Vigilance Amid COVID-19, Travel, Federal Vaccine Documentation Mandate, Boosters, Testing & COVID-19 Policy

December 7, 2021

Staying Vigilant Amid COVID-19

As Chancellor Elliman shared before the Thanksgiving break, now is a critical time to remain vigilant and take the precautions we know work to keep ourselves and one another healthy. 

With the arrival of the omicron variant in the United States last week, including the first known case in Colorado, circumstances are once again changing quickly and there are many questions yet to answer.

Read a Q&A with one of our own experts highlighting common questions about the omicron variant.

Campus leadership is carefully monitoring conditions in our state and our community - continuing to follow the latest science and set a high bar for campus safety protocols. While now is not a time to panic, it is a time to do all we can to protect ourselves and one another:

• Get your booster shot as soon as possible. All Coloradans 18+ are eligible. Details below.
• 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.
• Take advantage of free COVID-19 testing for yourself and your household members. Details below.
• 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.

Travel

Find current travel guidance and other campus protocols on the return to campus webpage.

Employees: U.S. Executive Order Requires Vaccine Documentation

Tomorrow, CU Anschutz employees will receive an email from Chancellor Elliman outlining a new federal requirement for vaccine documentation, due to U.S. Executive Order 14042 on COVID-19 safety precautions. Because our campus completed our own vaccine verification process earlier this fall, we now just need to document that verification in a way that meets the new federal requirement. 

Please take action quickly to document your COVID-19 vaccination status when you receive the email tomorrow. Our campus risks losing federal funding if we do not comply with these new federal requirements, and your documentation will help bring us quickly into compliance.

Get Your COVID-19 Booster: Available Now for Coloradans 18+

COVID-19 boosters are now available at no cost to all Coloradans 18 and older six months or more after the initial Pfizer or Moderna vaccine series, or two months after receiving the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

Schedule your booster today through UCHealth My Health Connection, another medical provider or any vaccine provider.

Free COVID-19 Testing for Students, Employees & Household Members

Free COVID-19 tests are available for yourself and your household members.

• Through our partnership with COVIDCheck Colorado, testing is available at numerous area locations. 
• Free Binax over-the-counter test kits are available through CDPHE’s Rapid At-Home Testing Program.
• UCHealth offers testing by appointment at many locations. 
• Children’s Hospital Colorado offers testing for kids, teens and their caregivers by appointment.
• More than 100 free community testing sites across Colorado offer free testing without an appointment.

Those enrolled in CU Anschutz’s mandatory weekly COVID-19 testing program must schedule at designated area locations using the link sent via email from COVIDCheck Colorado (Support@Primary.Health). Test results from locations other than those specified as part of the mandatory testing program, including rapid test results, are not accepted. Questions? Contact vaccine@cuanschutz.edu.

CU Anschutz COVID-19 Vaccination Policy Reminder

The University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus COVID-19 vaccination policy was revised on September 24, 2021, due to rising numbers of infections and hospitalizations in the state of Colorado. The policy requires all members of the campus community to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

The campus administration is currently in the process of re-evaluating all employee requests for accommodation of their religious beliefs in accordance with the September 24 policy. The policy does not permit religious accommodations for students and other non-employees. Medical accommodations may be granted under the Americans with Disabilities Act if the vaccination is absolutely contraindicated due to other medical conditions.

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.