COVID-19 UPDATE: Latest news and campus announcements

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Here is the current information related to university operations and programs. The latest information is available on the UO coronavirus information website.

NEW:

  • UO researchers have received a $4.3 million allocation from the Oregon legislature to expand the UO COVID-19 Monitoring and Assessment Program (MAP), which should more than double the state’s testing capacity by January 1, 2021. The UO will provide genomics expertise as a partner with the Oregon Health Authority and other entities.
  • A limited number of COVID-19 testing slots are available to all UO employees and students on a first-come-first-served basis on Oct. 29-30. Offered through UO’s Monitoring and Assessment Program (MAP), testing is free. Pre-registration is required. Additional opportunities will be offered later this fall. For more information and a link to the registration portal, visit Around the O Workplace.

REMINDERS: 

  • Effective October 22, the University of Oregon has updated its face-covering regulation to require faculty, staff, students, visitors, and vendors across all UO locations to use face coverings when in outdoor public spaces on campus regardless of whether or not six feet of distance can be maintained between people.
  • The Oregon Health Authority has redefined a close contact as someone who has been within six feet of a COVID-19 case for at least 15 cumulative minutes during their contagious period. This is an update to the initial definition, emphasizing that exposure can be cumulative, through a series of shorter-duration exposures, and does not have to be 15 consecutive minutes. REMEMBER to stay at least six feet away from people outside your household, even for short conversations. And wear your masks.
  • 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 of the university’s testing, contract tracing, and case management information.
  • 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 is assisting Lane County Public Health in their contact tracing work and is 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 a COVID-19 case for at least 15 cumulative minutes during their contagious period.
    • 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 complete the case and contact form for guidance and support.   

RESOURCES:

GENERAL INFORMATION:

  • There were 69 members of the UO community who tested positive or were considered presumptive positive last week (October 19-25). A total of 522 members of the UO community have tested positive for COVID-19 since reporting began. Information about known cases within the UO community is updated by 10:00 a.m. Monday through Friday.
  • The Oregon Health Authority reports 42,436 confirmed and presumptive COVID-19 cases in the state, 2,392 cases in Lane County, 9.228 in Multnomah County, and 246 in Coos County as of October 26.
  • 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. 

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