COVID-19 & the CU Anschutz Community

December 18, 2020

Our next Campus COVID-19 Weekly Update will be scheduled for Friday, 1/8/21, as CU Anschutz is closed for the holidays 12/24, 12/25 and 1/1/21. 

A Message From Chancellor Elliman

Happy, Healthy Holidays

While this holiday season looks a little different from years past, it represents an opportunity to look back at our accomplishments and look ahead to what is next. This is an especially fitting time to reflect on all that you have made possible, despite tremendously challenging circumstances. It is also a time to look to our bright future and strengthen our resolve as a new year draws near.

As we prepare to break for the holidays, I urge you once again to take every precaution.  Weigh the pros and cons of planned activities, and consider celebrating in new ways this year. 

Remember that free COVID-19 testing is available, and be sure to self-report your status if you develop symptoms, test positive or may have been exposed, while at home or away.

It is by doing the right thing now that we will be able to ring in a healthy and productive 2021 together. 

Please enjoy the holidays and celebrate safely.

Thank you for keeping #CUAnschutzTogether.

Don Elliman

Chancellor

P.S. This week, we shared a special holiday concert from talented members of our campus choir and orchestra. Enjoy a moment of peace, gratitude and harmony this holiday season.

Safe Holidays: Travel, Gatherings & Testing

• If you do choose to travel, please plan to work or learn remotely for 14 days following your return if at all possible. We understand that staying home post-travel may not be possible in every situation or every schedule. Please adhere to these guidelines as closely as you are able, and contact your supervisor/unit head or faculty/dean of students for one-on-one assistance.

• Consider getting tested before and after travel, or if you participated in any gatherings, indoors or outdoors. 
  • Testing is free through at least 12/31, and CU Anschutz is working with COVIDCheck Colorado to continue the program into 2021. Testing through CU Anschutz Environmental Health & Safety will remain free and in place into the new year.
  • Schedule your free COVID-19 test here.
• If you develop COVID-19 symptoms or believe you may have been exposed (6 feet or less of COVID-positive individual for a cumulative total of 15+ minutes in 24-hour period), or are unsure if you were exposed, self-report.
• If you receive a positive test result, even while away from campus or out of state, self-report.
• If unsure whether to self-report, please follow this guide.
• The CU Anschutz Contact Tracing team follows up with every individual who self-reports their status, to provide guidance and support. 

Do Your Part

No matter what your holiday plans are this year, please ensure you are taking steps to protect yourself and others. Wear a mask. Wash your hands frequently. Keep your distance. Avoid gathering with anyone outside your household. Stay home when you are sick.

Holiday Schedule & Modified Academic Calendars

University operations at CU Anschutz are closed for the holidays Thursday, 12/24, Friday, 12/25 and Friday, 1/1/21.

Holiday hours are in place at campus check-in and screening locations starting 12/21, and details are on the coronavirus website, the campus map and posted signage. You must complete the daily health questionnaire during after-hours self-check-in.

Modified academic schedules are in place in our schools, college and programs. Find details on the academic calendars webpage.

Modified hours will be in place at the Strauss Health Sciences Library, which will close at 12 p.m.on Wednesday, 12/23, and remain closed through Friday, 12/25; the library will also close at 12 p.m. on Thursday, 12/31, and remain closed through Friday, 1/1/21.

Campus Food Pantry Now Serves Students, Faculty & Staff

The CU Anschutz Food Pantry reopens Monday, 12/21. Students, faculty and staff 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 number of visits or items taken. Visitors must complete the daily health questionnaire and go through screening at a campus check-in location before making their way to the pantry, located in the University Police building. 

Vaccine Task Force Groups

As COVID-19 vaccines begin to arrive in Colorado, CU Anschutz is building a team and strategy around vaccine distribution, in partnership with UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital and Children’s Hospital Colorado, as well as CDPHE and Tri-County Health Department. As part of this effort, our campus is creating vaccine task force groups to help guide planning and implementation. More information will be shared as these groups are formed and plans evolve. Keep up with the State of Colorado’s vaccine plans here.

Campus Resources & Reminders

• Opt in and add your phone to Colorado exposure notifications, to help protect yourself and stop the spread of COVID-19.
• You can still get your flu shot! Call the Campus Health Center at 303-724-6242 to schedule an appointment or find another vaccine location.
• Mental health tools and resources are available to help you through these turbulent times.
• Keep up with Colorado’s latest COVID-19 guidance.