COVID-19 Cases on Campus

March 22, 2021

We have learned that two employees working at the CU Anschutz Medical Campus have tested positive for COVID-19. Both are receiving appropriate care in isolated environments, and all close contacts of both individuals have been notified directly per our policy.

These cases are confined to a single work unit and had close contact through their work activities; at this time, there is no indication of wider spread, and these cases did not involve our hospital partners. If you have not been contacted, you are not considered at risk of exposure.
 
As a reminder, Tri-County Health Department defines an outbreak as two or more cases that are presumed linked to a known exposure at a workplace, school or other facility. We report these cases to Tri-County, which posts them on their public tracking website.

Maintaining vigilance and adhering to safety protocols is as important now as ever for everyone, including those who have been fully vaccinated, and our on-campus safety protocols remain unchanged. Individuals are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after receiving the second dose of the two-dose Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, or two weeks after receiving the single-dose Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine.

Please remember that your choices impact not only your own health and safety, but also that of your friends, family, colleagues, and one another. Even once you have been fully vaccinated, please do your part by wearing a mask, keeping your distance, and staying home and self-reporting when you are sick.

Should You Become Sick

Reporting on COVID-19 exposure and testing is essential to our campus community. You must self-report your status if you fall into any of the following groups, even once you’ve been fully vaccinated:

• You are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, even after vaccination*.
• You have had prolonged contact in close proximity of 6 feet or less with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19, whether wearing masks or not, for a cumulative total of 15 minutes or more over a 24-hour period.
  • Healthcare providers who have had protected contact with COVID-19 patients while wearing respiratory PPE, such as N95 masks, do not need to self-report.
  • If you are fully vaccinated (2 doses of Moderna or Pfizer, or 1 dose of Johnson & Johnson/Janssen vaccine) AND 14 or more days have elapsed since your final dose, you may not need to quarantine after exposure to a known positive COVID-19 case. Self-report and the Contact Tracing team will follow up.
• You are under quarantine by direction of a public health agency or medical provider.
• You recently pursued testing for COVID-19 due to exposure or because you were experiencing COVID-like symptoms*.
• You must not be present on campus until your test results are received. You may work remotely if you are able, with supervisory approval, while awaiting your results.
• You have tested positive or are presumptively positive for COVID-19, and/or are in isolation.

After submitting your self-report, let your supervisor/unit head know and stay home until contacted with further instructions. Follow the recommendations of the CU Anschutz Contact Tracing Team, public health agency and/or medical provider.

Questions? Contact Cody Coburn, RN, Occupational Health Division Manager, at cody.coburn@cuanschutz.edu or 303-724-4663.

COVID-19 Testing

CU Anschutz employees and students, as well as household members including minors, have options for COVID-19 testing, depending on whether you: 

• have symptoms of COVID-19*
• have no symptoms of COVID-19*
• have been exposed (within 6 feet of COVID-positive individual for cumulative total of 15+ minutes over 24-hour period)

Mental Health & Wellness

We know this is an anxious time, and we will do everything we can to keep you informed. If you are experiencing undue stress, anxiety or fear about coronavirus, we are here for you.

• For our student community: if you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed, we know that this is a difficult time and want to ensure you are receiving support. Please continue to use the Case Management reporting information.
• Students can also contact the Campus Health Center to talk to a mental health professional or counselor at 303-724-4716 or SMHservice@ucdenver.edu. 
• Faculty and staff can call the Well-Being Support Line at 303-724-2500, or contact the Faculty and Staff Mental Health Clinic.

*COVID-19 symptoms: fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and/or diarrhea.