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Updated University COVID-19 Guidelines

The University continues to coordinate operational efforts closely with local, state, and federal officials, as well as the Florida State University System Board of Governors. In light of the availability of COVID-19 vaccines and new information from federal and state authorities, the prior Coronavirus Safety Policy has been rescinded; these updated guidelines have been developed with the health and wellness of students, faculty, staff, vendors, and visitors as our top priority. 

For purposes of these guidelines, "University Community" is broadly defined to include all faculty, staff, students, vendors, visitors, and any others on-premises controlled, owned, or operated by the University.

A. Education

The University recommends that individuals visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) information webpages to learn details about vaccines, how coronavirus is spread, how to identify common symptoms, and proper hygiene and personal safety precautions.

B. Vaccination

UNF expects all students, faculty and staff to get vaccinated for COVID-19. Vaccine locations can be found using the Florida Department of Health Vaccine Locator at https://floridahealthcovid19.gov/vaccines/vaccine-locator/.

University employees may not ask students, visitors, or other employees about their vaccination status. With advance permission, the University may authorize certain programs and offices to ask employees and students about their vaccination status and proof of vaccination. For example, Student Health Services, University Athletics, and University Housing may ask for student vaccination status, while Human Resources may ask employees in limited circumstances. In addition, programs that involve students being placed with community partners as part of a clinical or internship placement may request vaccination status and proof of vaccination if the placement site requires vaccination as a condition for the placement.

C. Testing

The presence of symptoms may indicate that an individual should seek medical guidance and be tested for COVID-19. For COVID-19 testing, individuals may either consult with their own healthcare provider or obtain a coronavirus test provided by local authorities or the University, if available. A listing of testing resources in Duval County, including many free options, is available at https://www.coj.net/covid19testing.

D. Stay Home if Sick

The Daily Self-Screening is no longer required before reporting to campus for work, to attend classes, or to participate in other on-campus activities. 

Fully vaccinated people do not need to quarantine or be tested following exposure to someone with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, as long as the individual is not experiencing symptoms.

For the health and safety of the University Community, it is imperative that individuals experiencing illness stay at home and confirm whether their symptoms are related to COVID-19 or another transmittable virus. Students who reside on campus should contact Student Health Services for guidance on isolation or quarantine. Otherwise, individuals should not return for work, study, or to access University resources if medical advice, COVID-19 test results, and/or presence of symptoms indicate that they should self-isolate.

If well enough to do so, employees may work with their immediate supervisors to make arrangements to temporarily perform their job duties remotely while confirming the presence of active COVID-19 virus.

 

E. Use of Face Coverings

The University recommends but does not require, the use of face coverings on campus. Services cannot be denied to students or employees who do not wear masks or face coverings inside classrooms or office spaces.

F. Hygiene and Sanitation

All University constituents are strongly encouraged to observe CDC guidance on healthy hygiene habits that prevent the spread of illness. That guidance includes:

  • Regularly washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and then drying them. It can also mean using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not readily available.
  • Observing and following visual cues, like signs or posters, in bathrooms or kitchen areas reminding individuals to wash their hands.
  • Modeling other healthy habits, such as covering coughs and sneezes, then washing hands.
  • Cleaning frequently touched surfaces, such as countertops, handrails, and doorknobs regularly.
  • Advising sick individuals to stay home until they are symptom-free.
  • Reminding individuals to practice and model good hand hygiene at home.

The University is committed to providing necessary materials for personal hygiene, such as adequate soap and hand sanitizer. Sanitizing stations are positioned throughout the campus. If you observe that hygiene and sanitizing materials are not available in a location, please contact Environmental Health and Safety at (904) 620-2019 or EHS@unf.edu so that the University may quickly resupply that area.

The University regularly cleans and disinfects all University facilities, including classrooms, office spaces, housing, and food service facilities, research equipment and laboratories, and public spaces.

G. Requesting Accommodations

UNF is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to protect the health and safety of the University Community as long as those accommodations can be provided without imposing an undue hardship to the University or creating a fundamental alteration in the University's services. The University reserves the right to request appropriate documentation to substantiate the need for the accommodation.

To request an accommodation, employees should contact the University’s ADA Compliance office at  https://www.unf.edu/adacompliance/contact.html or (904) 620-2870. Students should contact Student Accessibility Services at https://www.unf.edu/sas/ or (904) 620-2769.

Employees of vendors should contact their employer to learn what accommodations may be available. Vendors must notify Environmental Health and Safety at (904) 620-2019 or EHS@unf.edu with notice of any employees who test positive for COVID-19.

For all visitors and other University constituents, please contact the University's ADA Compliance office at (904) 620-2870.

H. Travel

Beginning June 21st, domestic and international travel is allowed for employees and students. Travelers are expected to follow any guidelines or restrictions established by carriers or implemented at destinations. The University community is highly encouraged to review available CDC guidance on domestic and international travel prior to making travel plans.

I. Athletics

UNF Athletics will continue to follow the measures established by the ASUN Conference and the NCAA to protect athletes, staff, and fans from the COVID-19 pandemic.