Aug. 13, 2021 – COVID Update

A message from EOU INFOLINE

Dear EOU Community, 

In response to the highly contagious Delta variant, Oregon Governor Kate Brown announced that masks will be required statewide in all indoor public spaces, effective today, August 13. 

The Executive Leadership Team is evaluating EOU’s Face Covering Policy in light of this requirement and accompanying guidance from the Oregon Health Authority. Updates to the policy will be shared as soon as they are finalized. We are continuing to plan for in-person classes and activities on the main campus this fall.

The current surge has resulted in record high daily case numbers and hospitalizations across the state, affecting the number of ICU beds available for all serious illnesses—particularly in our rural region. Both vaccinated and unvaccinated people can spread the Delta variant, but those who become severely ill and hospitalized are predominantly unvaccinated. 

EOU strongly encourages employees, students and partners to get vaccinated. 

• EOU’s vaccination requirement will take effect when the FDA gives its full approval of a COVID-19 vaccine. Employees who plan to be on the La Grande campus will have 60 days following the FDA approval of a vaccine to show proof of being fully vaccinated or have an approved medical or nonmedical vaccination exemption on file with the university. That timeframe is provided to enable an individual two weeks to schedule a vaccination appointment, then allow for the 30 days until their second dose and the two weeks after that for the vaccination to be fully in effect.   
• The Center for Human Development (CHD) Public Health hosts weekly drop-in COVID-19 vaccination clinics that are completely free and don’t require proof of insurance or identification. Pfizer, Moderna and J&J vaccines are available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Friday at the Riveria Activity Center (2609 N 2nd) in La Grande.                                                                    

We anticipate that the FDA will approve a vaccine in the coming months; however, employees and students who have already been vaccinated can submit proof of vaccination now. 

• A portal has been created in Mountie Hub, where employees can upload proof of vaccination or request an exemption. Under the Employee Services tab, use the “COVID-19 Vaccination Option” button to complete either process. 
• Students should use the COVID-19 Immunization Verification Form and submit it to the Student Health Center to complete either process. 

As always—if you’re experiencing any symptoms of illness, stay home and do not come to campus. Report all COVID illness symptoms to your supervisor and avoid interactions with others. If you have questions about sick leave, contact HR at hr-group@eou.edu.

Basic behaviors like hand-washing and wearing a mask indoors are critical tools for mitigating the spread of disease. Remember to complete the Daily Self-Check before arriving on campus. Visit eou.edu/coronavirus for FAQs regarding the vaccination requirement, as well as information about EOU’s ongoing pandemic response.

Thank you, 

Executive Leadership Team