes or other campus activities or not come to campus if they live off campus.
  • Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms should get tested for COVID-19 and isolate away from others, and follow COVID-19 Isolation guidance if they test positive.
• Guidance for Masks
  • ph.lacounty.gov/masks (English) and ph.lacounty.gov/mascarillas (Spanish) provide public health information on how to use face masks effectively. Refer to the Cal/OSHA Non-Emergency Regulations for masking requirements and recommendations in the workplace.
• Physical Distancing
  • Refer to the Cal/OSHA Non-Emergency Regulations for updates on physical distancing recommendations in the workplace.   
• Reduce Risk of COVID-19
  • ph.lacounty.gov/reducerisk (English) and ph.lacounty.gov/reduceriskspanish (Spanish) provide information to help people understand who is most at risk of getting infected and sick, which situations are riskier, and what steps to take to stay safe and slow the spread of COVID-19. For additional information, visit: Best Practices to Prevent COVID-19 for Businesses and Employers.
• Traveling During the COVID-19 Pandemic
  • This Los Angeles County Department of Public Health travel guidance provides up to date travel information during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Cleaning and Disinfection
  • It's important to ensure that cleaning practices in your facility are enough to prevent the spread of COVID-19. CDC’s When and How to Clean a Facility provides recommendations on the cleaning and disinfection of rooms or areas. These guidelines are focused on non-healthcare facilities such as schools, institutions, offices, daycare centers, businesses, and community centers that do not house persons overnight.
  • Please refer to the Guidance for IHE for additional information on cleaning and disinfection standards for IHE settings.

• Access to Healthcare Services
  • Families who need health insurance can learn about comprehensive free and low-cost health coverage on this DPSS website. Families who need help finding a doctor can call the 24/7 helpline at 2-1-1 or visit 211LA.org.
• Financial Aid During the COVID-19 Pandemic
• The State of California provides additional information about the state financial aid package and guidance at the California Student Aid Commission.
• LA County COVID-19 Supportive Services
  • LA County is committed to supporting our most vulnerable communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. Resources at covid19.lacounty.gov include programs for rental relief, food assistance, access to healthcare and other services.
• Information for Immigrants
  • The Los Angeles County Office of Immigrant Affairs provides answers to common questions about COVID-19 and guidance on testing and treatment services, available to all regardless of immigration status. If you have questions about immigration, visit oia.lacounty.gov or call 1-800-593-8222.

• COVID-19 Testing Guidance
  • For information on the basics of COVID-19 testing, including the different types of tests, when to test, and understanding test results, visit ph.lacounty.gov/covidtests.
• How to get free COVID-19 tests
  • For information on how to get free tests, including at-home kits and testing at LA County sponsored test sites, visit ph.lacounty.gov/covidtests/how.
• Testing requirements at work
  • For information about testing requirements for employers, including when they have to offer testing to employees at no cost and during paid time, see the Cal/OSHA Non-Emergency Regulations.

• College sports teams should follow the most recent NCAA COVID-19 guidelines
• COVID-19 vaccine resources
• COVID-19 Information
  • COVID-19: Reducing Risk
  • For up to date information, visit ph.lacounty.gov/Coronavirus

• Emotional Wellbeing During a Pandemic
  • The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH) supports the wellbeing of everyone of our communities. This COVID-19 information home provides mental health resources for LA County residents. LACDMH's 24/7 Help Line at (800) 854-7771 is available to provide mental health support, resources and referrals.
• Free iPrevail Access
  • LA County residents have free access to iPrevail.com, an online mental health resource to help with life's everyday stressors. After a short assessment, you are connected to customized support to meet your needs. Options include:
    • On-demand chat with trained Peer Coaches.
    • Self-paced lessons on a variety of topics to improve wellbeing.
    • Community support groups.
  iPrevail is offered in English and Spanish and is available 24/7 from any smart device.
• Coping with Stress - CDC webpage with resources for individuals