Update on Research Activities

December 22, 2021

Dear Research Community Colleagues,

All of us have been watching the developments with the omicron COVID-19 variant closely. Please review the related campuswide announcements, including the Chancellor’s announcement this afternoon. 

We are committed to doing everything we can to sustain current operations. We know that, in addition to vaccination, masking and distancing, getting a COVID-19 booster is an essential step in protecting ourselves and one another. All Coloradans 16+ are now eligible.  We strongly recommend scheduling a booster vaccination.  

Today’s COVID-19 update noted that those able to work remotely should do so through January 9, with supervisory approval. Please reach out to your supervisor/unit head with questions about your personal work arrangements. The Chancellor’s update also outlined critical guidance on boosters, vaccine verification, testing and more. Please review those reminders, as well as the research-specific updates below.

Laboratory Research

• Wear masks in the laboratory setting at all times unless working alone in a completely enclosed workspace (with a ceiling, four walls and a closed door). 
• Continue to follow established protocols for physical distancing and masking at all times while on campus. 
• Move lab meetings and other meetings to a remote format. 
• Come to campus only to perform work that must be done in person (e.g. bench work) and perform other work remotely when possible (e.g. data analysis).

Clinical Research

• Currently, there are no campuswide changes to clinical research activities. CU Anschutz, UCHealth, and Children’s Hospital Colorado research administrations are coordinating on the current situation and monitoring it together.
• Ask that faculty and staff members only come to campus to perform work that must be done in person and conduct all other work remotely when possible. This should be coordinated with your supervisor based on individual circumstances.

Community Research

• Currently, there are no changes to community research activities. Please follow and apply our general campus recommendations to your research setting.

As noted, information on the omicron variant is developing quickly. We are following this situation closely and will update you via email with any changes. Please monitor your CU Anschutz inbox and carefully review campuswide updates and announcements as conditions continue to change. For the latest information on COVID-19 and our campus community, visit the campus coronavirus website.
 
I recognize that it has taken a tremendous effort to work under the conditions of the pandemic since March 2020, and I am confident that, together, we will address any new challenges that may arise. I greatly appreciate your continued dedication and spirit of collaboration as we navigate this evolving situation as a research community.

Sincerely,

Thomas Flaig, MD
Vice Chancellor for Research
University of Colorado Denver | Anschutz Medical Campus