New UNO Campus Mask Guidance

Over the past few months, the COVID-19 situation on our campus and across Douglas County has continued to improve. Currently, the 7-day rolling average of positive cases is 5.0 cases per 100,000 population per day, placing Douglas County at low risk for COVID. Additionally, the UNO COVID Dashboard demonstrates that cases on the UNO campus remain low. As of today, all of our students, staff, and faculty have now had the opportunity to obtain immunization against COVID-19 both on campus and off. Additionally, COVID-19 vaccines are now available to most individuals, 12 years of age and older, who desire it.

In light of these positive developments, recent updates in guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the upcoming expiration of the Omaha mask mandate, campus masking requirements for University of Nebraska at Omaha students, faculty, staff, and guests will be modified effective May 26, 2021, such that:

• In outdoor and indoor settings on the UNO campus (including classroom spaces, conference rooms, study rooms, breakrooms, hallways, and other common areas) fully vaccinated individuals may interact without masks. People are considered fully vaccinated for COVID-19: Two weeks after they have received the second dose in a two-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna) or; two weeks after they have received a single-dose vaccine (Johnson and Johnson [J&J]/Janssen).

• The UNO campus mask policy remains in effect for individuals who are NOT fully vaccinated.

• Vaccinated individuals who desire to minimize their risk may also continue to wear a mask if they choose to do so.

• Symptomatic individuals, regardless of immunization status, should stay home and contact their health care provider.

• Masks must be worn if required by federal, state or city laws, rules, and regulations.

• Masks are required on campus shuttles and buses for all passengers, regardless of vaccination status.

• These guidelines do not apply to the UNO Child Care Center, which has specific policies regarding masks in accordance with CDC guidelines.

• While UNO relies on an 'honor system' to ensure that only vaccinated individuals are unmasked on our campus, unvaccinated individuals are strongly encouraged to accept vaccination. More information about vaccine appointments is available from the Douglas County Health Department.

• Individuals who are immunocompromised should continue to wear a mask even if they are vaccinated.

• The current plans for the 2021 Fall semester include 3 foot social distancing in classrooms; 6 foot social distancing will remain in classrooms over the summer. Social distancing measures will be continually reviewed and modified throughout the summer.

Decisions to future revisions of our masking guidance will remain scientifically based, data-driven, and dependent on conditions on our campus and in our community. With the exception of the measures instituted above, existing guidance including social distancing, screening using the 1-Check app, and other COVID control measures remains in effect for the duration of UNO’s summer sessions.

Any revised guidelines for the Fall 2021 Semester will be issued as public health conditions develop.