A message from the University of Oregon
A message from the University of Oregon
University of Oregon
COVID-19 Update
January 03, 2022  •   coronavirus.uoregon.edu

What You Need to Know

Welcome to Winter Term: Today the UO returns to in-person instruction and operations for winter term.

Delays or Disruptions: We recognize some students may experience delays related to travel or COVID-19 as they return for winter term. The mandatory first class attendance policy remains suspended for winter term. As outlined in the Academic Council expectations, instructors will provide flexibility. If you are not able to attend class, please notify your instructors. If you are delayed for COVID-19 related reasons, please visit the exposure scenarios and guidance on the Coronavirus Resources website for more information.

Safety Protocols: During winter term, the UO will continue to follow our existing safety approaches, including a high vaccination rate, required masks, and robust on-campus testing capacity, which have proven to be highly effective. We continue to monitor public health conditions and are prepared to adapt as needed to protect the university and greater community, as guided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Oregon Health Authority, and Lane County Public Health.
The full announcement along with more information about the UO’s layered approach to COVID-19 prevention and mitigation can be found on the Coronavirus Resources webpage.

For a safe and healthy start to winter term remember:
  • Masks are required indoors on campus regardless of vaccination status. Masks should fit snugly over nose and mouth. 
  • COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots are required for all UO students, faculty, and staff.
  • The booster shot requirement deadline is January 31 or 30 days after you become eligible. Details about the booster shot reporting process will be coming soon.
  • Before coming to campus monitor for symptoms outside your baseline. Stay home if sick.
  • Wash your hands often. Use hand sanitizer when handwashing is not possible. 
  • COVID-19 testing is available on campus through Monitoring and Assessment Program (MAP) and University Health Services (UHS). More information about testing options is below.
COVID-19 Testing Options:
  • Testing Options for Students with Symptoms: 
    • Students with mild viral symptoms who do not need a medical evaluation, can pick up a COVID-19 self-directed test kit through UHS. No appointments are needed to pick up these kits. Kits are available Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
    • Students with viral symptoms who are unsure whether they need a medical evaluation, can contact University Health Services at 541-346-2770 or their healthcare provider to determine if and where they should be tested. 
  • Asymptomatic Testing: MAP provides free COVID-19 testing to all UO students, UO employees, and members of the Lane County community not displaying symptoms. MAP is located at McArthur Court. The MAP schedule is released each Wednesday for the following week. Make appointments early to reserve your preferred time.
  • Additional Community Testing Resources: Lane County provides an extensive list of COVID-19 testing sites. Check with testing facilities to ensure they meet your test type and time frame requirements.  
Students wearing masks

Mask Reminders

Face coverings are required indoors in all UO facilities, including classrooms and offices, regardless of vaccination status.
Face coverings can be removed while actively eating or drinking. Face coverings must fully cover the nose and mouth. K95 and N95 masks are recommended but not required by UO policy.
Mesh masks, lace masks, and other face coverings with openings, valves, holes, vents, or other visible gaps in the design or material are not in compliance with this policy.

UO Vaccination Rates

Faculty and Staff: 95.3% 
Students: 96.8%
The vaccination rate is updated on the COVID-19 Safety Dashboard every Monday. All UO faculty, staff, and students are required to be fully vaccinated or submit a vaccine exemption and undergo weekly testing. UO vaccination rates are a key measure in becoming a "fully vaccinated" campus under CDC guidelines for higher education. 

Featured FAQ

Who is eligible for a booster shot? What if I am not yet eligible?
Individuals 12 and older are eligible to receive a booster:
  • At least six months after their second dose of a Pfizer or Moderna vaccine. For example, anyone who received their second dose on or before July 3, 2021, is now eligible for a booster.
  • At least two months after the initial dose of a Johnson and Johnson/Janssen vaccine. As of today, this would be on or before November 3, 2021.
  • The CDC provides additional booster shot guidance for vaccines received outside of the US.
Because initial vaccination doses become less effective over time, the CDC recommends boosters for those who are eligible to help reduce the likelihood of serious illness.
The CDC also states that individuals who have not yet reached booster eligibility still receive protection from their initial vaccine doses.
Stethoscope icon

COVID-19 Cases

UO: There were 26 members of the UO community who tested positive or were considered presumptive positive from December 20-26. From December 27-January 2 there were 134 cases. Additional case numbers will be updated through January 3 on the COVID-19 Case Tracking webpage.
OHA: State and county cases and trends are reported on the OHA COVID-19 data page. State and county vaccine distribution is reported on the OHA vaccination trends page.

Reminders

Employee Vaccination Reporting Reminder: Details about the booster shot reporting process will be coming soon.
The deadline for employees to verify their initial COVID-19 vaccination status or request an exemption is January 14. Employees who haven't already, should fill out this online form and upload a copy of their vaccine card or a medical or religious exemption form. Employees will need all required forms ready to be uploaded before they begin completing the online vaccination requirement form. 
Prevention: The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. The CDC outline some general precautions to minimize the spread of respiratory diseases. 
Person getting a vaccine
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