Updating Campus Protocols with COVID-19 on Decline, 2-18-22

Dear students, faculty and staff,

We are pleased to see a continued decline in COVID-19 cases, test positivity and hospitalization rates in the Denver metro area and across our state. Given the current trajectory, we expect the positivity rate to drop considerably by the end of this month. Paired with the high level of vaccination among our students and employees ‒ and high levels of immunity among Coloradans at this time ‒ we feel the time is right to reassess our campus protocols.

As has been the case throughout the pandemic, we will continue to monitor COVID-19 data to determine the best ways to protect the safety of our campus. Should current trends change, we will need to once again reassess campus policies and practices.

Mask and Booster Requirements Lifted Starting February 28

Beginning Monday, February 28, the campus will no longer require vaccinated members of our campus community, including students and employees, to wear masks or physically distance while on our campus, except when in clinical environments as dictated by those clinical settings. Until February 28, masks remain required of everyone in indoor campus spaces. 

While the mask requirement will be lifted, we urge you to use caution and common sense on our campus, and to respect the choices of your colleagues and peers. Masks are an effective tool for protecting oneself and others from illness, and we encourage their continued use for those who prefer them or those who may be ill. Indeed, anyone may continue wearing a mask at their discretion should they so choose. Please consider wearing your mask when in the company of others who may wish to continue masking while together on campus. 

In addition, effective February 28, while COVID-19 boosters will be highly recommended, they will not be mandated. However, vaccinated individuals who have not received a COVID-19 booster will be required to continue to wear a mask and maintain physical distancing. Failure to do so may be grounds for discipline. Unvaccinated individuals with approved exemptions to the campus vaccination requirement must continue to wear a mask and observe physical distancing, as well as take part in the mandatory testing program. Completion of the daily health questionnaire will no longer be required.

As we prepare to make these changes, it is important to note that any unit, program or school is permitted to implement additional restrictions including but not limited to requiring boosters and/or masking to fit their particular circumstances and needs. This specifically includes the ability to require boosters and masking in the clinical setting.

Campus Protocols & Resources

In addition to lifting mask and booster requirements, pandemic-related restrictions on breaks and meals, as well as meetings, gatherings and events will be removed starting on Monday, February 28. Travel continues to be allowed for vaccinated individuals, with appropriate approvals.

Our self-reporting and testing resources continue to offer value to our students and employees, while also enabling us to monitor COVID-19 in our community. Remember to self-report your status if you develop COVID-19 symptoms, test positive or may have been exposed. Take advantage of free COVID-19 testing options, including testing at numerous COVIDCheck Colorado area locations.

Looking Ahead

As COVID-19  circumstances have changed over the course of the last two years, so too have our policies. While today the future looks bright, what comes next is far from certain and this pandemic is still with us.

We will continue to assess current data and public health guidance, and update you via email as needed. In addition, we will maintain our campus coronavirus website to keep our community informed.

Your cooperation and flexibility have helped make these changes possible. Thank you for continuing to do your part to keep #CUAnschutzTogether and moving forward.

Best,

Don Elliman

Chancellor