April 19, 2021

To:  Members of the University Community
From:  Michele Rasmussen, Dean of Students in the University
Subject:  COVID-19 Restrictions Begin Lifting on April 20
Date:  April 19, 2021

Testing data received today indicate that a collective recommitment to the UChicago Health Pact has helped prevent further spread of COVID-19. For this reason, the University, after consultation with the Chicago Department of Public Health, will begin lifting the COVID-19 restrictions for College students on Tuesday, April 20, two days earlier than projected, including ending the stay-at-home directive for all College students effective Tuesday. In-person College classes will resume on April 22.

On Sunday, April 18, only one case of COVID-19 was detected among 1,361 tests, most involving College students living on campus; overall, testing has found five on-campus cases among College students since last Wednesday, April 14. After consultation with experts at UChicago Medicine and the Chicago Department of Public Health, the University is concluding the stay-at-home directive – with the expectation that all students will continue to honor required health and safety protocols. Specifically, it is vital that College students avoid any unmasked or indoor gatherings.

The specific timing and required protocols are as follows:

• April 20 – The stay-at-home directive for all College students concludes at 7 a.m.
• April 20-26 – Students continue to limit contact. No unmasked, in-person gatherings.
• Through April 21 – Ratner Athletics Center hours are 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Regular hours will resume on April 22.
• April 22 – In-person classes and research in laboratories resume.

While recent testing has shown an encouraging decrease in COVID-19 cases on campus, it is essential that all members of the University community remain vigilant and strictly adhere to the UChicago Health Pact. Please remember that the University will continue to address non-compliance with public health requirements. In fact, some students already have faced serious consequences, including dismissal from on-campus housing and referral to area discipline, for clear violations of requirements before and during the recent stay-at-home period. Complying with the health pact protects everyone, and it is absolutely necessary to avoid further stay-at-home directives.

If you are concerned you may have been exposed to COVID-19, please get tested immediately. It is vital to report any positive cases, symptoms or exposures to C19HealthReport@uchicago.edu so we can limit any further spread. Anyone who has been to a large gathering should schedule testing immediately, in addition to anyone who has traveled recently and has not been tested since returning. Faculty, academic appointees, postdoctoral researchers, and staff members should call the UChicago Medicine triage hotline at 773.702.2800 to arrange a test and receive any needed medical attention. Students should call UChicago Student Wellness at 773.834.WELL. Employees of UCM or the Biological Sciences Division may call 773.702.6819.  Please encourage other students and colleagues to be as complete and forthcoming as possible with contact tracing.  The more we know about these cases, the more granular and specific we can be with further actions to protect public health.

We are immensely thankful to everyone who has made it possible for the University to lift the COVID-19 restrictions. With your continued care and diligence, we are confident that our community can finish the Spring Quarter strong.