***Until an SMPH plan for returning to campus is put into place, please continue to operate under current SMPH guidelines for events in HSLC and WIMR, which are described here.
Several changes regarding testing, Badger Badges, building access, and campus sponsored events are going into effect Monday May 10, 2021. Here is what you need to know:
Building/Facility Access:
• Effective Monday, May 10, a Green Badger Badge will no longer be necessary to enter any campus building unless specifically required by the space or event in question (for example: a lab may require a green Badger Badge for entrance, certain buildings may still require one, or a specific in-person meeting)
• Requirement of a green Badger badge for access is subject to approval by Vice-Chancellors, Academic Deans, and Research Center Directors, within the units they manage. At least one week’s notice must be given before any space, event, or other in-person activity can require a green Badger Badge for access.
• Despite easing of restrictions, all members of the campus community are expected to maintain green Badger Badge status to ensure they can access all buildings and events this summer without limitations.
• As before, this can be done through regular testing (ie. obtaining a Covid test every eight days).
Testing and Vaccination
• Testing will be available to all faculty, staff, and students by PCR-based nasal swab.
• Three or more sites will be available, including a drive-up option. More information on those locations is forthcoming.
• Once you are fully vaccinated, and your vaccination status is on file with UHS, your Badger Badge will remain green indefinitely, you will be exempt from weekly testing, and the word Exempt will appear under your Badger Badge photo.
• UHS is still offering vaccinations to the campus community free of charge. All faculty, staff, and students (enrolled as of Spring 2021) are eligible. For more information, read the post on how to get vaccinated both on and off-campus here.
Visitors
• Visitors will be allowed in buildings, events, and spaces that do not require a green Badger Badge
• RecWell facilities and the Memorial Union will be open to visitors and members of the public, subject to Dane County guidelines for safety and facilities limits.
Events
• Gatherings inside where food or drink is offered are limited to a maximum 150 people, and where food or drink is not offered are limited to a maximum 350 people. Numbers are limited to the facility size, and the ability for members of different housholds or living units to maintain six (6) feet of social distancing.
• Gatherings outside must be limited to ensure individuals who are not members of the same household or living unit maintain six (6) feet physical distancing at all times.
• Dining facilities are limited to 50% of their seating capacity.
• Face coverings will be required for all indoor gatherings, except when eating or drinking. Face coverings will not be required for outdoor gatherings if physical distancing can be maintained.
• Food may be served, but it must come in individual packaging, or be served by members of UW catering staff. If food is provided by a restaurant, it must come in single serve packaging.
• Non-University sponsored events are NOT allowed.
All policies are subject to change, please continue to watch this blog to stay up to date on Covid policy and safety information.
** Return to on-site work for MP employees continues to require departmental approval until further notice.
Stay safe!