Tag: Masks

OLLU updating mask requirements

In light of the new CDC guidance on masks and in consultation with the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, OLLU will institute some changes to campus mask requirements. The planned changes DO NOT apply to classrooms – masks are still required for students attending in-person classes.

The following changes will take effect, beginning March 7:

  • Masks will no longer be required in common areas as long as social distance can be maintained. Common areas include hallways, the cafeteria, the library, lounge areas, residence halls and the UWAC.
  • Faculty will have the option of not wearing a mask in the classroom if they are able to maintain six feet of distance from students.
  • Faculty and staff can request that masks be worn by individuals visiting their private office or workspace. Community members should be respectful of individual requests.
  • Anyone who wishes to continue wearing a mask may do so.

Currently, the communities served by the university have seen a significant decline in cases; however, the university will continue to monitor and adjust as needed.

Reminders:

  • Students, faculty and staff who test positive for COVID-19 or have close contact with a COVID-19-positive person must submit a LINK
  • While the university does not require the COVID-19 vaccine and booster, it is strongly encouraged.

Upcoming Event:

On April 2, OLLU will team up with University Health to provide a COVID-19 vaccine clinic and an education session on pediatric vaccines. The 78207 Zip Code has the lowest rate of vaccination for young children. Doctors from UT Health will present information on the vaccine and answer questions. Details on the event and a vaccine sign-up form will be provided by OLLU’s Health Education Resource Office in the coming weeks. Through OLLU’s partnership with UT Health, almost 300 COVID-19 vaccines have been provided to the community during clinics on OLLU’s San Antonio campus.

Reminder: Masks are required for all students returning to school

As students return to in-person classes today, OLLU would like to issue an important reminder: Everyone on campus – students, faculty and staff – is required to wear masks in shared indoor spaces. Those spaces include classrooms, hallways, computer labs and shared offices.

The mask mandate applies to everyone – whether vaccinated, boosted or not. 

The university strongly encourages everyone to use KN95, N95 or surgical masks as these have proven to be more effective than cloth masks. Cloth masks worn over a surgical mask allows wearers to make a fashion statement while enjoying an extra layer of protection.

Surgical masks are available at the Welcome Desk in Main Building on the San Antonio campus, and in the front offices on the Houston and RGV campuses.

OLLU introduces changes to COVID testing program

With a decreasing number of COVID-19 cases in our area, OLLU is introducing changes to its COVID-19 Testing Program. Read below for an overview of OLLU’s plans going forward. OLLU awaits the publication of OSHA’s regulations related to President Biden’s vaccination announcement for employers with 100 or more employees. The university will continue to monitor the situation and will make adjustments as they become necessary.

Who Needs to Test
▪ Students and employees who have not submitted proof of vaccination will be required to test on a regular basis. Weekly testing will not be required. Individuals will receive an email with instructions when it is time to test.

▪ Students and employees who did submit proof of vaccination will not be required to test. On occasion, a random group of individuals in this category will be invited to take part, on a voluntary basis, in monitor testing that assists with tracking breakthrough cases.

When to Test 
▪ When it’s a student or an employees’ turn to test, they will receive an email from ConquerCovid@ollusa.edu with instructions. Individuals needing to test will receive an email the week before the test is required.

▪ Employees can test during the workday.

Where to Get Tested
▪ San Antonio-based students and employees can test on campus. The OLLU testing site is located at the University Wellness and Activities Center (UWAC), Room 112, formerly the Health Services Office. If you are selected to test, you will receive an email with date/times when you can test.

▪ Students and employees from the RGV and Houston campuses will be provided with specific instructions on testing options.

▪ If an employee tests at the OLLU site, he/she will be asked to wait 15 minutes at the UWAC for their results.

▪ Individuals may elect to test at a testing site outside of OLLU, but home tests will not be accepted.

o If an employee or student plans on testing elsewhere, he/she must let the University know.

o If employees or students test at a different site, they will be asked to submit their test results by a specified deadline.

o Details on this will be included in the email that is sent to the employee or student.

Exemptions
Students or employees do not have to test if:

▪ They tested positive for COVID-19 within the past 90 days.

▪ They are currently in quarantine or isolation.

▪ They are not working, living, taking classes or participating in activities on campus.

▪ They provided proof of vaccination. Students and employees who have not yet done so can still submit proof of vaccination here.

If an employees or students receive an email asking them to test and they meet either of these exemptions, they will be asked to let the COVID team know.

COVID-19 Cases at OLLU
The number of active cases at OLLU and in San Antonio continues to improve. As of Sept. 22, there are only two active cases reported. The university would like to thank every student and employee who has responded to requests to test for COVID-19 and everyone who has followed the safety guidelines. The university’s success is a direct result of everyone’s efforts.

Reminder: Masks Still Required
OLLU continues to require masks/face coverings for all individuals on campus – vaccinated and unvaccinated. Face coverings must be worn in classrooms, hallways, meeting spaces and other common areas where individuals cannot isolate or social distance.