Chancellor’s Message, Boosters and Critical COVID-19 Guidance, Healthy & Happy Holidays, Congrats Fall Grads, Holiday Schedule, Academic Calendar, Food Pantry
December 22, 2021
Please check your CU Anschutz email and our website over the holidays for potential vaccine booster requirement details and campus updates as COVID-19 conditions continue to shift rapidly.
A MESSAGE FROM CHANCELLOR ELLIMAN
Omicron & Remote Work
We are seeing a clear rise in COVID-19 cases due to the omicron variant. In fact, the CDC has reported that 73% of cases in the U.S. are now due to omicron.Because of
the sharp rise in cases, we are recommending that all CU Anschutz
employees consider working remotely through January 9, if not already doing so, with your supervisor's approval. Students will receive separate guidance on any changes in plans from their school, college or program. With fewer individuals
on campus over the coming weeks, we lower our population density as conditions continue to evolve and more information becomes available.The CDC has issued guidelines detailing what to do if exposed to COVID-19. At this time, the CDC recommends that fully vaccinated
individuals get tested 5-7 days after exposure and wear a mask indoors in public for 14 days or until testing negative. The CDC does not stipulate quarantine after exposure for fully vaccinated individuals, unless they are showing symptoms, at this
time. Please familiarize yourself with current guidelines, and self-report if exposed, symptomatic or test positive.We will continue to monitor the data around transmission and severity of cases
linked to the omicron variant, and we will update you again via email no later than January 3, 2022.Please stay safe and healthy as we break for the holidays.Sincerely,
Don EllimanChancellor
CRITICAL COVID-19 GUIDANCE
- Please get your COVID-19 vaccine booster if you haven’t already.
- Ensure your information is updated in the vaccine verification system.
- Get tested as often as needed following exposure and/or onset of any symptoms.
- Follow all safety protocols while on campus, and please be safe in your gatherings and activities off campus.
BOOSTER SHOTS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED AS OMICRON SPREADS IN COLORADO
COVID-19 vaccine boosters provide added protection against waning immunity.With a spike of COVID-19 cases in Colorado anticipated over the next several weeks as the omicron variant continues to spread, we encourage you to schedule your vaccine booster shot.Without the booster, the vaccine’s effectiveness may be as low as 35%. A booster brings that level of effectiveness up to more than 75%.Coloradans who have received a COVID-19 vaccine booster are 47.5 times less likely to be hospitalized with COVID-19 than people who haven’t been vaccinated. Early studies have shown that booster doses of mRNA vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna) significantly improve the body’s ability to fight off omicron.Schedule your free COVID-19 booster shot today if you completed the two-dose Pfizer or Moderna vaccine series at least six months ago, or if you received the Johnson and Johnson vaccine at least two months ago. All Coloradans 16+ are eligible for boosters. Learn more.Boosters appointments are available through UCHealth My Health Connection, another medical provider or any vaccine provider.It is likely that our campus will soon mandate boosters, so get yours today to ensure you are protected and prepared.Already gotten your booster? Employees can now enter their booster details in the campus vaccine verification system. Log in here to add your booster information today. Ensure you are connected to the VPN if you are logging in from off campus.
VIGILANCE IS CRITICAL
As cases are rising in our communities and across our state, it remains critical that we follow the protocols that we know are our best protection against infection and spread:
- Get your booster shot as soon as possible.
- Take advantage of free COVID-19 testing for
yourself and your household members.
- More information will be coming soon with additional guidance on testing and reporting.
- Submit a self-report form if you have COVID-19 symptoms, test positive or may have been exposed, regardless of vaccination status.
- Observe campus safety protocols:
- Wear your mask in indoor campus spaces, including classrooms, conference rooms and common areas such as elevators, walkways and hallways.
- Reserve conference rooms in advance whenever possible, if not within your unit’s assigned space. Schedule in the EMS room reservation system
- Observe posted COVID capacities, in place to help ensure adequate physical distancing of 6+ feet in campus spaces.
- Take breaks and meals outdoors as weather permits or find a designated indoor space, keep 6+ feet from others, wear a mask when not eating or drinking, and limit unmasked time in these spaces.
- Don’t forget your flu shot. Appointments are available at the Campus Health Center by calling 303-724-6242. Find flu vaccines at other providers here. There’s no need to space out your COVID-19 booster and your flu shot.
SAFE HOLIDAYS: TRAVEL, GATHERINGS & TESTING
If you are traveling, ensure you know what protocols are in place at your destination. Follow CDC travel guidance and familiarize yourself with requirements of your airline or other mode of travel. Be prepared for uncertainty:
be ready if you are unable to return as planned or as public travel requirements or campus return protocols shift. Do not travel if you may be sick with COVID-19, or if you may have been exposed.You
are strongly encouraged to get tested for COVID-19 five days after
return from travel, and to monitor for symptoms. Consider getting tested
if you have been in the company of visitors or in large groups.
- You may return to campus while awaiting results, unless you are symptomatic or may have been exposed.
- Take advantage of the many free COVID-19 testing options available for yourself and your household members. Options include testing at numerous locations through our partner COVIDCheck Colorado, and free Binax over-the-counter at-home testing kits through the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
A SPECIAL HOLIDAY MESSAGE
Last week, Chancellor Elliman shared a special holiday message with our campus and community. Please enjoy this video, and peace and connection this holiday season.
CONGRATS FALL GRADUATES
This month, we celebrated the achievements of fall graduates of the Class of 2021 and welcomed them into our alumni community at special commencement ceremonies. As our graduates of the School of Dental Medicine, Graduate School, College of Nursing, Physical Therapy Program and Anesthesiologist Assistant Program go on to diverse healthcare careers, we recognize their many accomplishments.
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE, ACADEMIC CALENDAR & STUDENT RESOURCES
University operations at CU Anschutz are closed for the holidays Thursday, 12/23, Friday, 12/24 and Friday, 12/31/21.
Winter break has begun for students in our schools, college and programs. Find details on the academic calendars webpage.Student resources remain available throughout the holiday break, with the exception of university holidays.The Strauss Health Sciences Library will remain badge accessible over the holiday break, however the Service Desk will be closed on university holidays.
CAMPUS FOOD PANTRY SERVES STUDENTS, FACULTY & STAFF
The CU Anschutz Food Pantry serves all students, faculty and staff. You may visit for free food, hygiene items and pet supplies during open hours of 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. on weekdays (closed on CU Anschutz holidays).There are no restrictions on the number of visits or items taken. The food pantry is located in the University Police building; press the buzzer for access.
CAMPUS RESOURCES & REMINDERS
- Mental health resources are available on campus and off for members of the CU Anschutz community.
- Students: Have input or ideas for campus leadership? Share them using the CU Anschutz Listens form.
- Keep up with Colorado’s latest COVID-19 guidance.
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