UB Workplace Guidance Updates Effective Immediately

Workplace capacity is limited only by the space available for individuals to maintain physical distancing based on vaccination status. For fully vaccinated individuals, no physical distancing is required.

At this time, proof of vaccination status is not required from employees. However, employees are invited to upload their vaccination information to Human Resources to be exempted from surveillance testing. All employees will be required to affirm that they have read this guidance, understand its provisions and will adhere to its requirements.

Physical distancing is not required for vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals indoors or outdoors on UB campuses. However, unvaccinated persons are encouraged to observe physical distancing wherever practical. Unvaccinated individuals must wear masks in all on-campus settings, with the exception of personal residence hall rooms, personal workstations or while eating in university dining areas.

Fully vaccinated individuals on UB campuses are no longer required to wear face masks indoors or outdoors, except while riding on UB buses and shuttles or in healthcare settings. Unvaccinated/unknown vaccination status individuals need to wear masks, in accordance with federal CDC guidelines. Unvaccinated/unknown vaccination status individuals may remove their masks indoors while physically distanced, seated and eating/drinking; or while working at their workstation. Unvaccinated/unknown vaccination status individuals may remove their masks outdoors, unless they are in a gathering or crowded event where they are unable to maintain six feet of physical distancing.

UB’s Environmental Health and Safety unit will continue to be responsible for maintaining a safe and compliant work environment. Guidance for state agencies and authorities, which includes the university, is as follows: Increase outdoor airflow and ventilation rates in indoor settings to the extent compatible with individual comfort and safety and in accordance with building codes and standards, as well as applicable lease, contract or other use agreement requirements; in indoor areas where air is recirculated, consider higher-rated filtration within HVAC systems as supported by the filter rack and air handling system so long as the system can perform to the level of heating and cooling that it was able to provide prior to the COVID-19 public health emergency; and consider other appropriate indoor air quality measures, such as portable fans, filters and air cleaners.

State agencies and authorities, including the university, may continue to health screen individuals for (1) COVID-19 symptoms, (2) recent close contacts, and (3) a recent positive COVID-19 test result, prior to, or immediately upon, arrival to the workplace, regardless of individual vaccination status. UB will continue to utilize the Daily Health Check process for all employees to meet this expectation for individuals who come to campus every day for work.