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- Title:
- Nov. 1, 2021 | Mask Requirement Remains, Vault Tests Available
- Date:
- 2021-11-01
- Category:
- Presidential Memos
- Harvested from:
- https://perma.cc/MET4-JTEW
- Type:
- text
- Digital Format:
- text/html
- Reference Link:
- https://www.lib.uidaho.edu/digital/fridayletter/letters/president_memo_2021-11-01.html
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Nov. 1, 2021 | Mask Requirement Remains, Vault Tests Available
TO: University of Idaho Students, Faculty and Staff
FROM: Scott Green, President
Torrey Lawrence, Provost and Executive Vice President
DATE: Nov. 1, 2021
SUBJECT: Mask Requirement Remains, Vault Tests Available
Masks Requirement Continues
COVID-19 infection rates are slowly trending down across the country – and in Idaho – although hospitalizations and deaths remain at a concerning level. After discussions with our local healthcare community, masks will continue to be required in all University of Idaho buildings and all university-sponsored events for another three weeks. This will be reviewed again and communicated by Monday, Nov. 22, which is during Fall Break, so be sure to check your email.
The mask requirement applies to all U of I offices, buildings owned by other entities (including our many research and UI Extension offices) and common areas on campus including those located in Housing and Residence Life. Face coverings can be removed in a shared office workspace where more than six feet of distance can be constantly maintained and within private residential rooms in Housing and Residence Life.
COVID-19 Testing
PCR testing remains available through Gritman Medical Center, with a physician’s referral. Call the Vandal Health Clinic at 208-885-6693 or your healthcare provider to schedule an appointment for a referral, if needed. Vault tests (saliva-based home tests) are available for pick-up without a referral from noon-2 p.m. weekdays at the tent in front of the Vandal Health Clinic on the Moscow campus. We have distributed 75 tests to date. Your VandalCard is required. As we have a limited supply of these tests, only those who are symptomatic can receive one. Test results typically arrive within 24-48 hours of the test being received by the testing lab. Specific instructions for completing the tests are provided and you should follow them carefully.
Student Vaccination Incentives
We continue to give away tuition incentives to students who submit proof of full vaccination. Ane Equiluz, a first-year student majoring in animal and veterinary science, is a recent winner of the $1,000 tuition credit drawing. Congratulations, Ane.
All student vaccination information must be turned in by Friday, Nov. 12, to be eligible to receive a $50 gift card and be entered into a tuition credit drawing.
Vaccines
COVID-19 vaccine clinics on the Moscow campus continue through the semester. The next one is Wednesday, Nov. 3. You can pre-register online for an upcoming campus clinic. These clinics also have flu shots, as time allows. If you are not on the Moscow campus or require other options, visit the COVID-19 vaccine locater. The CDC last week authorized emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine for children ages 5-11.
Lawsuit Against Federal Vaccination Mandate
On Friday, the state of Idaho joined a lawsuit led by Georgia to oppose the federal vaccination mandate for federal contractors imposed by President Biden’s Executive Order 14042. The Idaho State Board of Education is a named party in the suit. Watch for further communication this week as we better understand the timeline of this suit and the expectations for the federal vaccine mandate. There is no doubt this will be a distraction and we appreciate your patience.
The political landscape around COVID-19 is complicated. What we can do now is remain committed to helping our local healthcare providers battle the pandemic and return to a normalized standard of care.
Keep Calm and Vandal On.
Scott Green
President
president@uidaho.edu
uidaho.edu/president
Torrey Lawrence
Provost and Executive Vice President
provost@uidaho.edu
uidaho.edu/provost