June 25, 2020
I hope this message finds you healthy and well, and I thank you for your continued cooperation as we tackle the challenges and inconveniences of COVID-19 together.
We have said all along that there is not a one-size-fits-all model for returning to the workplace, and it is evident with the increase in COVID-19 cases in our region that continued vigilance and flexibility are required.
While some employees have already returned to campus, others may not need to work onsite at this time, or have special circumstances that would hinder them from working on campus. Supervisors are encouraged to remain flexible and understanding with employees who can continue to work remotely, especially those at higher risk of complications from COVID-19.
As this gradual and phased return to UCF continues, the university is focused on the health and well-being of all members of our UCF community. As Knights, we must continue to be dedicated to the wellness of our broader community by taking individual responsibility to help prevent further spread of COVID-19.
New COVID Screening Tool
Each of us needs to be familiar with symptoms of COVID-19, and all employees are expected to self-check and protect one another by filling out a symptom screening form when going to any UCF campus or university-owned property.
The COVID Self-Checker is currently available in English and Spanish on Human Resources’ website. Starting July 1, it also will be available in the UCF Mobile app, which will continue to be utilized to share and gather information as we return to UCF.
The COVID Self-Checker will be piloted in the app through July 12, and employees are encouraged to provide any feedback via the link at the bottom of the questionnaire. Starting July 13, the UCF Mobile app will be the primary means for accessing the self-checker, with the forms being phased off the Human Resources website at that time.
More information about the COVID Self-Checker, including instructions for accessing it, will be shared next week.
The questionnaire will ask basic questions about symptoms of and possible exposure to COVID-19 and capture information such as the employee’s primary work location to assist with tracing in the event of exposure. Supervisors also will receive notifications about employees not cleared to return to the office.
The form will be generic in nature, in accordance with medical and student privacy laws and public health best practices. This tool is designed to help make an individual assessment about whether employees are well enough to come to campus, and personal medical information will never be disclosed through this process.
All employees returning to the workplace also are required to complete the training “Returning to Campus Operations” in Webcourses that outlines health and safety protocols each of us is expected to follow.
Individual Precautions
COVID-19 will remain a part of our reality for the foreseeable future, and risk exists in any public place where people are present. However, by being personally responsible for practicing precautions on and off campus, we can help protect ourselves, our loved ones and everyone with whom we come in contact.
UCF’s call to action is “Armor Up, Knights!,” and employees will continue to see this message as the university encourages everyone to take COVID-19 prevention steps and fight further spread.
As part of this effort, UCF is distributing a reusable cloth face covering to all employees, as wearing a face covering is required by policy in all shared indoor spaces and outside areas where physical distancing isn’t possible.
The call to action reminds us all to follow these simple steps:
- Wear face coverings indoors, and also outdoors where a six-foot distance from others is not possible.
- Continue physical distancing and avoid gatherings of 10 or more.
- Wash your hands frequently and properly — and with UCF spirit!
- Avoid touching your face.
- Stay home if you are sick or if you have been in contact with anyone who has tested positive, and stay away from others who are sick.
One additional way to protect those around you is to get tested at one of the UCF testing sites or at a location near you if you find yourself experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. Testing is important for tracking the virus and preventing further community spread.
To help you with your return to campus, UCF has created a guide that features health and safety guidance about topics such as face coverings, cleaning and disinfection, using elevators and restrooms, holding meetings and more. The guide also includes information about UCF’s Employee Assistance Program.
UCF will update you regularly via email and the university’s coronavirus website, and you also can send any questions to covid19questions@ucf.edu.
It will take all of us continuing to work together to get us past this pandemic. Please continue to take care of yourself and look out for one another.
Thank you for all you do for the UCF community, and remember — Armor Up, Knights, and Charge On!
Maureen Binder
Associate Vice President
Chief Human Resources Officer