The University of Toledo continues to monitor the prevalence of COVID-19, including the highly contagious omicron variant, and remains committed to keeping our campus community safe during this pandemic.
Thanks to the diligence of each and every member of our campus community, UToledo has been able to successfully navigate these challenging times while keeping infection rates on our campus low.
The spring semester will begin as scheduled on Tuesday, Jan. 18, and we do not anticipate any major changes to University operations at this time. We are planning for a robust semester including the in-person instruction that is already scheduled.
Booster Shots
Vaccination continues to be the most powerful tool available to slow the spread of COVID-19 and prevent serious disease. Our campus community’s reported vaccination rate is nearly 80%, significantly higher than the national, state and local averages.
As the CDC continues to broaden its recommendations for booster shots in order to ensure people are up-to-date with their vaccinations, the University is likely to update its vaccine requirement to include booster doses in the future.
If you haven’t already done so and are eligible to receive your booster, the University strongly encourages you to do so before you return to campus. Students, faculty and staff members can receive a COVID-19 vaccine at two on-campus locations:
• Main Campus Pharmacy, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• Outpatient Pharmacy in the UTMC Medical Pavilion on Health Science Campus, 8 a.m. to noon, Monday through Friday.
To make an appointment, visit the Ohio Department of Health’s scheduling portal.
Masks Required
The University continues to require well-fitting masks that fully cover the nose and mouth for all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, while indoors on our campuses. With the latest data showing cloth masks are less effective against the more contagious omicron variant, the University will be widely distributing free surgical masks for you to wear instead of or in addition to cloth masks.
Disposable, hospital-grade masks also are now required for all employees and visitors at The University of Toledo Medical Center, including in non-clinical areas. Patients and visitors wearing cloth masks will be provided a disposable mask that can be worn alone or under their cloth mask.
Individuals are not required to wear masks while alone in their office or while eating. Masks are not required outdoors; however, the CDC recommends in areas with high numbers of COVID-19 cases that individuals consider wearing a mask in crowded outdoor settings.
The CDC still requires face coverings be worn on public transportation, regardless of vaccination status. This includes TARTA’s on-campus and community bus services.
Information on accommodations due to medical condition/disability can be found on the University’s COVID-19 website.
Isolation and Quarantine
UToledo has updated our isolation and quarantine guidance in accordance with the CDC’s latest updates, including these highlights:
• Individuals who were in close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19 and who have not received all recommended COVID-19 vaccine doses, including a booster dose once eligible, should quarantine for at least five days before returning to work, class or other on-campus activities.
• Individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19, regardless of whether they have symptoms, should self-isolate for at least five days.
For more details, please visit the University’s COVID-19 website.
Absences
The University will continue to adapt and support our faculty, staff and students in the event that they must miss class or work. Students will not be penalized if they must miss class due to an illness or the need to quarantine. The University’s success coaches and/or the Office of Student Advocacy and Support are ready to assist students who may need help.
In accordance with University policy, all employees must notify their supervisor if they will be absent due to an illness or exposure as defined by the CDC. Information about flexible work arrangements and the University’s return-to-work criteria for employees is available from Human Resources.
The University continues to encourage all faculty, staff and students who test positive for COVID-19 to report their diagnosis to the proper office.
Residence Life
All residential students will be required to take a rapid antigen test before moving back into their residence hall. Individuals who test positive will be able to self-isolate on campus or return home.
Event updates
Due to the number of increasing cases and hospitalizations in Ohio, some non-classroom events may be switched to a virtual format or rescheduled for a later date. Please check the University’s master calendar for updates.
