Policies and procedures for on campus work

 

In alignment with Gov. Steve Sisolak’s direction regarding the Roadmap to Recovery for Nevada, the University is adopting the following policies and procedures to adhere with State of Nevada regulations, beginning on May 29 and continuing until further notice. This document will be updated to coincide with new directives from the state.

The information below states policies and procedures as the University resumes some in-person campus operations. Every employee, student employee, contractor and affiliate on campus must adhere to these policies and procedures as well as any specific requirements for the department, class or activity operating on campus.

Operations overview

Employees returning to work must adhere to Policies and Procedures for On Campus Work for All Employees. On campus work refers to any work performed at any University office, property, field work or sponsored event.

Working remotely: Most employees will continue working remotely with a gradual return to campus. University divisions and colleges will provide direction to employees for their return to working on-campus.

Alternative campus operations: Alternative campus operations continue with an increasing number of employees working on campus.

Building access: On January 25, buildings under reduced operations will reopen and return to customary hours. Check with individual buildings/departments for operations.

Classes and instruction: Starting Monday, Jan. 25, 2021, the University will begin spring instruction, which will continue our “HyFlex” mode of delivery as was the protocol for the Fall Semester. This instruction mode includes in-person lab classes, studio classes, HyFlex classes and a small number of entirely in-person lecture classes.

Required online COVID-19 training: All employees are required to complete online training, General COVID-19 Training for University Personnel, with subject-specific modules appropriate for their group. Supervisors are required to complete the online Supervisor’s Training for COVID-19.

Reentry to Campus Certification form (COVID): The Reentry to Campus Certification form needs to be completed one time by employees who are returning to campus. Supervisors can verify the completion of the form in Workday and are responsible for ensuring the form is completed.

Do not report to work when feeling ill, particularly if symptoms include cough (excluding chronic cough due to known medical condition), shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or at least two of the following symptoms: fever of 100.4 or greater, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell.

Safety on campus

 

Employees returning to work must adhere to Policies and Procedures for On Campus Work for All Employees. On campus work refers to any work performed at any University office, property, field work or sponsored event.

Social distancing: Social distancing of at least six feet is required at all times, unless a task requires workers to be in closer proximity for only the duration of the task.

Face coverings: Facial coverings are required for all employees, students, vendors and visitors while on campus (at University office, property, field work or sponsored event) in all indoor and outdoor University public spaces. This includes classroom, laboratory, any type of in-person instructional activity, except when alone in a private office, bathroom stall, or residence hall room; or while eating/drinking, or unless not advisable by a healthcare professional, against documented industry best practices, or not permitted by federal or state laws/regulations. Facial coverings may be removed while eating or drinking outdoors or in designated indoor spaces (guidance on accommodations for consuming food and drink will be forthcoming), but must be replaced immediately when finished eating or drinking.

A “face covering” is defined as a “covering that fully covers a person’s nose and mouth, including without limitation, cloth face mask, surgical mask, towels, scarves, and bandanas” (State of Nevada Emergency Directive 024). The University has the authority to require students to wear facial coverings. A student may seek an accommodation under the ADA through the Disability Resource Center (DRC); an employee may seek an accommodation under the ADA through the Equal Opportunity/Title IX Office.

Private gatherings: Limits on private gatherings to 10 attendees, with people from no more than two households.

Public gatherings: Public gatherings are limited to no more than 50 people, or 25 percent of fire code capacity, whichever is less; and face coverings are required at all times in the company of people outside one's immediate household, including during private gatherings inside and outside.

Break rooms: Refrigerators, coffee makers, microwaves, dishes, etc., may be used where local supervisors can monitor social distancing and disinfecting protocols. Face coverings may be removed for eating and drinking in the break areas, provided six feet of distancing is maintained.

Restroom use: Employees should be especially aware of social distancing in restrooms. When entering a restroom assess the occupancy and if social distancing (6 feet) cannot be achieved wait outside the restroom until other people exit.

Vehicle sharing: No more than two people allowed in a vehicle. Face coverings must be worn.

Interviews: Online interviewing of applicants will continue with a campus visit allowable for the finalist.

Travel: Due to the current severity and unpredictability of the COVID-19 outbreak globally, the University is continuing to suspend all University-supported international travel and non-essential domestic travel by University employees and students. Domestic travel essential to University operations must be authorized by the traveler’s supervisor. More information on travel

Visitors to campus: An increase in visitors and public access can be expected. Departments and programs sponsoring visitors must ensure social distancing protocol is followed.

Contractors: Contractors on campus are required to follow OSHA and the Governor’s directives.

Supervisor responsibilities

Supervisors or designee must maintain a log of people in the work area on a daily basis.

Supervisors must ensure that employees:

  1. have completed the required General COVID-19 Training for University Personnel before beginning to work on campus*
  2. complete the Reentry to Campus Certification form (COVID)
  3. follow the Policies and Procedures for On Campus Work
  4. are informed of special safety protocols specific to the work environment
  5. are provided guidance on break rooms and common equipment

*On campus work refers to any work performed at any University office, property, field work or sponsored event.

Steps to take with suspected or positive COVID-19 case

 

The following must be followed in the event of COVID-19 symptoms, exposure or a positive test:

Students/employees must stay home or leave work immediately if COVID-19-like symptoms develop. You are encouraged to call your health care provider for an assessment and possible COVID-19 testing.

Students/employees with a positive test. If you have a positive test, you are encouraged to fill out a COVID-19 reporting form to assist with contact tracing.

Students/employees who have had close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19. Whenever possible, CDC currently continues to recommend a quarantine period of fourteen (14) days for those who have been a close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19. However, the following options to shorten quarantine are acceptable alternatives.

  • Individuals who have come in close contact with someone infected with COVID-19 may be released from quarantine and resume normal activities after ten (10) days as long as they remain asymptomatic and continue to self-monitor for symptoms for fourteen (14) days after their most recent exposure. This includes, but is not limited to, at home quarantine, in a hotel or dormitory room or in a group quarantine facility.
  • When diagnostic testing resources are sufficient and available for asymptomatic individuals, quarantine can end after seven (7) days if a test is done on day five (5) of the quarantine period and the test result is received by day seven (7).

Due to testing demands in our community, the CDC’s shorter seven (7) day quarantine is currently not within the Washoe County Health District or the University’s guidelines for employees and students.

Students/employees who have been a contact of a contact. You do not need to self-quarantine or leave work or class.

Students/employees with mild and to moderate symptoms. Individuals with mild to moderate symptoms who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 should stay home and self-isolate until the following:

  1. At least 10 days have passed since symptoms first appeared and
  2. At least 24 hours have passed since last fever without fever-reducing medication and
  3. Symptoms have improved

Students/employees with severe or critical illness or who are severely immunocompromised. Individuals with severe or critical illness or who are severely immunocompromised should stay home and self-isolate until the following:

  1. At least 20 days have passed since symptoms first appeared and
  2. At least 24 hours have passed since last fever without the use of fever-reducing medications and
  3. Symptoms have improved

Students/employees who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 who are asymptomatic. Individuals who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 who are asymptomatic should stay home and self-isolate for 10 days after their positive test.