UA COVID-19 update: On-site operations, leave usage, vaccination
April 9, 2021
In this update:
- UA on-site operations plan updated
- Supervisor guidance for transitioning to on-site work
- Emergency Sick Leave can be used for vaccination purposes
- Help encourage vaccination in our communities
UA on-site operations plan updated
A new version of the University of Alaska COVID-19 on-site operations plan is now live online. This is the first update of the plan since July and reflects changing pandemic conditions and the arrival of vaccines. You will notice that the new plan has four phases instead of five, and offers greater flexibility to chancellors to determine the phase that best fits conditions in their local and university communities. You can read the full plan, or visit the phases page for simplified information about each phase.
It’s important to remember that this update doesn’t mean that operations at your location will be changing right away. You should look to your local university or campus for guidance about local operations. Depending on things such as community pandemic conditions, vaccination rates and local health care capacity, some locations may remain at more restrictive phases while others may allow more on-site activities, work and courses. Visit the UAA, UAF, UAS and UA system office pages for more information about your local operations.
Supervisor guidance for transitioning to on-site work
You may have seen the message earlier this week about the efforts to create guidelines for long-term on-site, remote and hybrid work opportunities in the post-COVID workplace. While the results of those efforts are focused on the workplace after the pandemic is over, UA Human Resources is also working on guidance about transitioning back to on-site work for employees and supervisors. Watch for an email from HR in the coming weeks for more information.
Emergency Sick Leave can be used for vaccination purposes
As of April 1, employees who have COVID-19 Emergency Sick Leave available can use it when they can’t work due to scheduling or attending vaccination appointments. ESL can also be used if you are unable to work due to vaccine side effects. You can find more information about other types of leave usage in the employee FAQs.
Help encourage vaccination in our communities
Have you rolled your #SleevesUp and gotten your COVID-19 vaccine? Thank you! The more people that get vaccinated, the closer we get to conquering COVID-19 and resuming more in-person activities. Help encourage others to get vaccinated in our university and local communities by sharing your photos and “Why I got vaccinated” stories. The UA public information team will use your stories and photos on social media and other communications channels as a way to inspire others to roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated. You can submit your photos and stories using our online #SleevesUpUA form . Want to learn more about vaccination and set up your appointment? Visit the State of Alaska COVID-19 vaccine website for everything you need to get started.