Dear UO community,

As COVID-19 cases rise throughout Oregon and the nation, we continue to work with local and state public health authorities and peer institutions in the state to establish policies and practices to keep our communities safe. Effective Monday, August 23, attendees 12 and older at designated University of Oregon events and activities—including select concerts, conferences, and all Oregon Athletics events—will be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within the past three days to obtain entry.

University events and activities requiring proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test will be designated by the university in consultation with the local public health authority. Additional information on the regulation is available on the UO Coronavirus website and will be updated as processes are refined and designated events are determined.

This action is in keeping with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance for fully vaccinated universities to utilize appropriate prevention strategies when holding events that include people from outside the university. As a reminder, UO employees and students are required to verify their COVID-19 vaccination status or request an exemption. The compliance deadlines can be found on the Vaccine and Distribution webpage.

In addition, the UO continues to follow the health and safety regulations below, which remain in effect as we continue to assess the risks and receive guidance from public health partners.

• Face Coverings: In accordance with the August 13 mandate issued by the state of Oregon, face coverings are required indoors except when alone in a room. This applies even when all individuals in a room or space are fully vaccinated. This includes classrooms, with an exception for instructors when following specific criteria.
• Testing: All students living in UO Housing-operated residence halls who are fully vaccinated, confirmed by University Health Services, are exempt from COVID-19 testing. All other students living in the residence halls are required to test weekly for COVID-19.
• Contact Tracing: All individuals onsite at any UO location are expected to promptly cooperate with UO and their local public health authority’s efforts related to COVID-19 case investigation or contact tracing and to abide by current isolation and quarantine guidance provided by the Oregon Health Authority and local public health authorities.

We appreciate your understanding and thank you for taking care of yourselves, your co-workers, and your classmates, and our community. We encourage you to continue to read the COVID-19 updates and check the UO coronavirus website to stay informed.

Sincerely,

André Le Duc

Chief Resilience Officer and Associate Vice President