Updated as of March 16, 2022 at 1:00 p.m.
Beginning at noon Tuesday, March 1, 2022, the University is relaxing the face covering requirement on campus. On Friday, Feb. 25, the CDC downgraded Hancock County's transmission risk, as well as introduced the new COVID-19 Community Level designation and associated guidance. Hancock County's COVID-19 Community Level is considered “low," and the county continues to see a downward trend in active cases. In accordance with the updated guidance from the CDC and Hancock Public Health, the following policy changes take effect today:
- Face coverings will no longer be required in campus buildings or at campus events.
- Individuals may choose to continue to wear face coverings if they are more comfortable doing so.
- Individuals that are symptomatic, test positive, or are exposed to someone with COVID-19 should wear a face covering. If individuals feel unwell, they should stay home.
- Face coverings will remain required in Cosiano Health Center until further notice.
The University will continue to promote the following preventative measures and observe CDC/Hancock Public Health guidance:
- Encourage/provide access to vaccinations.
- Encourage good hygiene.
- Maintain access to testing:
- Encourage symptomatic individuals to test at home or through Cosiano Health Center. Positive test results must be reported to Cosiano Health Center.
- Continue to follow CDC isolation/quarantine guidance.
- Maintain other mitigation efforts:
- COVID stations in classrooms.
- Sanitizer/masks available in each building.
- Ventilation and cleaning efforts.
The University continues to monitor developments in the COVID-19 pandemic and remains in close contact with Hancock Public Health. For the most up-to-date information, you are encouraged to review the Oiler Start Safe & Stay Safe Plan. Any adjustments to University COVID-19 policy and protocol will be made in accordance with guidance from the CDC and Hancock Public Health, and will be communicated to the campus community in a timely manner.
Links to all campus updates are located in the Campus Communications section. If you have suggestions or questions, please email them to [email protected]. Additionally, we would encourage you to download the Oiler Mobile App (available at App Store and Google Play), and enable push notifications.
For additional information, check the most recent Campus Communication above.
Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19 Basics
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus that was first detected in Wuhan, China, late last year. Is not the same as the coronaviruses that cause the common cold, or the viruses that cause seasonal influenza.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, tiredness and a dry cough. Confirmed cases have ranged from mild infections to severe illnesses requiring hospitalization. The WHO notes that about 80% of those who are infected recover without requiring specialized treatment.
What can I do to protect myself?
The CDC recommends people take the same preventative actions they would for any respiratory disease. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
What should I do if I feel sick?
If you develop a fever and symptoms such as cough or difficulty breathing, and have been in regular, close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you have recently traveled to an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19, please call Cosiano Health Center or your primary health care physician.
Additional Information
UF is maintaining regular communication with the Hancock County Public Health Department and is following their guidance along with the guidance being provided to colleges and universities by the Ohio Department of Health, the NCAA, the U.S. Dept. of Education, and the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities. UF is asking students, faculty, and staff to self-report to the Cosiano Health Center if they have traveled to an area where COVID-19 was present or if they believe they have any symptoms.
If you are wanting current information and guidance regarding COVID-19, we recommend you visit the following web sites:
We encourage you to adhere to the following prevention practices in order to combat the spreading of the virus:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Talk to your physician or the Cosiano Health Center if you feel ill, and especially if you have a fever. Avoid contact with other people if sick.
The University of Findlay will continue to closely monitor this evolving situation and will provide updates to the campus community as needed.
Should you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact the Cosiano Health Center at 419-434-4550, the
Hancock County Public Health Department at 419-424-7105, or Ohio
Department of Health's coronavirus hotline at 1-833-427-5634.