Face coverings required indoors starting July 30, 2021

**Please note that this notice may not reflect the most current version of COVID-19 regulations. 

University of Oregon community members,

Due to updated public health guidance and a significant jump in new cases and transmission rates of COVID-19 in Lane County and Oregon, the UO is requiring individuals to wear face coverings indoors regardless of vaccination status, as of Friday, July 30.

Lane County’s transmission rate is now at a substantial to high level per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The CDC has called for masking measures to prevent the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant, and the UO is following the latest Oregon Health Authority and Lane County Public Health recommendations in making this change.

Starting Friday, July 30:

  • Employees and students are required to wear face coverings indoors in shared spaces such as breakrooms (when not eating) and hallways, or when sharing rides in vehicles, regardless of vaccination status.
  • Employees and students are not required to wear face coverings when alone in rooms or cubicles.
  • Visitors to our buildings are required to wear face coverings regardless of vaccination status.
  • Employees working in healthcare settings and with children participating in on-campus camps, childcare, and youth programs are already required to wear masks.

The summer regulations have been updated to reflect the new requirement.

It is important to note, the CDC reports the vast majority of serious illnesses and deaths from COVID-19 are among people who are unvaccinated. However, a small percentage of people who are fully vaccinated will still get COVID-19 if they are exposed to the virus. The majority of people with breakthrough infections are asymptomatic, have mild or moderate symptoms, and do not require hospitalization or die, but they may be able to spread the virus.

Vaccination remains your best protection from contracting, spreading, and becoming seriously ill from COVID-19. You can get vaccinated through your health providers, pharmacy, or county health department.

We know this is disappointing news to many and we appreciate your understanding as we work to keep you, your coworkers, our students, and our community safe from the spread of COVID-19.

Sincerely,

André LeDuc
Chief Resilience Officer and Associate Vice President

Mark Schmelz
Chief Human Resources Officer and Associate Vice President