Health Information
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
For the most up-to-date information from public health agencies, please visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and World Health Organization (WHO) websites.
Vaccine and testing updates
CU Anschutz has secured its own limited supply of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. The university has begun scheduling vaccination appointments at the on-campus point of distribution for CU Anschutz employees and students not previously invited to schedule an appointment through our campus hospital partners. Appointments are first come, first served.
At this time, all CU Anschutz faculty, staff, and current students have been invited by email to schedule COVID-19 vaccine appointments. Depending on the phase in which you became eligible, you should have received an invitation to schedule through UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital, Children's Hospital Colorado, or the university itself. If you are a CU Anschutz employee or student in need of a vaccine appointment and have not received an email invitation, please contact adminexceptions@cuanschutz.edu for assistance.
On Monday, March 29, Governor Polis announced that the state will move into phase 2 of vaccine distribution on Friday, April 2, 2021. All Coloradans 16 and older will be eligible to receive a COVID-19 vaccine during phase 2.
Campus safety protocols remain in place for everyone, including those who are fully vaccinated.
COVIDCheck Colorado has generously extended no-cost COVID-19 testing to the CU Anschutz community (CU Anschutz employees and students—including all ColoradoSPH students—as well as their household members).
Starting April 1, free testing is available through COVIDCheck Colorado at their Aurora Public Schools Professional Learning and Conference Center location. Both symptomatic and asymptomatic testing are offered at this site. On-campus testing sites operated by CU Anschutz Environmental Health & Safety and COVIDCheck Colorado are closed at this time.
To schedule a test, use your CU Anschutz employee/student ID and university email address to register yourself, and use passcode F3E5D8BDE to register household members and minors 2+ years old.
Remember to self-report your status if you have COVID-19 symptoms, test positive or may have been exposed, even once you’ve been vaccinated. The CU Anschutz Contact Tracing team will be in touch.
Starting April 1, free testing is available through COVIDCheck Colorado at their Aurora Public Schools Professional Learning and Conference Center location. Both symptomatic and asymptomatic testing are offered at this site. On-campus testing sites operated by CU Anschutz Environmental Health & Safety and COVIDCheck Colorado are closed at this time.
To schedule a test, use your CU Anschutz employee/student ID and university email address to register yourself, and use passcode F3E5D8BDE to register household members and minors 2+ years old.
Remember to self-report your status if you have COVID-19 symptoms, test positive or may have been exposed, even once you’ve been vaccinated. The CU Anschutz Contact Tracing team will be in touch.
As Colorado makes progress on the COVID-19 vaccination effort, the state has expanded Phase 1 of the State of Colorado’s vaccine distribution plan, which is now open through Phase 1B.4.
Coloradans age 50 and older, individuals ages 16 to 49 with one high-risk condition, and frontline essential workers in areas including public health, human services, journalism, transportation and food service, became eligible in Phase 1B.4 on March 19. Those eligible in previously opened Phases 1A, 1B.1, 1B.2 and 1B.3 remain eligible.
We continue to work closely with CDPHE, Tri-County Health Department and our hospital partners to ensure employees and students are in the appropriate phases as the state receives vaccine doses and distributes them to vaccine points of distribution around Colorado. The university does not have its own doses at this time.
As you become eligible for vaccination per the state’s plan, you may be contacted by the university or one of our hospital partners via email. You are encouraged to get the vaccine at your first opportunity to do so, whether through one of our hospital partners or another provider.
Learn more about Colorado’s efforts at cocovidvaccine.org or call 1-877-CO VAX CO (1-877-268-2926).
Read the CU Anschutz FAQs >Read more about the eligibility phases >
Read more about vaccine distribution >
View the vaccine dashboard >
Frequently asked questions
As of July 2020, there is a state-wide mandatory mask order in Colorado. Those who are 11 years and older must wear a mask that covers their noses and mouths in any public indoor space and while using or waiting for public or non-personal transportation. To learn more about mask guidance, visit the CDPHE website and CDC website.
As of March 24, 2021, an updated version of the COVID-19 dial framework (Dial 3.0) has gone into effect. The dial, released by CDPHE, includes six levels of "openness" based on COVID-19 data, such as percent positivity of tests, number of new cases, and other factors. Counties can move to less restrictive levels of the dial as certain metrics are met.
