COVID-19 Digest: Nebraska U reopens

Nebraska libraries
Craig Chandler | University Communication
Jacilin Stonacek, a senior from Lincoln, studies in the Adele Hall Learning Commons on Aug. 4. Campus facilities, including the University Libraries, are starting to reopen in preparation for the start of in-person, on-campus instruction this fall. The semester begins Aug. 17 with a week of remote learning.
August 11, 2020

Lincoln, Neb. —Welcome to the Nebraska Today COVID-19 Digest — a new feature intended to help you navigate campus during the global pandemic.

This story will be updated regularly with campus news related to COVID-19. Along with appearing in the campus newsletter, it will also (until further notice) be a featured story on the Nebraska Today website.

Campus reopens

Starting this week, building access returns to a normal semester schedule. Also, other campus facilities — including Sheldon Museum of Art and the University Libraries — are now open or preparing for students, faculty and staff. Students are moving into university residence halls en masse on Aug. 13.

Testing for COVID-19

The university is working with TestNebraska to set up a COVID-19 testing station on campus. Details are being finalized and will be announced. Testing is also available to students, instructors and staff through the University Health Center, TestNebraska and other community healthcare facilities.

Training available

The entire campus community is being encouraged to prepare for the fall semester by completing COVID-19 training videos. The presentations — which are available to students, instructors, researchers and staff — offer an overview of campus policies and procedures, safety protocols and teaching approaches. Learn more here.

Cornhusker Commitment

The campus community, alumni and other Husker supporters are being asked to review and — if you desire — sign the Cornhusker Commitment. While not binding, it is a community promise to follow safety measures that protect individuals and yourself from the virus. Learn more here.

App offers evaluation

All members of the campus community are encouraged to self-monitor for symptoms by using the 1-Check COVID-19 screening app. Available for iOS and Android devices, the app was developed by engineering students for the University of Nebraska Medical Center. It allows users to privately answer questions and assess risk of having COVID-19.

Remote work

University leaders continue to encourage employees and supervisors to develop remote working plans whenever possible. The goal is to reduce the total number of people on campus at any one time, thus reducing the opportunity for the virus to spread amongst individuals. More than 350 alternative work arrangement requests have been filed and approved for university employees. Learn more about alternative work arrangements here.

Mental health and well-being

The university continues to offer a variety of support programs for students and employees. Students can seek assistance through Counseling and Psychological ServicesBig Red Resilience and Well-being and academic success coaches. Programs for employees are being offered through the Employee Assistance Program.

Package delivery returns

The temporary central package receiving shop set up in April is now closed and all packages are being delivered directly to campus offices. Departments and units that have packages stored at the Facilities Management Shops can pick up items from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Requests to have these packages delivered can be made via email to Tim Klein, inventory operations and building key manager, at tklein4@unl.edu. Requests must include building name, recipient and tracking information.

What is ‘exposure?’

When it comes to exposure to the virus, health officials are leaning on two key numbers — 6 and 15. For exposure to happen, you must be in close proximity to someone with the virus (less than six feet), for more than 15 minutes. The university has instituted a number of protocols — including a facial covering policy and mandating that social distancing of at least six feet be followed when indoors. Learn more about health and wellness on campus during COVID-19.

What if I feel sick or was exposed?

If you are not feeling well, contact your health provider or the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department coronavirus hotline at 402-441-8006. Be cautious and stay home if you have symptoms — especially coughing, fever, shortness of breath, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat or new loss of taste or smell). If you’ve believe you’ve been exposed but are not showing symptoms, contact the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department hotline.

Your questions

Do you have a question about the university’s COVID-19 response? Send us an email at covid19@unl.edu.

by University Communication

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