A Message from Chancellor Elliman

As I noted last week, CU Anschutz is continuing with a hybrid model, combining remote and in-person activity, with the majority of students, faculty and staff continuing to work and learn remotely. We are prioritizing your safety as we assess whether and when to return additional areas to campus.

At this time, we can expect the current state of campus operations to remain steady through at least December 31, 2020. This means sustaining limited on-campus research activity and required in-person educational requirements, and continuing to do all that we can remotely.

While no decisions have yet been made regarding spring 2021, we should be prepared to continue our current model into the new year, understanding that conditions continue to change rapidly and that we will know more as we get closer. Our team meets regularly to evaluate public health guidance and the data available to us to determine if a change in direction is warranted. 

Thank you for your understanding and flexibility, and for doing your part to stay safe and healthy. It is up to each of us to help keep #CUAnschutzTogether.

Sincerely,

Don Elliman

COVID-19 Dashboard

A new COVID-19 dashboard displays campus-level COVID-19 statistics related to symptomatic testing, new positive cases on campus, and 5-day averages of positive cases on campus. These numbers provide only a snapshot of conditions, and they are updated regularly. 

The CU Anschutz contact tracing team provides these data points and, in their investigation of more than 300 cases, they have so far not identified any infections that originated on our campus or any on-campus outbreaks (defined as two or more confirmed cases known to be linked). If you are at risk due to a potential exposure, or in the case of an outbreak on campus, you will be notified. The contact tracing team will follow up with every individual who may have been exposed. We will not publish the names of staff, students or faculty who may test positive.

As a reminder, please file a self-report if you meet any of the following conditions:

• you are experiencing COVID-19-like symptoms;
• you have been exposed to a confirmed COVID-19 case;
• you were recently tested for COVID-19 due to exposure or COVID-like symptoms; or
• you have tested positive.

Contact Cody Coburn, RN, Occupational Health Division Manager, at cody.coburn@cuanschutz.edu or 303-724-4663 with questions.

Update on Childcare & Elder Care Resources

We are working quickly to finalize new options for students, faculty and staff with needs for childcare and elder care services, and we remind you that numerous resources are in place for members of the CU community today. Visit the childcare and elder care webpage for area resources, including childcare, before- or after-school care, preschool and remote learning assistance.

Air Handling at CU Anschutz

The Facilities Management team is ensuring our buildings meet or exceed recommendations from the CDC for handling building air, including regular inspections that ensure fresh air ventilation in buildings, increased amounts of ventilation air in buildings, and more. Learn more about the measures in place.

Guided Meditation

The National Mental Health Innovation Center is hosting 5-minute “Mindful Moment” guided meditation exercises via Zoom every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 8 a.m. beginning September 1. Sessions will focus on stress management in response to COVID-19, and all students, faculty and staff are welcome. Register here.

Healthcare Worker Support Services

Numerous mental health services are available for healthcare providers and workers at no charge, including facilitated support groups, a Well-Being Support Line (303-724-2500; texting service begins 9/8), and a new Physician-to-Physician Support Line (303-724-1636, starting 9/8). Find additional resources here.

A new series for providers and staff in healthcare settings, called “Past the Pandemic,” focuses on coping and resilience building during COVID-19. The next eight-session series begins in early October, and you can learn more here.

Extended Library Hours

The Strauss Health Sciences Library has extended its hours to better serve our students. As of last Monday, the library is open seven days a week, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Please note that students wishing to study in groups are only allowed to do so in designated spaces, which are clearly marked with maximum numbers allowable. Mask requirements and physical distancing are in place. Details on library accessibility are online.

Campus Resources & Reminders

• The free ColoradoSPH, Denver Museum of Nature & Science and Institute for Science & Policy COVID-19 webinar series continues with “COVID-19 Aerosols and Airborne Transmission” on Monday, August 31.
• View the return to campus FAQ page for quick summaries of current guidance on masks, travel, screening, events and more. 
• Find mental health tools and resources on the Department of Psychiatry COVID-19 Support website.
• Keep up with Colorado’s latest guidance on the state’s COVID-19 website.