UWEC finalizes plans for 'safe return' to campus; pledge of complaince required

The Brillion News

EAU CLAIRE - The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire said it has finalized plans for students to return to campus for the fall semester. The UWEC is calling it the "Blugold Light Plan."

The plan has four basic foundational principles:

• Wearing masks: All campus members will be provided with two reusable cloth face masks to be worn at all times in classroom settings, campus buildings, communal spaces within residence halls and outdoors where six feet of distance cannot be maintained.

• Physical distancing: Classrooms and other facilities will be arranged to maintain 6 feet of physical space, along with floor signage and other reminders for all to maintain this amount of distance throughout campus and while interacting with others.

• Hand washing: Frequent 20-second washing with soap and water throughout the day is essential to minimize potential viral spread. In addition, hand sanitizer will be made available at multiple stations in all buildings throughout campus.

• Monitor health: The required use of a Mayo Clinic-developed mobile app called Blugold Protocol will allow for daily symptom monitoring for students, faculty and staff. The app will indicate any health changes that may necessitate a COVID-19 test. Testing for students will be available through Student Health Service; faculty and staff should seek testing through their health care provider.

All students, faculty and staff will receive a "Landing Gear" kit upon return to campus.

This kit will include:

• A reusable water bottle with blank panel to write owner's name in permanent marker.

• Two washable two-ply cloth masks.

• A digital oral thermometer and instructions for proper daily temperature checks.

• Cards olutlining all steps of the Blugold Flight Plan in full detail.

The university is requiring all returning students to sign a pledge to abide by the guidelines it is imposing.