COVID-19 & the CU Anschutz Community

February 5, 2021

A Message from Chancellor Elliman

Masks and Daily Check In Required, Even After Vaccination

While increasing numbers of Coloradans are starting to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, including members of our campus community, the vast majority have not. We know the vaccines protect against illness, but it is not yet known whether they protect against transmission, so continued mask wearing, physical distancing and self-reporting are required.

On campus, existing safety, check-in and screening protocols apply to everyone, regardless of vaccination status. All of us must adhere to established protocols while the vaccination process unfolds over the coming months.

You will begin to see reminders on campus and in our communications channels like the one below.

I urge you to remain vigilant, lead by example and do your part to keep #CUAnschutzTogether.

Don Elliman

Chancellor

Vaccinating 65+ Starting February 8

This week’s vaccine update detailed changes to the state’s Phase 1 vaccine distribution. Coloradans ages 65 to 69, as well as preK-12 educators and child care workers, become eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine February 8 as part of Phase 1B.2.

While CU Anschutz non-patient-facing faculty, academic, administrative and research staff are not currently part of group 1B.2, we are actively advocating for expansion of state criteria. Details for Phase 1B.3 are forthcoming, and the state currently estimates expanding to this group in early March.

You are encouraged to get the COVID-19 vaccine at your earliest opportunity to do so once eligible. One way to get the vaccine may be through UCHealth. Make sure you have a My Health Connection account, or set one up, using the button below. This ensures you are set up for email notification of vaccination options when available through the UCHealth system.

Find information on how to access vaccines through other providers here.

Remember, on-campus safety and screening protocols remain in place, even for those who have been vaccinated.

We all must continue to wear masks, keep our distance and stay home when sick.

Even if fully vaccinated, you must self-report if you meet any of the following criteria. The Contact Tracing team will follow up with guidance and support.

• You feel sick at any time, even right after vaccination, or develop COVID-19-like symptoms.
• You may have been exposed. 
• You test positive for COVID-19.

Learn more about when to self-report.

Exposure & Quarantine After Vaccination

New CDPHE guidelines stipulate that for those who have received both doses of the current COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna or Pfizer) AND for whom 14 or more days have passed since they received their second dose, quarantine after exposure to a known positive COVID-19 case may no longer be necessary.

At CU Anschutz, a process is in place to determine whether and for how long those exposed may need to quarantine. You must self-report your status and speak to a member of the Contact Tracing team for individualized guidance and support.

For those who have received both doses of vaccine but for whom fewer than 14 days have passed since the second dose was received, and for those exposed after only one dose of the vaccine, standard quarantine guidance applies. 
Anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 is still required to isolate for 10 days, regardless of COVID-19 vaccination status.

In all cases, if feeling sick, symptomatic, exposed or test positive, please self-report your status. The Contact Tracing team will follow up with guidance and support appropriate to your particular situation.

Travel Considerations

While vaccinations are underway around the U.S. and abroad, CU Anschutz travel guidance remains the same for all members of our community, including those who have received the COVID-19 vaccine. All non-essential university-related travel remains suspended.

If you do choose to travel, ensure you are informed about the latest travel and testing requirements (detailed here by the CDC), and plan to work or learn remotely for 14 days following your return if at all possible. We understand staying home post-travel may not be possible in every situation. 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.

Student Town Hall: COVID-19 Updates

A virtual town hall for students co-sponsored by CU Anschutz Student Senate and CU Anschutz Student Affairs featured campus leaders discussing the current state of the virus, the university’s response to COVID-19 and the work being done to keep our campus community safe.

Community Town Hall: "Real Talk" for Black & Brown Communities

More than 600 people joined the first “Real Talk” Community Town Hall, hosted by the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Community Engagement, which highlighted skepticism about the COVID-19 vaccine. More information to come on part two of this popular virtual event.

Reminder: Annual Evaluations to be Conducted Virtually

Annual faculty and university staff evaluation meetings for the period that ended December 31, 2020, must be held via Zoom or another virtual platform to align with our current campus operational status and safety protocols. As with all campus activity, anything that can be done remotely should continue to be done remotely.

Employees cannot be required to come to campus for an evaluation meeting. In the rare instances in which both faculty or staff member and supervisor are already approved for on-campus work activity, in-person evaluation sessions may be considered. Contact your HR business partner with questions.

Free COVID-19 Tests for Yourself & Your Household

COVID-19 testing is available at no cost to you or your household members through March 31. Learn more and schedule your test here.

Remember to self-report your status if you have COVID-19 symptoms, test positive or may have been exposed, even once you’ve been vaccinated.

Campus Resources & Reminders

• YOU@CU Anschutz offers confidential, personalized resources on mental health, wellness, stress management and more.
• The free COVID-19 in Colorado webinar series continues with “COVID-19 Variants & Mutations” 2/10 at 8:30 a.m.
• Keep up with Colorado’s latest COVID-19 guidance.