Mavericks,
Following the reduction in COVID-19 cases in the community and on our campus, which have dipped to levels seen in the fall, several changes are being made to our guidance for gatherings and events, effective Thursday, February 17, based on recommendations from the UNO Office of Health Security.
Included below are a list of impacts on the approval process for on and off-campus events; management of campus events; and inclusion of food and beverages at campus events, as well as reminders about UNO’s masking policy, vaccination opportunities, and testing availability.
Approval of Events
Effective Thursday, February 17, all UNO-sponsored gatherings (e.g. events, meetings, productions, etc.) on or off-campus with 200 or more people will require senior administration approval (the previous limit had been 25 or more).
Management of Events
The UNO face covering policy must be enforced at all in-person campus events.
Six-foot distancing should be followed for social gatherings, particularly those that include food, regardless of the size of the event.
Sponsoring units are fully responsible for ensuring their gathering is safely conducted and complies with guest guidelines and expectations.
Sponsoring units must acknowledge that all guests associated with their event will:
- Wear a mask during the event and in any common spaces that are indoors.
- Maintain appropriate safe distances (physical distancing) when interacting with others.
- Ensure that if food and drink is offered at the event, it should be provided as to-go or consumed while seated at tables featuring proper spacing.
- Masks must be worn except when consuming food or beverages.
Food at Events and Gatherings
Guidance Updates
- All food served on campus must continue to be furnished by UNO Food Services & Catering due to health safety concerns. Exception(s) to this policy must be requested by completing the online application for an exception. This policy relates to the entire campus with the exceptions of the Alumni Center, Maverick Landing, Scott Conference Center, Baxter Arena, and Student Housing. For off-campus events, food needs to be furnished by a caterer or a local qualified food service establishment.
- Venue spaces must be large enough to accommodate 6 feet of distance between persons eating.
- People must be stationary while consuming food.
- Hand sanitizer should be placed on all tables where food consumption is occurring.
- No potlucks allowed.
- If food and drink is offered at the event, it should be provided as a to-go option, a served buffet; individually plated or wrapped; and then consumed while seated at tables
COVID Vaccines and Testing
UNO has once again partnered with the Douglas County Health Department to offer on-campus COVID-19 vaccine and booster clinics. The next and final clinic in this most recent series takes place on Tuesday, Feb. 22, from noon to 3 P.M. in the Milo Bail Student Center Ballroom.
Additional testing and vaccination options are available for students, faculty, and staff.
Vaccines
The Nebraska Medicine UNO Health Center offers Pfizer vaccines to current UNO students, faculty, and staff. Call 402.554.2374 to schedule an appointment.
Testing
Please note that there is currently no asymptomatic testing available on campus; however, there are a number of testing locations across the city for those who believe they have COVID-19 but are not showing symptoms.
No matter whether you are symptomatic or asymptomatic, please be sure to contact your primary care provider for guidance on next steps.
Members of the Maverick community can also call 402.554.2374 to schedule an appointment at Nebraska Medicine UNO Health Center.
To get tested at the Nebraska Medicine UNO Health Center, you must first schedule a telehealth appointment with one of their providers, who will determine during the visit if testing is warranted.
You will receive a phone call or portal message with your test results and next steps.
NOTE: Fees may be applied to COVID-19 testing at the Nebraska Medicine UNO Health Center. Please call 402.554.2374 with specific questions you may have.
Under the University of Nebraska's Medical Benefits plan through UMR, faculty and staff would have the costs of the telehealth appointment covered.
Sincerely,
Joanne Li, Ph.D., CFA
Chancellor
Jane Meza, Ph.D.
Interim Executive Director, UNO Office of Health Security
