To: OSU Community Members
From: Dan Larson, OSU Coronavirus Response Coordinator, Vice Provost for Student Affairs
November 13, 2020
Dear OSU Community Members,
Earlier today, Gov. Kate Brown announced a statewide two-week freeze on activities to address the rapid spread of COVID-19. New measures announced by the Governor to take effect beginning Wednesday, Nov. 18, will impact Oregon State University operations.
The virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading quickly in our state and our immediate attention is required. The Governor’s measures include limiting social gatherings, working from home to the greatest extent possible, and the closure of some facilities. As of this notice, Oregon State University in both Corvallis and Bend is now operating at the University’s Operations Level 3.
Beginning Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, the following will be in effect at all OSU locations:
- OSU’s Physical Distancing policy will limit university gatherings and social get-togethers and non-university gatherings on university sites to 6 or fewer people, from no more than 2 households – indoors and outdoors. OSU students will be required to restrict all social get-togethers to 6 or fewer people from no more than 2 households. This policy applies
- Working onsite to perform instructional activities, conduct onsite or in-field research, or provide essential support for university operations remains under Executive Order 20-28 and Oregon Health Authority Guidance for Higher Education.
- OSU Extension offices will be closed to the public with services provided by appointment only and all OSU Extension educational programming will be provided remotely.
- Those OSU employees who are not already working remotely, but who are able perform their duties from home, should do so.
- Event spaces, including the LaSells Stewart Center and the CH2M Hill Alumni Center, will be closed for the duration of the two-week freeze. The Memorial Union and OSU-Cascades Obsidian Hall will remain open to provide study spaces, however, no events will be allowed.
- Dixon Recreation Center, the OSU Tennis Pavilion, and the OSU-Cascades fitness center will be closed for the duration of the two-week freeze. Student Legacy Park will remain open, with existing requirements for users wearing face coverings and engaging in activities with groups no larger in size than 6 people.
- OSU forests remain open with face coverings required when physical distancing cannot be met.
- Current OSU-sponsored travel restrictions and guidelines for exceptions remain in effect. OSU is strongly discouraging all travel, including personal travel.
- Testing through TRACE OSU will continue to be conducted as scheduled.
- OSU childcare operations remain open.
- OSU Athletics programs are permitted to continue under existing Division 1 NCAA and state of Oregon guidance.
OSU community members, let’s continue do our part to slow the spread of this virus.
While this statewide freeze and university operational adjustments do not go into effect until Nov. 18, 2020, we strongly encourage you to immediately curtail all non-essential activities, stay home as much as possible, and practice maximum social distancing.
Thank you,
Dan Larson
OSU Coronavirus Response Coordinator
Vice Provost for Student Affairs