COVID-19 UPDATE: Latest news and campus announcements

Here is the current information related to university operations and programs. The latest information is available on the UO Coronavirus webpage and FAQ page and the new Wildfire Resources page.

NEW:

  • The UO has launched two new caregiving resources—Care Provider Network and Shared Care Network—exclusively for the UO community in an effort to help faculty, staff, and students meet caregiving needs while balancing school and work responsibilities.
  • Starting September 27, Zoom will require every meeting to use either a passcode or a waiting room. If neither feature is enabled by that date, Zoom will enable a waiting room for your meetings. This applies to all UO faculty, staff, and GEs. Zoom passcodes are already enforced for UO students. If you add a passcode to an existing meeting, you’ll need to share that code with meeting participants. More information is available in Zoom’s FAQ about this change. See also UO’s guide to preventing Zoombombing.

    WILDFIRE RESPONSE:

    • The UO’s operational status has not changed due to the wildfires burning east of Eugene, though some activities and services have been affected by poor air quality. Visit the Wildfire Resources page for key messages and links to updates and resources. 

    REMINDERS:

    • Starting Friday, September 18, students in residence halls begin move-in and COVID-19 testing, as reported in Around the O.
    • Another Around the O story recognized the staff working behind the scenes to increase the UO’s COVD-19 testing capacity.
    • A recording of the University of Oregon virtual town hall for faculty and staff that took place Wednesday, September 16, can be viewed on the virtual town hall website.
    • A second mask distribution for University of Oregon employees is scheduled for September 21–25 from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Employees who have not already received their two face masks can check in at the Student Recreation Center reception desk. 
    • You can reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 by limiting the number of people with whom you are in close contact. Take the following precautions:  
      • Keep groups small and limited to only people you know.
      • Wear masks or cloth face coverings.  
      • Remember that exposure is defined as being within six feet of another for 15 minutes.
      • Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after touching common surfaces.
      • Don’t share drinks, vapes, or utensils.

    RESOURCES:

    GENERAL INFORMATION:

    • Two additional members of the UO community have tested positive or were considered presumptive positive, bringing the total to 57 cases since reporting began.
    • The Oregon Health Authority reports 29,850 confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases in the state, 890 cases in Lane County, 6,649 in Multnomah County, and 134 in Coos County on September 17.
    • The university continues to work in close coordination with the Oregon Health Authority and our companion institutions and agencies. Additional resources are available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Oregon Health Authority, and your health care provider.
    • As a reminder, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention outline some general precautions to minimize the spread of respiratory diseases.

    The UO is providing biweekly COVID-19 updates, on Mondays and Thursdays. Urgent information will be shared through direct emails.