Building on COVID-19 Successes for Winter Quarter
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Keep Following the UChicago Health Pact [expired link removed]: Whether you are staying in the Chicago area or traveling, we know the health pact’s precautions can help reduce your close contacts and limit the spread of COVID-19. It can also lower your risk of bringing the virus back to campus.
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Plan Ahead for Your Transition to Campus: Even while taking precautions, the break period can bring unpredictable risks of exposure to COVID-19. In the seven days before you come to campus – whether you are returning or arriving for the first time – avoid any unnecessary contacts and follow a “stay at home” routine as much as possible. We advise avoiding any large gatherings, including on New Year’s Eve. Travelers should also check the latest update of the City of Chicago’s Emergency Travel Order.
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Cold Weather Brings Risks: The coldest winter months could be especially challenging because there will be fewer opportunities to socialize outside, where transmission of the coronavirus is less likely. Maintaining public health precautions will be especially vital during this time to limit the spread of the virus on our campus and in the city. Wearing face coverings indoors is vital, even if you think you can maintain six feet of distance from others.
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Patience on Vaccines: There has been encouraging news recently about COVID-19 vaccines, including Thursday’s vote by an FDA advisory committee in favor of emergency use authorization for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. But the timing of distribution for the general population remains uncertain, and all of our public health precautions must continue until further notice. Once vaccines are approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the first wave of recipients will be healthcare workers who are working directly with patients and residents of long-term care facilities like nursing homes. We will keep the University community updated as plans develop for vaccine distribution.