COVID-19 & the CU Anschutz Community

April 23, 2021

Return to Campus Planning

Planning is well underway for the fall, and we continue to watch COVID-19 case numbers and vaccination progress closely in the hope of moving toward more normal operations soon. 

We will update you on or around April 30 on what to expect as we look ahead to a phased return to campus. This will include guidance on events and travel, campus operations and services, safety protocols, timelines and more. 

For now, our hybrid model continues, with limited expansion of in-person activities occurring in June and beyond. Recent updates are below, and we will provide ample notice of additional changes as planning progresses.

• Vaccination Outlook: CU Anschutz will likely ask that all students and employees be fully vaccinated following FDA approval of the currently available COVID-19 vaccines. As an academic medical campus spanning education, research and clinical care, it is particularly important that our community members lead by example. Should this be implemented, appropriate medical or religious exemptions will be allowed.
• Travel: The suspension of domestic university-sponsored travel will be lifted June 1 for those fully vaccinated. Read more here.
• Safety Protocols: Existing on-campus safety protocols remain in effect for everyone, including those fully vaccinated. These include wearing a mask at all times, unless outdoors and able to keep 6 feet or more from others, as well as completing the daily health questionnaire, physical distancing, self-reporting and staying home when sick. 

Campus POD Vaccinates Thousands

The on-campus vaccine point of distribution (POD) successfully vaccinated 4,173 people with their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine over the course of a very busy couple of weeks. The team begins administering second doses to those individuals tomorrow. Setting up the POD was a massive undertaking, and we have many to thank for making a positive impact in the vaccination effort.

Read about the team that made the CU Anschutz POD possible, and some of the students, staff and volunteers who are keeping it running in “Big Shot in the Arm” in the CU Anschutz Newsroom. 

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.

Colorado Vaccination Sites

You are encouraged to get the COVID-19 vaccine at your earliest opportunity to do so. 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. Children’s Hospital Colorado is also offering vaccinations to those 16 and older.

Details on additional Colorado vaccination sites are available here, including drive-up and walk-up options at several community locations.

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

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.