Dear Campus Community,

We have now entered a phase of the COVID-19 pandemic that enables us to largely return to normal operations, on campus and in our communities. While cases of COVID-19 continue to be reported, nearly 70% of the U.S. population is fully vaccinated. Public health officials and others indicate we have reached the point where COVID-19 will be with us in some form for the foreseeable future, much like the flu and other illnesses.

With that in mind, the University of Florida is making the following adjustments:

• UF’s COVID-related “Transition to Normal Campus Operations” policy has been rescinded.
• Signage in campus buildings will be removed, although anyone who wishes to wear a mask is welcome to.
• Masks will no longer be provided in classrooms.
• COVID data on UF affiliates will no longer be collected.

Please note that health care personnel, staff, patients and visitors at UF Health facilities should regularly refer to hospital and faculty practice policies. These may require masking on certain units. Policies may periodically be updated to require masking in other areas depending on community transmission rates and other considerations, such as the presence of patients with COVID-19 or those who are predominantly vulnerable, consistent with pre-pandemic practices (e.g., patients in bone marrow transplant areas). In addition, some areas of UF Health continue to require masking to meet clinical or environmental standards (e.g., operating rooms) or in accordance with vaccination status and OSHA, CMS and UF Health Shands policy requirements.

Going forward, we will continue to monitor any new developments regarding COVID-19. Should the need arise, UF is prepared to reinstitute any measures necessary to safeguard our community. We encourage everyone to be safe and health-conscious and to get vaccinated. Lastly, we thank our students, faculty, staff — and especially our front-line health care workers for the incredible work they have done during the pandemic and continue to do on a daily basis. If you have questions pertaining to COVID-19, please consult your physician. Informational resources are also available at coronavirus.UFHealth.org, the Florida Department of Health or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Joe Glover, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Charlie Lane, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer

David R. Nelson, M.D., Senior Vice President for Health Affairs, UF & President, UF Health