In recent weeks OLLU has heard from science faculty, faculty assembly leadership, academic department chairs and staff members advocating for additional cautions in the wake of rising COVID-19 infections. As promised from the beginning of the pandemic, OLLU will remain flexible, follow the advice of national and local health officials, and make decisions based on the university’s core values. Therefore, in response to the recent rise in cases due to the Delta variant and new guidance from the CDC, the following updates to university safety protocols are being announced:
- Beginning now, vaccinated individuals should return to wearing masks indoors (when unable to isolate) as recommended by the CDC. While this is not mandated, this recommendation is designed to help protect the OLLU community from the current surge.
- There is no change to guidance for unvaccinated individuals – they are required to wear masks indoors (except when isolated).
At the start of the academic year, the university will begin requiring regular COVID-19 testing for students, faculty and staff who are attending classes, living or working on campus. The following are the testing requirements:
- Individuals who have not received the COVID-19 vaccination or those who do not wish to share their vaccine status will need to submit results from a COVID-19 test weekly or more frequently if needed. Free testing is currently available from the Curative kiosk in Parking Lot K. Home tests will not be accepted. The online system for uploading test results will be available at the start of the semester.
- Individuals who have received the COVID-19 vaccination and who share their status by uploading their vaccination records will not be required to submit weekly test results but may be asked to take part in random COVID-19 testing periodically. An announcement will be sent out when the online system for uploading vaccination records is available.
The university will reassess the need for weekly testing and face coverings on a regular basis and communicate updates to the community. When the systems for uploading test and vaccine records are ready to launch, additional details will be provided including information on waivers for health or religious reasons.