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COVID Decision Triggers

COVID-19 Trigger Information

UCF has developed a list of triggers for additional on-campus restrictions and increased or full remote learning and working. (Updated August 13, 2021)

The UCF COVID-19 Clinical Oversight Committee and the Emerging Issues and Crisis Response Team (EICRT) have developed decision triggers that consider COVID-19 impacts on campus and in the surrounding community. These triggers will be used to advise on when to make changes to campus operations and are informed by evidence-based science and expert opinions. This list is reviewed and updated as needed to reflect changes in public health guidance. All decisions in response to COVID-19 surges will be made in consultation with the Florida Department of Health at Orange County and with the Florida Board of Governors.

Possible responses to a surge on campus or in our community may include, but are not limited to:

  • Movement of an in-person class or classes to remote, temporarily or long-term
  • Closure of a residence hall, temporarily or long-term
  • Closure of a building or facility, temporarily or long-term
  • Further restriction of activities on campus
  • Full return to remote learning and working

Depending on the situation and analysis of any surge, changes in campus operations may be temporary or long-term.

Campus Triggers

  • COVID-19 related death(s) of students, staff, or faculty
  • On-campus clusters overwhelm our ability to quarantine/isolate and contact trace
  • The number, location and type of cluster
  • Personal protective equipment shortages impacting the ability to test and care for COVID-19 patients
  • Inability to adequately test due to vendor or supply chain problems
  • Employee absenteeism impacting critical operations necessary to maintain current health measures, including sanitation and disinfection efforts
  • Degradation of containment capabilities

Community Triggers

  • Significant, applicable action by the governor or other public official
  • Escalation of Orange County Mayor’s Office’s COVID-19 risk-based guidelines
  • Significant, sustained increase in Orange and Seminole County hospital admissions
  • Insufficient ICU beds and respirators in the region
  • Trends among sister institutions in the Florida State University System
  • Degradation of robust testing capacity in the community, including screening and contact tracing for symptomatic individuals

Reference

American College Health Association. “Considerations for Reopening Institutions of Higher Education in the COVID-19 Era.” https://www.acha.org/documents/resources/guidelines/ACHA_Considerations_for_Reopening_IHEs_in_the_COVID-19_Era_May2020.pdf