COVID Update: Summer on Campus

Dear DU Students, Staff & Faculty,

As Chancellor Haefner shared earlier this week, we are gradually relaxing our on-campus COVID-19 restrictions for vaccinated individuals, consistent with updated CDC guidance, high vaccination rates and low case rates on campus. You can read more about those changes here.

I’d like to share some additional updates as we begin to think about life on campus this summer as well as the fall return.

On-Campus Saliva Testing Will Continue this Summer

Beginning June 13, we will no longer offer nasal swab testing on campus. All on-campus COVID-19 testing will be salivary PCR. We will continue to offer this testing through the summer to meet on-campus testing requirements. Although appointments are not required, please check here for up-to-date hours and locations for spit labs. You may still submit external records to meet testing requirements.

Our saliva lab performance has been excellent on all measured indicators based on an external assessment by National Jewish Health and Children’s Hospital CLIA lab experts. We have a high level of confidence in its accuracy and performance. You can read more about our spit lab results here.

We will communicate decisions about fall testing later this summer.

More Flexible Visitor Process Begins June 4

We will soon pilot a new visitor process that allows visitors greater access to most campus buildings during normal business hours. Beginning June 4, visitors will be able to check in at the Coors Fitness Center, obtain a visitor badge for 48 hours and move more freely around campus. Importantly, this option will be available for commencement activities June 9-12. Badge pick-up will occur during Coors Fitness Center business hours (7 a.m.-7 p.m. M-F; 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Sat-Sun). Visitors are expected to return the badge to various collection locations around campus.

For additional details regarding single ticketed events (other than Commencement) or visitors with special or extended needs, please follow the guidelines provided for those events or circumstances. Questions about event protocols can be directed to COVIDcoordinator@du.edu.

Revised Protocols for Increased Building Capacity and Use

Deep cleaning will be ongoing across campus in June and July. Disinfection stations will only be restocked in instructional spaces used for conference and event services and summer classes.

Facilities staff have been systematically returning bathroom fixtures and water fountains for use. We appreciate your patience during this process as water fixtures that have been unused for over a year need to be recommissioned carefully. Please do not rearrange furniture or remove signage without consultation with facilities staff.

Effective immediately you are welcome to resume use of common kitchen items such as refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers. Please wipe down common equipment before and after use. Please note that custodial staff will not resume routine cleaning or trash removal in private offices until August. Please place your garbage in common areas for pickup.

Building managers will receive a separate communication regarding the process for prioritizing returning building spaces to normal occupancy and requesting facilities, AV, and IT support as needed.

Revised Dashboard Stats

The dashboard now integrates both PCR test types (nasal and saliva) in our total case count. The adjusted case count does not reflect an uptick in cases, but rather reflects more accurate reporting. For more information about the evolution of our dash metrics please click here.

Campus Access Status Newly Defined

If you have completed all campus access requirements including testing, your vaccination records are verified and you are two weeks past your final dose, your clearance status will read “cleared for high contact.” If necessary, for a field placement, travel or other requirements, you can obtain clearance verification by contacting COVIDcoordinator@du.edu.

Changes in public health orders regarding COVID-19 work accommodations

Effective May 15, employers in Colorado are no longer required to provide COVID-19 work accommodations. Accordingly, DU will be phasing out existing COVID-19 work accommodations. Those employees who received COVID-19 work accommodations will be contacted directly by their HR partner regarding next steps. Employees who believe they need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should follow the established process for employees requesting ADA accommodations. Given the upcoming change to a new health insurance provider, those employees may wish to obtain supporting documentation from their current providers before July 1. 

Further information about return to campus coming soon

There will be additional communications about the return to campus and the establishment of remote work policies in the coming weeks.

We deeply appreciate the effort each of you has put into promoting safety and protecting our community, and we look forward to a strong finish to the academic year and progressing to less restrictive conditions in the summer and fall.

Please direct any questions to COVIDcoordinator@du.edu or the COVID Response Team information line at 303-656-7137.

Sincerely,

Sarah Watamura,

COVID Coordinator