June 30, 2020
As we continue to Charge On in these unprecedented times, we must remain vigilant about COVID-19 and take personal responsibility to protect ourselves and those around us, no matter where we are.
Especially with the holiday weekend approaching, now is not the time to let our guards down. The same best practices that helped us flatten the pandemic’s curve this spring — wearing face coverings and practicing physical distancing and good hand hygiene — are as critical as ever given the increase in cases in our region.
As our gradual, phased return to UCF continues, each of us must continue to prioritize safety and be willing to accept the minor inconveniences required for the wellness of our broader community.
‘What Ifs’ About COVID-19
We have already seen some employees and students test positive for COVID-19. Because risk of exposure exists in any public place where people are present and the pandemic is a reality across our broader community, we can expect that UCF will not be immune from continued impact.
UCF has compiled a list of FAQs that includes information about what to do if you or someone you know tests positive for COVID-19.
Any employee or student who has tested positive for COVID-19 should notify UCF by calling Student Health Services at 407-823-2509. This will ensure that individuals follow appropriate next steps and that robust tracing of cases at UCF will occur.
Any employee or student who tests positive for COVID-19 should stay home and not come to campus (unless they live on campus); not report to work or a training site; avoid contact with others; and not leave home for non-essential reasons.
If you know that you have had close contact with someone who has confirmed COVID-19, you also should stay home, avoid contact with others and contact your primary care physician.
Through contact tracing, you will be notified directly if there is a possibility you have been exposed to COVID-19 at work and may require quarantine and/or testing because a colleague has tested positive. In line with public health practices and medical and student privacy laws, only those who would need to know about confirmed COVID-19 cases for personal health and safety reasons will be informed.
Update on COVID Self-Checker App
Human Resources last week shared that employees returning to any UCF campus are expected to self-check by filling out a symptom screening form. Based on feedback from employees, we are making two changes:
- The COVID Self-Checker in the UCF Mobile app will now launch July 6 instead of July 1.
- Paper versions of the form will continue to be available in English and Spanish on Human Resources’ website after the app form launches for employees who are unable to use the app for any reason.
The generic COVID Self-Checker questionnaire is designed to familiarize employees with the symptoms of COVID-19 and allow them to assess possible exposure and evaluate whether they are well enough to come to campus.
Detailed instructions on how to access and utilize the COVID Self-Checker are available online for employees and supervisors, and we encourage everyone to download the UCF Mobile app now in advance of the COVID Self-Checker requirement launching next week.
I also encourage you to provide feedback about the COVID Self-Checker via the link at the bottom of the questionnaire starting next week through the end of the app’s pilot period on July 12.
To be clear, completing the Self-Checker via the app or the online form will continue to be mandatory for all employees every day they are working on any UCF campus or property until further notice.
We must work together and look out for one another in order to get past COVID-19.
We are sharing more information about how to do so in this comprehensive guide about returning to UCF. We also will continue to regularly share health tips and university updates via email and the coronavirus website, and you can send any questions you have to covid19questions@ucf.edu.
The past several months have been challenging beyond measure, but we all are stronger when the UCF community works together. Armor Up, Knights, and Charge On!
Maureen Binder
Associate Vice President
Chief Human Resources Officer