Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that infect a variety of animal species. Bats, birds, camels, cats, and other animals are hosts to coronaviruses. They are also common causes of infection in people.

In humans, coronaviruses can cause mild to severe illness. For example, coronaviruses are one of the virus types that cause the common cold. A cold is generally a mild infection. In contrast, with COVID-19, the novel coronavirus causes severe illness and is responsible for millions of deaths.

A novel coronavirus is a newly identified virus that infects and causes illness in animals or people. The problem with any novel virus is the potential to spread through populations with little to no immunity to the virus.

Examples of other novel coronavirus outbreaks include severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV).

Complete daily health screening for symptoms of COVID-19. Please see Learn About Symptoms & What to Do If You are Sick (LACDPH). If you have symptoms of COVID-19 please call the Student Health Center or your primary physician, get tested for COVID-19, and follow isolation instructions.

• Keep in mind that masks are required indoors and in University vehicles unless you are alone. Masks are recommended in crowded outdoor settings. Information on masks is available at COVID-19: Masks.

Health Watch | Cal State LA and Return to Campus: Students | Cal State LA  provide the Cal State LA details you need on COVID-19.

For answers to common questions, visit Cal State LA COVID-19 FAQ.

In compliance with California State University policy, Cal State LA requires students to certify they are vaccinated with an approved vaccine or request a medical or religious exemption. Individuals who are not vaccinated or who have not submitted proof of vaccination are required to complete COVID-19 testing at least weekly.

For details, visit:

• COVID-19 Vaccination FAQ

• COVID-19 Student Self-Certification Instructions

Free COVID-19 testing is available to Cal State LA students. For details, visit COVID-19 Testing | Cal State LA.

COVID-19 Requirements

Students who have questions related to COVID-19 requirements can contact the:

• Cal State LA COVID-19 Hotline

  • Phone:323.343.3385 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.)

  • Email: [email protected]

• Office of the Dean of Students at [email protected]

COVID-19 Symptoms, Care and Quarantine Guidelines

Students who have questions related to COVID-19 symptoms, care and quarantine guidelines should contact the:

• Student Health Center: 323.343.3300

Basic Facts

Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 is the most important COVID-19 prevention step that can be taken. Vaccination helps protect vaccinated individuals, loved ones and the community.

Who Can Be Vaccinated?

Individuals ages 6 months and older are eligible for vaccination.

Resources on the Vaccines

• COVID-19 Vaccines: Frequently Asked Questions (LACDPH)

• LA County COVID-19 Vaccine (LACDPH) 

Resources for Vaccinated Individuals

• After You Get a Vaccine (LACDPH)

• When You've Been Fully Vaccinated (LACDPH)

• COVID-19 Info: Staying Safe in Los Angeles County
  • COVID-19: Masks
  • COVID-19: Reducing Risk
  • Steps for Handwashing
  • Cleaning in the Home

• Guidance for Exposure Management in Institutes of Higher Education (LACDPH)

• Learn About Symptoms and What to Do if You are Sick (LACDPH)

• 211 LA: Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Resources

• COVID-19 Scams & Fraud

• Department of Mental Health:​ Coronavirus/COVID-19 Mental Health Resources

• Office of Immigrant Affairs: Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates

Please call the Student Health Center (323.343.3300) or your primary care physician, get tested for COVID-19, and follow isolation instructions.

If the Student Health Center and/or your primary care physician is not available and you need immediate medical advice please go to the nearest Urgent Care or Emergency Room or call 911.

Please call the Student Health Center (323.343.3300) or your primary care physician for quarantine guidelines and symptom monitoring.

If the Student Health Center and/or your primary care physician is not available and you need immediate medical advice please go to the nearest Urgent Care or Emergency Room.

• Reduce Your Risk of COVID-19 (LACDPH)

• Reducing the Risk of COVID-19 (LACDPH)

Travel increases the risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. As such, individuals who are not fully vaccinated should avoid non-essential travel (Travel Advisory and Guidance - LACDPH).

Individuals who are fully vaccinated should take all necessary precautions to reduce COVID-19 risk before, during and after travel, including following local home and destination public health orders and guidance.

Note: Individuals who have COVID-19 symptoms, have recently tested positive for COVID-19 or are waiting for COVID-19 test results should not travel.

This is a very challenging time. The following resources offer suggestions for managing stress:

• Coping with Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks that Require Social Distancing (Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health)

• Coping with the Loss of a Loved One (LACDPH)

Additional resources are available at:

• 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Helpline at 800.273.8255

• LA County Department of Mental Health at 800.854.7771
  • Coronavirus/COVID-19 Mental Health Resources

• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

• FindTreatment.gov: 800.662.HELP (800.662.4357) | TTY: 800.487.4889