COVID-19 and Monkeypox Update

Let’s talk about COVID-19 and monkeypox. Here are a few things you need to know about UVU’s response.

   

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Let’s talk about COVID-19 and monkeypox. Here are a few things you need to know about UVU’s response.

COVID-19

Utah is in an endemic phase of COVID-19, but we continue to work with our national, state, and local partners to monitor for changes that could negatively impact our UVU community.

  • COVID-19 is still making people ill. The BA.5 variant is the most prevalent and transmissible form yet evades previous immunity from infection and vaccination. While most people experience less severe symptoms, including fever, runny nose, coughing, sore throat, headaches, muscle pain, and fatigue, others may be susceptible to more severe illness.
  • COVID-19 vaccination is strongly encouraged but no longer required to attend UVU. Vaccination and boosters protect against severe disease even with BA.5. Vaccinations are available through the Utah County Health Department and traditional providers.
  • If you are feeling unwell, please avoid coming to campus. We want to keep our campus community healthy. 
  • Free COVID-19 at-home test kits are available at Student Health Services, Human Resources, and Campus Connection. These are distribution-only sites, and there will not be anyone available to answer COVID-related questions. You can find answers on the CDC website or by contacting your healthcare provider.

Monkeypox

We are in contact with the Utah County Health Department as a part of the monitoring process. There are few cases in Utah County, and no cases reported at UVU. Monkeypox is a rare disease that is caused by infection with the monkeypox virus, which can be transmitted person-to-person through:

  • Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids
  • Respiratory secretions during prolonged, face-to-face contact, or during intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sex
  • Touching items (such as clothing or linens) that previously touched the infectious rash or body fluids
  • Please refer to the emergency management webpage for more details about monkeypox and UVU’s response.

My team will continue to update you on any changes that occur with campus health and safety.  We wish you a healthy and successful semester.

 

Sincerely,

Robin Ebmeyer
Director of Emergency Management and Safety

 
 
 

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