December 13 COVID Case Data Update
As we begin the holiday break, we would like to share one last update for the fall semester.
COVID Testing and Cases on Campus
For the week of November 5 – December 11:
• 13 COVID tests were done at Cosiano
• 3 new positive cases were identified (there were 13 additional active positive cases
continuing from the previous week)
Please remember that if you test positive for COVID, you need to inform the Cosiano Health
Center (419-434-4550) so contact tracing can be initiated. Instructors are also being asked to
keep seating charts for classes in order to assist with the contact tracing process. If you are a UF
Employee, please also contact Human Resources (419-434-6964) to determine if work
accommodations or leave options are needed.
Preliminary Spring Semester Plans
• UF will begin classes in the spring as currently scheduled (standard classes begin January
10th)
• The Emergency Operations Team will be convened the week before spring classes begin
to review COVID protocols
• If any changes to COVID protocols are made, they will be communicated by the Friday
prior to standard classes beginning
• Taking a COVID test prior to returning for classes is recommended but not required
• Vaccinations and boosters are strongly encouraged but not required
Omicron Variant
The University is monitoring developments regarding the Omicron Variant and will update the
campus if any actions or changes in current protocols are needed.
Vaccinations and Boosters
You can contact the following locations for COVID vaccine and booster availability information:
• Kroger: www.kroger.com/ohiocovidvaccine or by calling 866-211-5320
• CVS: www.cvs.com/vaccine/intake/store/covid-screener/covid-qns or by calling 1-800-
746-7287
• Walgreens: www.walgreens.com/covidvaccine
• Rite Aid : http://ritea.id/ohio
• Meijer: https://clinic.meijer.com/
• Walmart: walmart.com/covidvaccine
Face Coverings are Required Indoors
We have been receiving quite a few concerns regarding people not following the face covering
campus policy. Wearing face coverings indoors is REQUIRED per the following policy:
Anyone (including but not limited to all students, employees, contractors, vendors,
suppliers and visitors) entering any campus building, including office buildings, academic
buildings, recreational facilities, and housing facilities, must wear an appropriate face
covering.
· The face covering must be worn in all classrooms, hallways, public spaces, and
common areas, as well as shared office spaces.
The only times face coverings are not required to be worn are as follows:
· When outside.
· By employees working alone in their offices.
· By resident students in their own on campus housing area (visitors to housing areas
must wear face coverings).
· When participating in activities in which a face covering cannot be worn or would
prohibit respiratory function (while in the act of eating, drinking, playing a musical
instrument or singing, exercising, playing sports).
· By individuals with a federally recognized disability and/or an accommodation that
prevents them from wearing a face covering. Exceptions from the state government
or other federal guidelines may also apply. Those that need accommodations should
contact Human Resources (employees) or the Office of Accommodation and
Inclusion (students).
Contact Tracing Information
• Universities follow different guidelines than K-12 schools (e.g. a close contact is labeled
as one closer than 6 ft for15 minutes or more total time in the day regardless of wearing
a face covering).
• Fully vaccinated individuals who get classified as a close contact do not need to
quarantine. Instead, they should wear a face covering for 14 days from the last date of
contact. Cosiano must have proof of vaccination.
• Non-vaccinated asymptomatic close contacts may now quarantine for 7 days after the
last date of contact and then test between days 5-7. If they test negative and still have
no symptoms on day 7, they may be released from quarantine starting on day 8. They
should wear a mask for 14 days from last date of contact.
• The UF Telehealth department will continue to do contact tracing for UF
students/employees.
• Cosiano does have home tests that they can provide to asymptomatic people.
• Individuals required to quarantine should quarantine in place.
• Individuals required to isolate are encouraged to do so at home.
Current COVID Information for Hancock County
Given that Hancock County continues to have a classification of “HIGH” for community
transmission, we would advise the use of face coverings indoors off campus too.
We will continue to share updates as needed, and appreciate your cooperation. Thank you for
your help in keeping Oiler Nation healthy.
Regards,
David Emsweller
Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
