In-Person Activity Jan. 24, Masks, Boosters, Care@Work by Care.com

January 18, 2022

In-Person Working & Learning May Resume January 24

If not already specified by your school or unit, in-person working and learning may resume next Monday, January 24, provided COVID-19 conditions remain stable. Check with your supervisor or unit head with questions. Non-essential administrative employees should continue to work with their supervisors to determine an appropriate schedule.

Meetings, gatherings and events: In-person meetings, gatherings and events ‒ on campus or off campus ‒ may resume starting January 24, provided all participants wear masks and maintain 6+ feet of distance between themselves and others. Remote/virtual options must be provided for in-person meetings and events. Please follow established campus protocols for events, gatherings and activities.

Parking on campus returns to standard operations beginning January 24, with permitted lots accessible only to those with active permit parking. Visitor lots are available at hourly and daily rates.

Campus Reminders:

• Follow established protocols on campus including wearing a mask indoors and physical distancing. Read about masks below.
• Clinical faculty and staff should continue to follow university policies when working at CU Anschutz facilities, and follow the policies of the clinical site while working at their clinical sites of practice.
• When taking breaks or meals indoors, find a designated space, keep 6+ feet from others, limit unmasked time in these spaces, and mask between bites of food and sips of beverages. Take breaks and meals outdoors, or in your vehicle, when weather permits.
• Take advantage of free COVID-19 testing. COVIDCheck Colorado operates numerous area locations, with expanded availability at locations including the APS Professional Learning and Conference Center, located only three miles from campus. Order free COVID-19 home tests  through the USPS.
• Self-report your status if you develop symptoms, test positive, or may have been exposed. If you have problems submitting the form, contact covid.team@cuanschutz.edu. If you are fully remote, there is no need to self-report at this time.

How to Mask Up Effectively

Wearing a mask or face covering is one of the simplest actions you can take every day to prevent the spread of COVID-19. On campus, masks are required indoors.

The CDC recommends that you wear the most protective mask you can that fits well and that you will wear consistently. A well-fitting, high-quality mask is important for good protection.

Mask Type

• Respirators such as KN95s and N95s offer the highest level of protection. N95s are still difficult to find and there are many counterfeits; if you purchase N95s, check that they are NIOSH-approved and that the approved model matches the make and model purchased. Purchase from a reputable source.
• Surgical masks, or procedure masks, are made to healthcare standards. Be aware that many retail “face masks” are made to look like surgical masks but may not be of the same quality; look for an ASTM 3502 approval rating (ASTM level 1 is good, level 2 is better, level 3 is best).
• Other good options include well-fitting multi-layered or filtered cloth or disposable masks.
• Masks and face coverings to avoid include single-layer masks, masks with exhalation valves and face coverings that do not fit snugly.
• It’s important to keep your mask clean. Check standards of care for your choice of mask, as these differ by mask type.

Mask Fit

• Ensure a snug fit. Your mask should seal to the surface of your skin and fully cover your face ‒ across the cheekbones, nose bridge and chin.
• Make sure there are no gaps between your face and your mask, where respiratory droplets could get through.
• Find the best fit for your face. Fit differs for everyone, so you may need to try different mask types to find the best fit.

Boosters Required Starting January 24

COVID-19 booster shots are required for all students, faculty and staff beginning Monday, January 24. 

Students and employees must record booster information in the CU Anschutz vaccine verification system. Instructions and more information are on the vaccine information webpage.

Eligibility & Exemptions

• Eligibility timing differs based on when you received your final dose of your initial vaccine. Follow CDC booster guidelines - currently 5 months after Moderna or Pfizer, and 2 months after Johnson & Johnson. If you received another vaccine or participated in vaccine clinical trials, check with your provider on booster eligibility.
• If you are not yet eligible, you will be required to get the booster within one month of eligibility.
• If you are ill with COVID-19 or if you have been advised not to get a booster for a period of time, please contact our contact tracing team at vaccine@cuanschutz.edu so we can note your delayed eligibility.
• If you have previously been ill with COVID-19 and recovered, you are subject to the booster requirement. The CDC does not recommend deferring vaccination or booster based on infection beyond the period of isolation or as symptoms are resolved.
• If you previously filed for and were granted an exemption to the CU Anschutz vaccine requirement, you do not need to submit another exemption request for the booster and no further action is required at this time. Religious exemptions are not available for students, per CU Anschutz COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.
• If you completed your initial vaccine and have concerns about receiving a booster, contact vaccine@cuanschutz.edu.

How to Get Your Booster Shot

If you have not received a COVID-19 booster shot, schedule your free shot today through UCHealth My Health Connection or any vaccine provider.

Care@Work by Care.com Family Care Program

As announced in September, the Care@Work by Care.com family care subscription program initiated in fall 2021 has been extended for another year. The program helps members of our campus community find care for their families, while balancing professional and personal demands.

Premium Care.com subscription membership and subsidized backup are available to benefits-eligible CU Anschutz and consolidated and administrative services (CSA/ASA) employees who are 0.5 FTE and above.

Enrolling is simple, and existing members need take no further action to sustain their enrollment for 2021-2022.

Campus Resources & Reminders

• Mental health resources are available on campus and off for members of the CU Anschutz community.
• The CU Anschutz Food Pantry serves all students and employees 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. on weekdays.
• Keep up with Colorado’s latest COVID-19 guidance.