Ventilation Enhancements: Facilities Services has created a ventilation strategy taking into consideration the age and function of different buildings on campus. Staff has worked to maximize air exchange rates, optimize air filtration, and reduce contaminants. Portable air filtration units and HEPA filters also have been installed and all buildings are being monitored. Students and employees are encouraged to report indoor air quality concerns to UO Environmental Health and Safety.
Face coverings are currently required inside all UO buildings and outdoors if physical distancing isn't possible. There are some exceptions such as: while actively eating and drinking, in a student's own residence hall or family housing unit, and in shared residence hall restrooms. A fully vaccinated instructor who is at least 6 feet away from an audience can remove their mask as long as all others in the room are masked.
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) defines a close contact as someone who has been within six feet of a COVID-19 case for at least 15 cumulative minutes during their contagious period. This is an update to the initial definition, emphasizing that exposure can be cumulative, through a series of shorter-duration exposures, and does not have to be 15 consecutive minutes.
Close contact can include caring for, living with, visiting, or sitting within six feet of a confirmed COVID-19 patient for a cumulative 15 minutes or having direct contact with infectious secretions of a COVID-19 case (e.g., being coughed on). If you develop COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19, call your health care provider or University Health Services to determine if and where you should be tested for COVID-19.
COVID-19 Cases
UO: There were 46 members of the UO community who tested positive or were considered presumptive positive in the past seven days (September 28-October 3).
Free Testing: The university's Monitoring and Assessment Program (MAP) continues to offer free COVID-19 testing to asymptomatic members of the UO community and Lane County residents. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged, although walk-up testing is available. Check the website for dates and times.
Residence Hall Protocols:Students living in residence halls can find information on face coverings, isolation and quarantine, testing, and FAQs from University Housing.
Prevention: 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.
