COVID-19 Update: Change to Alert Level Blue Effective Friday, Nov. 5
Dear DU community members,
Although COVID-19 conditions on campus continue to be quite well managed (less than .5% positivity), conditions in Denver and Colorado are quite challenging with over 8.5% 7-day positivity state-wide. As indicated in our alert level structure, these conditions warrant a switch to alert level blue, effective Friday, November 5th.
The primary changes in alert level blue are the requirements that:
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Fully vaccinated individuals wear a face covering indoors in meetings and while walking indoors when in groups of 3 or more (versus 5 or more under green);
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Fully vaccinated individuals wear a face covering unless 12 feet distant while teaching/presenting (versus 6 feet while in level green); and
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Individuals who are not fully vaccinated must continue to wear a face covering at all times while they are indoors.
With great overall conditions on campus, there is no need to move to online instruction, or shift any other protocols.
With the colder weather, holidays, and cold and flu season, this masking requirement will help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other airborne diseases. Please continue to test on schedule and any time you have possible COVID-19 symptoms. Testing locations and hours are available here; currently, testing is available 8-4 M-F, 9-1 Saturday and Sunday, and limited late hours 9-10:30pm Tuesday and Wednesday.
Please get your flu shot. A record of your flu shot or exemption is required on or before December 10th.
Please consider whether a COVID-19 booster is appropriate for you. Eligibility begins when 6 months have elapsed from your second/final dose of Pfizer or Moderna, or 2 months following J&J. Employment at a school or living in a congregate setting (including a residence hall) meets eligibility requirements, as does having certain medical conditions and if you are over 65 years of age. Boosters are readily available at local pharmacies (for example the Safeway on Downing and Evans), or by appointment via our health care partner, National Jewish Health. You self-attest to eligibility; no additional documentation is required. Booster doses are not required by the University at this time.
The COVID team is available for non-urgent questions at COVIDcoordinator@du.edu or 303-656-7137, spit testing questions at 303-549-8867, or emergency assistance at 303-871-2683.
Sarah Enos Watamura, Ph.D.
University COVID Response Coordinator