A Reminder Regarding Campus Access

As University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) leaders have said since the beginning of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the health, safety, and well-being of our university community is our top priority.

This is a good time to review the key UNO campus guidance outlined for our current remote teaching, working and learning setting. The ongoing guidance for students, faculty, and staff at UNO includes:

• Many campus buildings currently are restricted by key card access as approved by employee supervisors, while some will have limited access to students, faculty and staff. 
• Faculty, staff, students, and guests on campus must wear an appropriate mask in public places and common areas such as hallways, restrooms, lobbies and elevators. Anytime someone is on campus and within 6 feet of another person, all individuals should wear a mask. Masks are available for students, faculty and staff.
• All students, faculty, staff, and visitors are encouraged to wash their hands frequently throughout the day and should specifically do so after contacting high-risk surfaces such as sinks, toilet handles, doorknobs and the like. Hands should be washed for a minimum of 20 seconds (approximately the length of time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” to oneself twice).
• Personnel should assist in environmental cleaning by promptly washing surfaces that might have been contaminated by bodily fluids (e.g., one should disinfect their desk if they happen to sneeze on it). If the ability of the individual to accomplish such cleaning is limited, contact environmental services personnel.
• Employees who need or prefer to work in a remote setting are able to continue to do so, upon consultation with their unit leaders and supervisor. Employees who have returned to campus to conduct academic and business operations are required to adhere to the latest CDC health guidance, including wearing a mask in public places and common areas such as hallways, restrooms, lobbies and elevators.
• All UNO personnel should self-monitor regularly for any potential COVID-19 symptoms using evidence-based screening, such as the 1-Check COVID mobile app (on Android and iOS devices). As described in the updated UNO Travel Policy, this is particularly important for students, faculty and staff who travel across the state and the nation.

University leaders in collaboration with the newly formed Office of Health Security are working closely with five working groups to develop plans for a responsible return to de-densified in-person teaching, working and learning for the Fall 2020 Semester. Throughout this process, university leaders will continue to monitor the virus and share any new information and updates through UNO’s Coronavirus Updates website.

As we look ahead to the fall semester, I know that our collective strength, passion and commitment will continue to guide us during these uncertain times.

In the Maverick Spirit, 

Jane Meza, Ph.D.

Interim Executive Director, UNO Office of Health Security