UC ANR COVID-19 Update: UC travel guidance updated; safety standards; flu season

UC travel guidance updated

UCOP has issued updated guidance for UC travelers, replacing previous directives and aligning with CDC Travel Guidance for COVID-19. More information for UC ANR travelers can be found on our COVID-19 Travel webpage, which will maintain links to current CDC and CDPH guidance and advisories for travelers. Based on the current guidance, UC ANR advises all employees to avoid non-essential travel out of state. If you are unsure if work-related travel is essential, consult your supervisor or unit director.

COVID-19 safety standards

It is encouraging to see that the rate of COVID-19 infections around the state and nation is declining. Each day, more and more of our colleagues and community members are getting vaccinated for protection from COVID-19. More businesses and activities are resuming in our communities and many of our children are returning to schools. However, this is no time to let down our guard. Even if you have been fully vaccinated, we all need to maintain the safety standards that have helped prevent the further spread of COVID-19. This means we need to continue to practice these 5 basic safety protocols in all UC ANR activities:

1. Health screening: Employees who are working in-person at an ANR office, field site or in the community must take a daily clearance-to-work survey. Do not come to work or participate in any in-person UC ANR activities if you are ill, experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, or if you have been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19.
2. Social distancing: Maintain 6 feet of distance from other people at all times.
3. Face coverings: Wear face coverings (cloth or paper masks, etc.) when engaged in work or UC ANR activities. Double masking is even more effective.
4. Maintain hygiene: Frequently clean and disinfect workspaces and equipment, wash hands often, and use hand sanitizer. Ensure that you have adequate supplies for cleaning and disinfecting.
5. Avoid large gatherings: Meetings/programs/workshops and similar activities should be conducted remotely whenever possible. In-person activities hosted by UC ANR must follow the occupancy limits and other protective measures included in UC ANR's safety standards, or your county public health orders, if more restrictive.

If you are working in person, make sure that you have reviewed your location's site-specific Safety Plan and have received COVID-19 safety training.

Flu season nearing an end?

Last fall, the UC President mandated that all employees and students who were working, learning or living on-site at UC facilities must be vaccinated for influenza. This year's flu season has been remarkably quiet, with very few cases, and the flu season usually ends around March or April. In some counties, the public health director may officially declare an end to the flu season; however, we have not received official notice from UCOP regarding changes to the flu vaccine mandate. We are monitoring the status of this policy with UCOP and will keep you posted when there is more information.

Brian Oatman 
Director, Risk & Safety Services

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