MAY 12, 2022

Utah has moved from a pandemic phase of COVID-19 to an endemic phase, meaning the virus is now manageable with vaccines, medications, and treatments. While we continue to encourage vaccines as the best way to prevent serious illness, we no longer require COVID-19 vaccination to attend UVU.

As part of Utah’s transition to a Steady State response, some COVID-19 services have transitioned to traditional healthcare systems. Consequently, as a state-provided benefit, UVU’s vaccine and testing clinic are now closed. We are grateful for the countless hours of service our emergency services, medical personnel, and student volunteers have given throughout the pandemic as we have navigated this global health crisis within our campus community.

Home test kits are still available at Student Health Services, Human Resources, and Campus Connection. These are distribution-only sites, and there will not be anyone available to answer COVID-related questions. You can find answers on the CDC website or by contacting your healthcare provider. Vaccinations are also available through the Utah County Health Department and traditional providers.

Self-reporting and the tracking of COVID-19 cases have also concluded at Utah Valley University, and it is no longer necessary for employees to complete the “Return to Work” form after contracting the virus. We do ask those who are ill to continue to follow health protocols and stay home until well.

The novel coronaviruses are clearly here to stay, and we will continue to work with our national, state, and local health partners to monitor for any changes that could potentially negatively impact our UVU community. We are confident that the lessons we have learned during the past two years, under variable conditions, will allow us to react quickly if necessary.

Thank you to all of you for your patience, perseverance, and doing all within your ability to help keep our campus healthy.

Sincerely,

Robin Ebmeyer
Director of Emergency Management and Safety

RESOURCES during COVID-19

We created resources to help our faculty and staff understand best practices and guidelines to ensure a safe work environment for everyone. We continue to follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state and local health departments. If you are in doubt about a situation or how to proceed, please reach out to Human Resources at (801) 863-8207.

What you need to know

We are a mask-recommended university. Face coverings over the nose and mouth are recommended in all campus buildings.
We need you to take care of yourself and stay mindful of the symptoms of COVID-19. The symptoms include fever or chills, loss of taste or smell, nausea, and a sore throat. For convenience, we provided a self-assessment checklist.
If you tested positive for COVID-19, have been exposed to COVID-19, or have other respiratory-illness-related symptoms, we ask you to fill out this form. This information will help us keep others safe.
As announced on August 30, 2021, COVID-19 vaccination is required for UVU students starting spring semester 2022. Read the full statement here.

More on face coverings

All employees and students of the university are recommended to wear a face covering while on campus. You do not need to wear a mask if you are in an office or area alone. There are several locations where you can pick up a free mask if needed:

Campus Connection
Student Wellness offices (2^nd floor of SLWC bldg.)
HR office
Dean of Students offices

Masks are available in the bookstore for purchase.

How to protect your health

You can decrease your chances of contracting coronavirus by following these protective measures:

Avoid shaking hands. Use an elbow bump instead.
Avoid touching your face.
Wash your hands frequently with antibacterial soap for 10-20 seconds.
Use a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content when you have been in contact with other people.
Use disinfectant wipes at stores where available. Wipe the handles of grocery carts.
Get an appropriate amount of sleep.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Eat healthy food.
Stay home if you become ill (fever, cough, and body aches).
Cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue and discard it, or cough or sneeze against your arm (not into your hands) if you don’t have a tissue.
Seek medical treatment if necessary.