Armor Up, Knights!

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges for all members of our community, as well as for society. As UCF begins a phased plan to return to campus, we continue to prioritize our community’s health and well-being by following guidance from public health officials and Governor DeSantis’ plan for reopening Florida. On June 12, the university enacted emergency policy EP–20-1 COVID-19 Return to Campus Policy, and subsequently on June 23, UCF’s reopening plan was presented to and approved by the Florida Board of Governors. Both the policy and Return to Campus Plan outline the university’s approach to re-open campus to students, faculty and staff members, and visitors, as well as establish the following requirements and guidelines for all individuals within the UCF community to follow:

1. 1. Face coverings are required to be worn in all inside common spaces with other people present (e.g., classrooms, common work or living spaces, meeting rooms, etc.) even if they are physically distant; all enclosed spaces with other people present (e.g., campus vehicles, UCF shuttles, etc.); and indoors and outdoors (except when exercising while maintaining physical distancing).  Exceptions to the face covering requirements are noted in the policy for when wearing a face covering is not required or may not be appropriate;
   2. All persons on campus are to practice six feet of physical distancing to the greatest extent possible;
   3. Faculty and staff members, and student employees will be required to complete the appropriate training prior to returning to campus;
   4. Increased cleaning of common touchpoints, bathrooms, and common areas will remain in place until further notice;
   5. Employees must complete a symptom checker daily prior to coming to campus, either by using the questionnaire available through the UCF Mobile app, which can be downloaded at ucfmobile.ucf.edu or through a paper version located on the Human Resources website, available in both English and Spanish. The questionnaire will ask basic questions about symptoms, possible exposure to COVID-19, and assist with tracing in the event of exposure.
   6. Employees and students should notify the University if they receive a positive COVID-19 test result or diagnosis by calling the UCF COVID Line at 407-823-2509. This will ensure that robust tracing of cases at UCF has started and will help the university identify and contain potentially impacted populations.
   7. Testing, tracing, and response to illness protocols will be established to respond to potential cases of COVID-19 in coordination with the Florida Department of Health (and, as applicable, other health authorities)
   8. All persons on campus are to follow good hygiene guidance, such as regular hand washing, avoiding touching your face, and disinfecting touched items;
   9. Take personal responsibility by following all Florida Department of Health and CDC health measures, including remaining at home (or in your residence hall room) as advised by a healthcare professional and/or in the following circumstances:  when you or a housemate are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or are otherwise ill; after close contact with a person who is sick with or positive for COVID-19; until released by a healthcare provider or a public health official after receiving a positive COVID-19 test result; and for the period advised by a healthcare provider or public health official while awaiting COVID-19 test results.  You should not come to campus if you have tested positive for COVID-19, even if you are asymptomatic, until such time as you are cleared by a healthcare provider to return to normal activities.  The UCF COVID Return to Work/School Release Form should be used for this purpose.
   10. Access resources available for mental and emotional well-being as needed. UCF offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to help employees and their dependents by providing a variety of services, including resources to cope with life events such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

The university will continue to provide updates to the campus community through a variety of methods, including the Returning to UCF website, the UCF COVID-19 website, campus messaging, social media, and more. It is important that we remain flexible and adaptable, as the Return to Campus Plan may be adjusted should conditions change. Anyone with questions specific to COVID-19 may also submit their questions to covid19questions@ucf.edu. As Knights, we must be vigilant in protecting our UCF community. Armor Up!