Beginning today (Feb. 24), UNMC faculty, staff and students may gather, while masked, in groups of up to 25 for meetings and activities. Classroom capacity will continue as specified for the Spring 2022 semester, but now small events of up to 25 people will be allowed. Masks are required regardless of vaccination status.
“The incremental changes we’re making are hopeful steps that enable faculty, staff and students to physically meet and gather while masked,” said Jane Meza, PhD, interim executive director of the Office of Health Security. “We will continue to follow the science and adjust our operations and guidance as needed, but we also recognize the importance of social interactions within our communities and the need for individuals to safely gather in-person when possible.”
UNMC leaders say they recognize the high value of in-person learning, and the safety of students, staff and community continues to be the med center’s guiding principle.
“We are seeing encouraging signs that the COVID-19 cases are decreasing in our communities,” Dr. Meza said. “In light of these developments, we are revising some of our campus guidance for campus activities such as in-person meetings and events and reminding individuals that, as a health sciences center, we continue to require masks on campus.”
Beginning today, the following changes will go into effect:
- UNMC continues to recognize the high value of in-person learning and encourage in-person instruction. We remain flexible regarding remote learning where it does not significantly impact the educational goals. Students who have questions or concerns should contact the college administrative official responsible for that course.
- Faculty members who have been teaching remotely are encouraged to return to in-person learning and should discuss options with their supervisor.
- Employees who have been working remotely are encouraged to return to campus and should discuss options with their supervisor.
- Faculty, staff and students may gather indoors in groups of up to 25 for meetings and activities. Masks will continue to be required regardless of vaccination status.
- Food for indoor gatherings must be to-go options only.
- Food may continue to be served at outdoor gatherings.
- An event safety plan is not required for gatherings of 25 or less.
- Visitors are discouraged to come on campus. Essential visitors, as determined by the leadership of the host unit/college/institute, should be escorted while on campus and follow masking guidelines.
- Lecturers should wear masks unless it significantly interferes with their ability to be heard or understood. If no mask is worn to optimize the learning environment, lecturers must have at least six feet distance from others.
The following guidance remains in effect:
- Masks still are required on all UNMC campuses.
- KN95 face masks are highly recommended for faculty, staff and students. KN95s may be required in specified circumstances as determined by department/unit leadership.
- Masks still are required in the McGoogan Health Sciences Library except for individual study rooms.
- Surgical masks are allowed in lieu of KN95s.
- Cloth masks, gaiters, vented masks and bandanas are not approved for use.
- Domestic travel for students and employees should follow the current Centers for Disease Control & Prevention guidelines.
- International travel for students, faculty and staff requires an international travel request form that includes an explanation of why the travel is essential and a detailed summary of local health and travel guidance for the travel locations. The international travel request form is in addition to pre-trip approval using the Concur software program.
- Vaccines are required for all faculty, staff and students.
- Boosters are expected for all faculty, staff and students when eligible.
- Free saliva testing – for faculty, staff and students who are asymptomatic – remains available at Williams Science Hall. Nasal swab collection for COVID PCR testing can be obtained at the Nebraska Medicine Doctors Building South. See UNMC's coronavirus website for details regarding UNMC campuses outside of Omaha, including hours, registration and testing locations.
Questions? Email the UNMC Office of Health Security; a multidisciplinary team is available with the latest information. Updates will continue to be provided at frequent intervals.