This communication was sent campuswide Oct. 19, 2020.

Dear Faculty and Staff:

Given the number of COVID-19 cases in Utah, Weber State University is extending the current restrictions on travel and events through the start of the 2021 spring semester, as outlined below:

Travel guidelines:

• University-related travel (domestic and international) should not occur through Jan. 10, 2021. Exceptions to this restriction must be done with an abundance of caution and be approved by the dean or vice president and the Executive Committee of the WSU COVID-19 Task Force.
• Individuals traveling back from countries and regions of the United States with high COVID-19 transmission rates may be asked to self isolate for 14 days after their return.
• Motor Pool vehicles will be available for single-occupancy use only and restricted to travel within the state of Utah.
• We continue to encourage you, when considering your personal travel choices, to follow travel advisories issued by your local and state authorities. If you choose to travel, you may be restricted from returning to work, depending upon the specifics of your circumstances.
• (NOTE: As of Oct. 16, 2020, Utah has been identified as a high-transmission state by the federal government, with a 7-day transmission rate of 38.5 per 100,000 people according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)

Events:

Weber State is allowing university events to be hosted on campus, provided event organizers can meet the parameters outlined in the Phased Guidelines for Pandemic Recovery.

• Events and meetings, both those held on and off campus, are allowed with under 50 anticipated individuals in attendance during the fall semester. Events or meetings with fewer than 50 individuals can be implemented as long as mitigation measures are in place.
• Event organizers must work with venue managers and adhere to all protocols in place for that facility (e.g., space limitations, social distancing, assigned/ticketed seating, designated entrance/exits, etc.) Venue managers work with the COVID task force to align protocols including occupancy regulations.
• Events should significantly serve the university mission, and the primary audience should be students, faculty or staff.
• Events should include virtual options wherever possible to include individuals who cannot attend in person.
• There will be no third-party hosted events on campus for the fall. 
• Events that do not meet required protocols may be canceled or shut down. Event organizers who are not in compliance with venue/event protocols may not be able to host future events.
• Use the Event Planning Template.

Events must be shared with the Events Coordination Committee.
(Please note: State guidelines view organized events differently than informal gatherings.)

These travel and event guidelines are subject to change based on new developments or recommendations from regional and state public health officials.

Last week, Gov. Gary Herbert issued a new executive order, declaring a statewide public health emergency due to COVID-19 that will remain in effect until further notice.

The governor also introduced the state’s new COVID-19 Transmission Index, which replaces the Utah Leads Together color-coded phased guidelines that have been in place since March. The new index more accurately reflects the rates of COVID-19 transmission occurring around the state.

Under the new index, Davis, Morgan and Weber counties are listed in the moderate level. These county classifications will be revisited by the state on a weekly basis.

This new public health order and public health directive state that in high- or moderate-risk level counties:

• Face coverings are required to be worn in public indoor settings (including all state facilities).
• Informal social gatherings will be limited to 10 individuals or fewer through Oct. 29. After that date, moderate-risk areas may increase the size of informal social gatherings to 25.

These new guidelines and the increase in COVID cases statewide serve as a reminder that it is essential we remain vigilant and adhere to our current protocols:

• Check for symptoms prior to coming to campus.
• Stay home when sick.
• Face coverings are still required in all campus buildings and outdoors where social distancing can not be maintained.
• Wash your hands frequently, and avoid touching your face.

If you have challenges with someone not complying with the face covering policy, please consult our guidelines. You can also email covid19@weber.edu with specific questions or concerns.

As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the state and our surrounding counties, we continue to monitor the situation and follow the guidance from the state and local public health departments. 

We will continue to address cases on campus as they arise through self reporting, quarantining of individuals or specific areas, and taking appropriate measures as developments arise.

Finally, we will hold our next faculty and staff town hall meeting Oct. 28 from 3-4:30 p.m. Please watch campus announcements for more information about this event.

For ongoing details regarding WSU’s response to COVID-19, please visit weber.edu/coronavirus. Specific questions or concerns may be emailed to covid19@weber.edu.

I recognize that the pandemic and the recent increase in cases statewide take a toll on all of us. Thank you or your ongoing vigilance to help keep our campuses safe and open.

Dane LeBlanc
Director of Public Safety
 

Additional Resources:
Utah Transmission Index
Davis County Health Department COVID info
Weber-Morgan Health Department COVID info