UNO COVID-19 Updates

Last week we shared positive news regarding the number of COVID-19 cases on our campus and in our community. As these trends have continued, and following the precedent set by the City of Omaha's recent lifting of the city-wide mask mandate, the UNO campus will also be eliminating the campuswide indoor masking requirements effective tomorrow, Tuesday, Feb. 22, at 6 A.M. with several exceptions where masks will continue to be required.

Please remember that while masks will no longer required, the Centers for Disease Control recommends the wearing of masks to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

We will continue to monitor local and campus transmission rates and may adjust our guidance based on any increases that may arise. Please see below for the latest guidance and reminders for helping us continue this positive momentum as we look to keep each other safe through the remainder of the semester.

Face Masks

With the lifting of UNO's masking policy, there will be no requirement to wear masks in indoor spaces beginning on Tuesday, Feb. 22, with the following exceptions:

• Masking will still be required while using campus shuttles in adherence to federal guidelines.

• The masking requirements may differ for the UNO Child Care Center based on guidelines for childcare facilities.

• Masking requirements will remain in laboratory, studio, and music/theater ensemble classroom settings on campus.

Even though masking will no longer be required in the majority of campus buildings, please keep these important recommendations in mind from UNO's Office of Health Security:

• N95 masks will be available to anyone who wants one at MavIGATION Stations in Eppley Administration Building (EAB), Maverick Landing, and Milo Bail Student Center (MBSC) buildings.

• Masking is recommended for all indoor public spaces, regardless of vaccination status, including student-facing meetings, appointments, classes, and gatherings.

• Masks are not required outdoors.

Approval of Events

All UNO-sponsored gatherings (e.g. events, meetings, productions, etc.) on or off-campus with less than 200 people do not need senior administration approval. Those that are expected to host 200 people or above will require such approvals.

Please visit our Maverick COVID Response site for further details about how to request approval of your event.

Management of Events and Food Guidance

Six-foot distancing is encouraged 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.

Additionally, all food served on campus at events must continue to be furnished by UNO Food Services & Catering due to health safety concerns. Certain exceptions can be made by completing the online application for an exception.

Please visit our Maverick COVID Response site for further details about events guidance including food at events and gatherings.

COVID Vaccines and Testing

Tomorrow (Feb. 22) marks final clinic in the most recent series of on-campus vaccination clinics offered by the Douglas County Health Department. If you need your first, second, or booster dose of the Pfizer vaccine, please attend the clinic 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. Please visit the Maverick COVID Response site section on Vaccinations and Testing for opportunities and details available to you on campus.