Thera Kalmijn, executive director, UCOP Operations, sent a version of this article to all UCOP staff on Thursday, May 26.

As you may know, COVID-19 cases are on the rise across the country and more counties have moved to the medium community transmission category according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance. Given these developments, we have modified some of our on-site COVID-19 protocols for all UCOP locations (UCDC protocols may vary), and also allow temporary hybrid schedule flexibility.

Effective Tuesday, May 31:

• Approved masks are required in all meeting rooms and common areas, such as elevators, pathways, offices with more than one person, kitchens, restrooms, etc. Approved masks include KN95, N95 or approved surgical masks, not cloth face coverings. Masks are not required but are strongly recommended when you are in your personal office or workstation. Masks will continue to be available at all locations.
• There is a temporary option to adjust hybrid on-site workdays. While our objective remains to have everyone working their full future of work on-site schedule (and staff are still permitted to do so), during this surge, we are temporarily allowing flexibility as follows for scheduled days on-site, as long as it is operationally feasible and receives manager/supervisor approval in advance:– Those working 3+ days on-site can temporarily flex their schedule to 2 days on-site.
  — Those working 2 days on-site can temporarily flex to 1 day on-site.
  — Those working 1 day on-site will remain at 1 day on-site.

  We are grateful for the staff who continue to fulfill essential functions and who must be on-site five days a week. Oakland employees will receive a separate communication regarding any changes to their parking program election. Due to administrative reasons, the parking enrollment period is also being extended.

• Employees, contractors, vendors, and visitors who enter UCOP facilities will continue to test as part of our COVID-19 Testing Program. We are adjusting our approach for fully vaccinated and boosted individuals as outlined below to help close the testing gap between days on- and off-site. This will help catch active infections that could potentially be brought to the office.
  — Note that everyone should test on their first day back in the office after any break from being on-site.
  — Partially vaccinated or unvaccinated employees will continue to test every day they are on-site.

The following existing protocols still apply

• Complete UCOP Screen or UCDC Screen each day before entering UCOP facilities.
• Be in compliance with the COVID-19 Vaccination policy, including boosters and tracking (See the UCOP COVID-19 Vaccination Policy and Tracking webpage). UC’s policy requires that you are up to date with the vaccine series, meaning that you receive all boosters approved for your situation (e.g. by age, CDC underlying condition, etc.) when you are eligible. We strongly encourage you to get your booster(s) as soon as you’re eligible. We are checking employee compliance with boosters in the UCOP COVID19 Vaccination Tracker.
• Follow UCOP protocols if you test positive for COVID-19 or are notified that you have been in close contact with someone who has a confirmed COVID-19 infection. (See the UCOP Exposure Management webpage for what to do for exposure and positive cases.)

Everyone’s health and well-being remain our highest priority, and we will continue to adjust our protocols as circumstances warrant.

If you have questions, please email UCOP-COVID19-Response@ucop.edu.

As always, thank you for your ongoing flexibility and partnership, and please continue to take care of yourself.

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