Dear University of Oregon community members,
Once again, we find ourselves in a state of rapid change due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the pandemic enters this new phase, the University of Oregon will continue to rely on science and recommendations from the public health authority as we make decisions.
This week, the Oregon Health Authority announced it will lift the statewide mask mandate no later than Saturday, March 12. Based on discussions with the local public health authority and recently updated Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance, the UO will maintain its indoor mask requirement through FridayMarch 18. Beginning Saturday, March 19, masks will be welcome but optional at the UO with some exceptions, such as in health care settings, and as otherwise required by law.
There are a lot of perspectives about wearing masks. We recognize that some people may not be ready to stop wearing them while others are eager to do so. Everyone has the personal choice to continue to wear a mask as an effective strategy to protect themselves and we ask that everyone respect that choice. Individuals who are not up to date on COVID-19 vaccines are strongly encouraged to follow the CDC recommendations to continue wearing a mask.
We encourage everyone to continue to use personal preventative strategies to protect themselves from COVID-19. These include:
- Being up to date on COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccines are one of the most effective tools to protect against severe illness and hospitalizations.
- Wearing a mask if you are not up to date on your vaccines, and as recommended by the CDC or your health care provider.
- Monitoring yourself for symptoms and staying home when sick.
- Getting tested.
- Washing your hands often.
The university will continue to offer faculty, staff, and students COVID-19 resources including:
For spring term, we plan to follow CDC guidelines in consultation with the local public health authority. At this time, there will be no changes to the required testing program.
Please continue to be compassionate and respectful of personal decisions regarding masking. Thank you for the resilience, caution, and care you have demonstrated for the last two years.
Sincerely,
André Le Duc
Chief Resilience Officer
Associate Vice President for Safety and Risk Services
