Tag: COVID-19

COVID-19 vaccine/testing update

A special thank you to all who have submitted their COVID-19 vaccine records so far. More than 78% of faculty and 64% of staff have voluntarily submitted vaccine records. Among students, 53% have already submitted their records. Records are still being accepted and can be uploaded through the link below. Students who submit their COVID-19 vaccine record will receive a $100 Amazon.com gift card. Gift cards will be distributed through an Amazon e-link sent to the student’s OLLU email account once vaccine records have been verified. A notice will go out when gift cards are being distributed.

 Submit vaccine record here

All students living in the residence halls have submitted a COVID-19 vaccine record or testing records. Student-athletes also are submitting vaccine or testing records as part of their on-boarding.

Individual notices are going out with information about required testing to all students, faculty and staff who have not submitted COVID-19 vaccine records and who are attending classes, living, working or attending events on campus.

Online system to upload vaccine records now available to OLLU employees

OLLU’s online system for voluntarily uploading COVID-19 vaccine records is now available for faculty and staff. Employees are asked to use the link below to upload a photo or scan of their COVID-19 vaccination record.

Faculty and staff who voluntarily opt to share their vaccine status are asked to upload vaccination records by Aug. 11 to assist the university with verifying the percentage of employees who have been vaccinated. The link also is available on the Saints Strong section of the university website which can be accessed from the “Coronavirus Updates” banner at the top of the homepage.

As a reminder, those who do not wish to share their vaccination status will be required to submit a negative COVID-19 test on a weekly basis beginning at the start of the academic year. Details on required testing will be shared soon.

Staff from the Health Education Resource Office will be in Sister Annie B’s Cafeteria during the time/days listed below to provide assistance to anyone who needs help uploading their vaccine record: 

Monday: 8-9 a.m.

Monday: 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Tuesday: 8-9 a.m.

Tuesday: 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Those who plan to visit Annie B’s Cafeteria for assistance need to bring their vaccination card along with their employee ID number. Photocopies will be made of the vaccination cards. 

Upload vaccine record here.

Updated protocols for COVID-19

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.

FEMA to help pay funeral costs for COVID-19 related deaths

In early April, FEMA will begin providing financial assistance for funeral expenses incurred after Jan. 20, 2020, for deaths related to coronavirus (COVID-19) to help ease some of the financial stress and burden caused by the pandemic. 

To be eligible for COVID-19 funeral assistance, the policy states:

  • The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, non-citizen national or qualified alien who incurred funeral expenses after Jan. 20, 2020, for a death attributed to COVID-19.
  • If multiple individuals contributed toward funeral expenses, they should apply under a single application as applicant and co-applicant. FEMA will consider documentation from other individuals not listed as applicant or co-applicant who may have incurred funeral expenses as part of the registration for the deceased individual.
  • An applicant may apply for multiple deceased individuals.
  • The COVID-19-related death must have occurred in the United States, including the U.S. territories and the District of Columbia.
  • The assistance is limited to a maximum financial amount of $9,000 per funeral and a maximum of $35,500 per application.
  • Funeral assistance is intended to assist with expenses for funeral services and interment or cremation.

In the coming weeks, a dedicated 800 number will be established to help individuals who apply. In the meantime, potential applicants are encouraged to start gathering the following documentation:

  • An official death certificate that attributes the death to COVID-19 and shows the death occurred in the U.S. The death certificate must indicate the death “may have been caused by” or “was likely the result of” COVID-19 or COVID-19-like symptoms. Similar phrases that indicate a high likelihood of COVID-19 are considered sufficient attribution.
  • Funeral expense documents (receipts, funeral home contract, etc.) that include the applicant’s name, the deceased individual’s name, the amount of funeral expenses and the dates the funeral expenses were incurred.
  • Proof of funds received from other sources, specifically for use toward funeral costs. Funeral assistance may not duplicate benefits received from burial or funeral insurance, financial assistance received from voluntary agencies, federal/state/local/tribal/territorial government programs or agencies or other sources.

More information regarding this assistance can be found at:

https://www.fema.gov/disasters/coronavirus/economic/funeral-assistance

For questions, contact FEMA Office of External Affairs: