September 6: Labor Day update

The increase in positive cases we are seeing on campus this weekend is in keeping with what the University of Florida and UF Health anticipated and planned for, and we have resources in place to address the uptick in numbers, which will likely continue for some time in the wake of the holiday weekend. We have 600 beds reserved for quarantine and isolation use, and contact tracing and surveillance testing are already underway as planned. Students, faculty and staff are reminded to continue to wear face coverings, practice physical distancing and frequent handwashing, and avoid large social gatherings. Individual responsibility is a way to share care and concern for each other and will play a critical part in flattening this curve, and these healthy habits are intended to limit the spread.

As a reminder, once someone is reported confirmed as a positive case, they are placed in isolation and the Screen, Test & Protect team initiates contact tracing, calling close contacts (those who have been within 6 feet of the positive case for 15 minutes or longer). These individuals are then put in quarantine and monitored for signs of COVID-19 over the next two weeks. The team will provide guidance and outline next steps for each individual depending on their circumstances. Student Affairs also will be in touch with students who are isolating or quarantining to provide additional services and support. 

As previously planned, additional COVID-19 testing sites for students will be available after the Labor Day holiday, along with a symptom questionnaire for all UF faculty, staff and students. Students can access testing whether or not they have symptoms through ONE.UF.