HR provides guidance about face covering regulation

Editor's note: This story was updated on Nov. 3, to provide the most up-to-date guidance.  

Guidance for University of Oregon employees about the face coverings and other safety regulations has been provided by the Office of Human Resources.

“Knowing the face coverings regulation is only the beginning of the process. Taking action through our behavior is how we truly safeguard ourselves, our community and achieve results to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as well as other illnesses,” said Mark Schmelz, chief human resources officer.

The UO has implemented several strategies to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to the greatest extent possible. These strategies include requiring faculty, staff and students to wear a face covering, watch their distance, stay home if they have symptoms and wash their hands often..

Face coverings are required across all UO locations and at all times, except for indoors when alone in an enclosed room. They are required when in outdoor public spaces on campus regardless of whether or not six feet of distance can be maintained between people.

Employees and students are required to perform a symptom self-check prior to coming to campus. They should not come to campus if COVID-19 symptoms are present or they feel sick. Similarly, they should leave campus right away if symptoms develop or they begin to feel sick.

The university follows guidance from the Oregon Health Authority, Lane County Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention when setting workplace safety precautions and implementing UO safety regulations. These regulations will be amended if regulatory conditions change or guidance from health authorities evolves.

The Office of Human Resources provides guidance for employees about safety regulations and recommendations. It includes what employees can do to contribute to UO prevention efforts and shares suggestions for responding should an employee encounter someone on campus without a mask or standing too close. The COVID-19 symptom self-check tool is available online or on the University of Oregon mobile app. Download the app from the iTunes store or Google Play to access the symptom checker, campus map, and additional COVID-19 resources.

The HR guidance also focuses on supervisors’ responsibilities and expectations for implementing and reinforcing the safety regulations within their teams. It outlines what supervisors need to know and how to respond when they encounter situations that require action.

“Supervisors play a vital role in the successful implementation of this prevention strategy through their regular interactions with employees and their opportunities to provide guidance, reminders and positive reinforcement,” Schmelz said.

Visit the UO coronavirus website for the latest information regarding the university’s response to COVID-19 and additional resources.