Nov. 19, 2021 – Friday COVID Update

EOU Community:

Stay Safe During the Holidays

Holiday celebrations and traditions are important to everyone. Because many generations and different households usually gather to celebrate holidays, please don’t skimp on practicing precautions that reduce COVID-19 risk. As we approach Thanksgiving and other celebrations, here are some safer ways to celebrate:

• If you are sick, or there are others who have illness symptoms, don’t attend the gathering – COVID-19 does not respect family and family relationships.
• Protect those not yet eligible for vaccination like young children by getting yourself and other eligible people around them vaccinated.
• Wear well-fitting masks over your nose and mouth if you are in public indoor settings. It really does help decrease transmission of illness. 
• Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces.  The great outdoors are  safer than staying inside.
• If you are traveling, visit CDC’s travel page to help you decide what is best for you and your family. CDC still recommends delaying travel until you are fully vaccinated.

Working together and consciously staying safe and protecting yourself and others means all of us will soon be able to enjoy future holiday seasons! 

Thanksgiving break campus schedule

There are no classes Nov. 22-26, and campus is closed Nov. 25 and 26. Fall classes resume Nov. 29 and Finals Week ends Dec. 17. Unvaccinated students will be required to complete a COVID-19 test when they return for Winter Term in January. New incoming students for Winter Term must complete the Immunization/Exemption Form by Dec. 17. 

Winter Term testing requirements

Unvaccinated students must submit a negative COVID-19 test before attending in-person classes. 

• PCR test taken no earlier than Dec. 27 in order to start classes on Jan. 3
• Free, on-campus testing will be offered Dec. 30 and Jan. 3. Additional information coming soon.
• Unvaccinated students who test positive or do not complete a test on time will not be permitted to attend in-person classes until they meet the requirement. 
• Faculty should plan to make accommodations for students who cannot attend in-person classes while they await COVID test results. 

On-campus vaccination clinic Dec. 1

Make an appointment or walk in from noon to 2 p.m., on Dec. 1 in the Quinn Coliseum Practice Gym. First and second doses, as well as boosters, will be available for all vaccines. Watch for a sign-up link next week. 

Ongoing weekly vaccination clinics and testing for COVID-19

For additional information regarding clinics and testing, visit chdinc.org. 

• Booster shots: All adults in the U.S. qualify for a COVID-19 booster. View the full list of qualifications at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/booster-shot.html. Boosters are available wherever vaccines are offered, including EOU’s on campus vaccination clinics.

• Friday vaccination clinics at CHD: Union County’s public health authority, CHD Inc., is offering free vaccinations in La Grande. These drop-in clinics take place at the Center for Human Development (2301 Cove Avenue), and offer first and second doses on a first-come, first-serve basis from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Friday. 

• Tuesday testing at Union County Fairgrounds: Free COVID tests are available each Tuesday at the Union County Fairgrounds.

Please do not forget! 

Regular hand-washing, proper face coverings and completing the Daily Health Check remain critical to maintaining a safe and healthy learning and work environment. Contact your supervisor if you feel ill, or if you have questions about COVID-19 safety measures. Do not come to campus if you are sick in any way.

Thank you for your vigilance in protecting the welfare of our campus community as we all work to provide a high-quality education in rural Oregon. Find more information at eou.edu/coronavirus. 

Wishing you a safe and happy holiday!

Thank you, 

Executive Leadership Team