A message from the University of Oregon
A message from the University of Oregon
University of Oregon
COVID-19 Update
March 18, 2021  •   coronavirus.uoregon.edu

What You Need to Know

  • The Oregon Health Authority's guidance on COVID-19 is rapidly evolving, at the same time that the risk level in Lane County has improved twice in the last four weeks. We will provide details as we adjust our operations accordingly, while being deliberate in our planning, as the safety of our entire community remains our highest priority. Thank you for your patience as we work through the implications of these changes.

  • Under OHA's new reduced restrictions for outdoor recreation, UO Athletics will welcome athletes' families back to our outdoor venues in a limited capacity and following health and safety protocols. The university is evaluating how this new guidance might be applied to other aspects of outdoor activities on campus, including student activities, events, music, and dance.

  • The UO is exploring how the new guidance may impact commencement and how the university might be able to add an in-person activity to previously announced commencement plans. Students will be notified as soon as any new plans are confirmed.

  • The latest federal COVID-19 relief package, recently signed by President Biden, includes an estimated $43 million for the UO. At least half those funds will go directly to students as emergency grants.

Tip of the Week
COVID-19 Vaccine Myths
What are the side effects?

Featured FAQ

Does being vaccinated mean I no longer need to be tested for COVID-19?
A person who is vaccinated can still contract COVID-19, so vaccination status has no bearing on your need to be tested if you develop symptoms of the virus or on the community benefit of asymptomatic testing. According to the CDC, the COVID-19 vaccination works by teaching your immune system how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19, and this protects you from getting sick with COVID-19 or as sick as you might without the vaccine. The UO’s Monitoring and Assessment Program will continue to offer free COVID-19 asymptomatic testing opportunities for all UO employees, students, and Eugene/Springfield community members, regardless of their vaccination status.

Stethoscope icon

COVID-19 Cases

  • There were 11 members of the UO community who tested positive or were considered presumptive positive in the last seven days (March 11-17) as of 10:00 a.m. today. A total of 1,561 members of the UO community have tested positive for COVID-19 since reporting began. Case numbers are updated daily, Monday through Friday. In most cases, updates will be made by noon. But exceptions are possible when reporting is delayed.

  • The Oregon Health Authority reports 160,622 confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases in the state, 10,520 cases in Lane County, 32,545 in Multnomah County, and 1,751 in Coos County as of March 18.

Reminders

  • The UO is encouraging students to stay in Eugene. But if you must travel over spring break (or anytime), minimize your risk of contracting or spreading COVID-19 in these three easy steps:

    1. Before you travel: Check your destination state and city for any travel restrictions or requirements. Do not travel if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 and are in isolation, have experienced any COVID-19 symptoms in the past three days, have had contact with a confirmed case, or are in quarantine.

    2. Before you head back to Eugene: Schedule a test to take place 3-5 days after your return. Schedule with MAPNova Health, or other testing providers in Lane County.

    3. Upon return: Get tested and quarantine by yourself until you receive word of a negative test—that is, keep distance and wear your mask around others, including your roommate(s)—and watch yourself for symptoms. Students living in residence halls will continue to be tested weekly as spring term gets underway.
  • The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outline some general precautions to minimize the spread of respiratory diseases. 

  • Lane County has moved to Moderate Risk. At the UO, that means the Student Recreation Center and Housing dining facilities have increased capacity, and the Rec will still require reservations. Please check the Rec website before making plans.

  • The UO exposure scenarios webpage has been updated to provide quarantine guidance for those vaccinated and who have already tested positive for COVID-19, as well as to address a return to campus after experiencing a reaction to the vaccine.

In the News

Finding answers and hope for the community during the pandemic.
University of Oregon, 1585 E 13th Avenue, Eugene, OR 97403
Submit your questions or concerns here
You are being sent this message based on your affiliation with the University of Oregon.
Subscribe to our email list.