- Author: Brian Oatman
Operational flexibility extended through January 31, 2022
UC ANR continues to have a strong dedication to providing a safe, healthy, and flexible work environment. With the emergence of the new, fast-moving Omicron variant of COVID-19 and the acceleration of COVID infections in California and across the country, we are extending the original deadline for employees to be working in accordance with their signed Flexible Work Agreements from January 10th to January 31, 2022.
- We are not shutting down and are not returning to remote-only operations. Our County partners and clientele should continue to feel confident that UC ANR is open for business.
- Directors will have the flexibility to determine on-site personnel needs based on business and local requirements and safety protocols.
- To support the health and safety of employees who are not able to work remotely, Directors should consider limiting building capacity or staggering work hours.
- Health, safety, and environmental issues in your communities may vary so please continue to keep abreast of local heath orders and conditions.
- Ensure all safety measures are followed when in-person activities are required (see Meeting and Gathering note below).
- As the situation continues to evolve, we will re-assess environmental conditions to determine whether additional adjustments are needed.
- Unless otherwise agreed upon, out-of-state agreements are not impacted by this extension.
Meetings and Gatherings
If you are planning large meetings or gatherings in the next few weeks, it is recommended that they be moved to an online format. If this is not possible, an online option should be provided. This will help ensure that people who have COVID exposures or symptoms will stay home as requested. It also accommodates people who are uncomfortable attending in-person gatherings at this time.
When deciding whether to carry on with a planned meeting, consider the following risk factors:
- Location: Is it indoors or outdoors? If indoors, is the space well ventilated? Outdoors is safer than indoors.
- Size: How many people are attending? Is there enough room to allow people to keep distant from others? Smaller meetings with room for people to remain separated are lower risk.
- Duration: How long is the meeting? Shorter time is lower risk.
- Supplies/preparedness: Do you have adequate supplies and procedures for cleaning the meeting space, maintaining a log of attendees, masks, hand sanitizer, etc.? If not, you should not meet in person.
- Compliance: Is it anticipated that the group that is attending will comply with all safety procedures, such as staying home if they have any symptoms or exposures, wearing masks, maintaining distance, etc.? If not, the meeting should be held remotely.
We will continue to monitor guidance from state and local public health officials, as well as UC policies, and provide updates as needed. Thank you for all you are doing to keep yourselves and UC ANR clientele safe during this difficult time.
Brian Oatman
Director, Risk & Safety Services