COVID-19 & the CU Anschutz Community

April 16, 2021

A Message From Chancellor Elliman

Transition in Colorado's COVID-19 Response

As of today, the State of Colorado and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment turn over much of our state’s COVID-19 response to local public health authorities - in our case, Tri-County Health Department, which has issued two public health orders effective through May 15.

While Governor Polis notes that the shift to local control enables counties to be nimble as Colorado makes continued progress, he also cautions that our state is in a fourth wave of infection, and that masks and physical distancing remain crucial as increasing numbers of Coloradans get the vaccine.

At CU Anschutz, we continue to set a high bar to sustain the health of our community, and our existing on-campus safety protocols remain in effect for everyone, including those fully vaccinated. Please continue to wear a mask at all times, unless you are outdoors and able to safely keep 6 feet or more from others. Complete the daily health questionnaire, keep your distance, and self-report and stay home when sick. 

We announced last week that university-sponsored travel will become a possibility again starting June 1 for those fully vaccinated, and we remain hopeful that we will be able to take additional steps toward more normal operations soon. We will continue to watch case numbers closely over the coming weeks, and we expect to provide another update on travel, safety protocols and return to campus planning on or around April 30.

Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping CU Anschutz moving forward.

Don Elliman

Chancellor

Vaccines & CU Anschutz

CU Anschutz Vaccine POD

The university has now completed all available first doses of our limited supply of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at our on-campus point of distribution (POD) located in Ed 2 South.

• Those who received their first dose at the POD will begin receiving their second doses beginning next week. It is important to note that our POD is prohibited from administering the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to anyone who received their first dose at another Colorado location.
• All CU Anschutz students, faculty and staff have now been invited to schedule vaccination at either a hospital partner or the on-campus POD. If you are in need of a vaccine appointment, please see details on scheduling through UCHealth and additional Colorado vaccination sites below.

Additional Vaccination Sites

You are encouraged to get the COVID-19 vaccine at your earliest opportunity to do so. All Coloradans age 16 and older are now eligible. 

Colorado residents age 18 and older may self-schedule vaccination appointments online with UCHealth now, and those 16 and older will be able to schedule starting May 3. 

Details on additional Colorado vaccination sites are available here.

With multiple COVID-19 vaccination clinics occurring across campus, please confirm your appointment location ahead of time - whether that is the CU Anschutz on-campus site in Ed 2 South, Children’s Hospital Colorado or UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital site in the Bruce Schroffel Auditorium. Please refer to your appointment confirmation from the location at which you are scheduled for details and day-of information.  

Remember to continue following safety protocols, even once vaccinated. Wear a mask, keep your distance, and stay home and self-report when sick.

A Story of Cross-Campus Collaboration

Setting up and rolling out the on-campus vaccine POD was a massive effort, and we have many to thank for making this option a reality for our campus community. Read about the planning that made the POD possible, and some of the students, staff and volunteers keeping it running smoothly in “Big Shot in the Arm” in the CU Anschutz Newsroom.

Campus Resources & Reminders

• No-cost COVID-19 testing is available to CU Anschutz employees and students, and household members including minors age 2+.
• The Mindful Moment meditation series continues with guided sessions on Mondays at noon, and Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 7:50 a.m.
• Students can share input and ideas with university leadership with the CU Anschutz Listens form.
• Keep up with Colorado’s latest COVID-19 guidance.