COVID-19 UPDATE: Latest news and campus announcements

Twitter Facebook

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

NEW:

  • Following this week’s announcement that winter term will be a mix of remote, online, and in-person classes, initial class registration for continuing students has been pushed back and will begin on November 23. The winter term class schedule is set for release on November 16. When registering, students should be aware of each class’s mode of delivery.
  • President Schill and Provost Phillips announced an expansion in the COVID-19 testing capacity of the university’s in-house Monitoring and Assessment Program (MAP). With a ramped-up testing capacity of about 4,000 tests per week, MAP plans to accommodate additional voluntary testing for some groups of UO employees and students, including students living off campus and employees whose work requires them to be on campus.
  • In order to encourage student reporting of COVID-19 health and safety concerns, the Office of the Dean of Students has made an addition to its Responsible Action Protocol. The office will not bring Student Conduct Code action against students or student groups based on information they provide when reporting their own or others' symptoms, cooperating with contact tracing via the Corona Corps or Lane County Public Health, or about people following isolation or quarantine recommendations.
  • A new remote First-Year Experience Community provides all new first-year and transfer students with a year-long course that will guide them through resources, activities, and discussions designed to help students make connections and achieve success in their first year at the University of Oregon. Modules include: College During COVID, Remote Learning, and Emotional Wellness.

REMINDERS: 

  • Where can students get tested? University of Oregon students in Lane County can be tested for COVID-19 through University Health Services on campus, their regular health care provider, and many testing facilities around town. Lane County Public Health provides information on known testing facilities and community testing. Additional information about where to go for COVID-19 testing and how your costs might be covered is in the Frequently Asked Questions section of the university’s testing page.
  • How do contact tracers use my info? If you are contacted by a contact tracer, you will help protect the community by engaging. Your privacy will be protected, and non-identifiable information will only be shared as necessary for public health. Learn more about the how the Corona Corps are assisting Lane County Public Health in their contact tracing work and in offering support and services to people with the virus.
  • How can I reduce my risk of contracting COVID-19?
    • 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.
  • What should I do if I test positive or think I’ve been exposed to COVID-19? Review the COVID-19 exposure scenarios and guidance for students and employees and contact the Corona Corps Care Team at 541-346-2292 or coronacorps@uoregon.edu for additional guidance and resources. 

RESOURCES:

GENERAL INFORMATION:

  • Fifty-two members of the UO community tested positive or were considered presumptive positive for the week of October 12, as of 10:00 a.m. today. A total of 400 members of the UO community have tested positive for COVID-19 since reporting began. Additional information about known cases within the UO community is available on the coronavirus case page, which is updated by 10:00 a.m. Monday through Friday.
  • The Oregon Health Authority reports 38,525 confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases in the state, 1,957 cases in Lane County, 8,280 in Multnomah County, and 200 in Coos County on October 15.
  • 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.

Submit Your Story Idea

Subscribe to Around the O