COVID-19 Updates: The Next Phase
April 14, 2022
On campus and throughout our community, the number of COVID-19 cases has dramatically declined from its peak in early January.
It appears we may soon be in the endemic phase of COVID-19. This means that while COVID-19 will still circulate, the combination of natural infection, vaccination and effective treatments have made the virus more manageable, similar to a cold or seasonal flu.
We have learned so much about how to reduce the spread of the virus and protect ourselves and those around us. I encourage you to continue with good behaviors like hand-washing, avoiding touching our faces and staying home if you are feeling ill. Those action will not only protect against COVID-19 but also against common colds and seasonal flu. Members of our campus community may choose whether to wear a mask.
UCF will continue some of our pandemic response measures into the summer. These include making hand sanitizer and masks available and continuing our wastewater and genomic testing surveillance. Student Health Services will continue to offer COVID vaccinations, boosters and testing for students and will provide guidance to students who test positive. Employees are encouraged to work with their health care provider if they are ill or need guidance.
Some pandemic precautions will come to an end when or soon after the spring semester concludes the first week of May. These include enhanced cleaning and disinfecting of shared spaces; the COVID Line; contact tracing; updates to the COVID website, dashboard and policy; positive test notifications for faculty; and return to class or work forms. Testing in Garage A will end May 18.
Some populations remain at higher risk for COVID-19, including the immunocompromised and those who are too young or otherwise unable to get vaccinated. We may need to continue our COVID prevention efforts around these individuals and be extra considerate of their needs. Members of the UCF community with a medical condition requiring an accommodation should complete the Reasonable Accommodation Request form and submit it to the Office of Institutional Equity.
Thank you for all you have done to prioritize the health and safety of our community of Knights. As we move into this next phase, I hope we continue to support and care for one another with the Charge On spirit that has guided us through COVID-19.
Dr. Michael Deichen, MD, MPH
Associate Vice President of UCF Student Health Services
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