Coloradans should review guidance from their local health department and city government in addition to state guidance.In accordance with CDC guidance, as of April
3, 2020, Governor Polis and CDPHE are urging Coloradans to wear non-medical cloth face masks or face coverings while out in public. Please find more information on the CDPHE website and in the Governor's April 3, 2020 press release.
If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone who has it, stay home and avoid contact with others. Call ahead to your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms before going into their office. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 and explain your symptoms. Wear a face mask if you must interact with others or leave your home.
If you are a ColoradoSPH student or a ColoradoSPH at CU Anschutz employee who is experiencing coronavirus symptoms, you are required to submit a self-report. Not sure if you should submit a self-report form? Check out this helpful guide.
For those in Colorado, please visit the CDPHE website and follow the latest guidance. For those outside of Colorado, please visit your local health department website or the CDC website for additional information.
Help slow the spread of COVID-19 by telling CDPHE about your symptoms. Report your symptoms. Have questions about privacy? Read the FAQ.
Follow the latest guidance from the CDPHE and the CDC, stay home, and avoid contact with others.
If you are a ColoradoSPH student or a ColoradoSPH at CU Anschutz employee who has been exposed to COVID-19, you are required to submit a self-report. Not sure if you should submit a self-report form? Check out this helpful guide.
Please also follow the latest information from the HR department of your home campus: CU Anschutz, CSU, and UNC. Additional information and resources for ColoradoSPH at CU Anschutz employees, such as benefits FAQs, can be found on the Employee Services website.
CU Anschutz employees and students (including all ColoradoSPH students), as well as members of their households, have access to free COVID-19 testing. Several options are available, depending on whether you or your household member is showing symptoms of COVID-19 or has had a known exposure to anyone with the disease. Learn more about these options and how to get tested on the CU Anschutz coronavirus website.
Review the CDPHE's testing information. Anyone with symptoms should get tested, stay away from others, and follow the instructions on how to isolate. Find a community testing site.
Help slow the spread of COVID-19 by telling CDPHE about your symptoms. Report your symptoms. Have questions about privacy? Read the FAQ.
Students
- Follow the latest guidance from the CDPHE and the CDC, stay home, and avoid contact with others.
- Review and follow the latest guidance and reporting processes of your home campus: CU Anschutz, CSU, or UNC.
- Submit a case report. This is required.
- If you are an employee of CU Anschutz, register on the remote workforce site. This is required.
Employees
ColoradoSPH at CU Anschutz employees:
- Follow the latest guidance from the CDPHE and the CDC, stay home, and avoid contact with others.
- Let the head of your business unit know immediately (or your professor, if you’re a student).
- Register on the remote workforce site. This is required.
- Submit a case report. This is required.
- Review benefits and resources available to you on the Employee Services website.
- If you know someone who may need additional support or you have a concern about something happening in regards to COVID-19, please submit a referral form.
ColoradoSPH at CSU employees:
- Follow the latest guidance from the CDPHE and the CDC, stay home, and avoid contact with others.
- Follow guidance from CSU's HR department.
ColoradoSPH at UNC employees:
- Follow the latest guidance from the CDPHE and the CDC, stay home, and avoid contact with others.
- Follow guidance from UNC's HR department.
1. Practice social distancing
If you are able to do so, stay home as much as possible and avoid public places. This recommendation is especially important for those who are at higher risk such as older adults and those with chronic health conditions. You should keep 6 feet or more between you and another person to reduce community spread, even if you’re young and healthy.
Social distancing remains important. For more information, review the latest guidance on the CDPHE website. Coloradans should also review local guidance from their local health department and city government.
2. Wear a mask
Wear a mask when around others who are not in your household and in public settings. This is especially important when it's difficult to maintain social distancing.
As of July 2020, there is a state-wide mandatory mask order in Colorado. Those who are 11 years and older must wear a mask that covers their noses and mouths in any public indoor space and while using or waiting for public or non-personal transportation. To learn more about mask guidance, visit the CDPHE website and CDC website.
3. Wash your hands
Wash your hands with soap and water frequently for 20
seconds or longer. Sing the happy birthday song twice to make sure
you’re washing long enough. Get all the nooks and crannies by washing in
between your fingers, under your fingernails, and the
front and back of your hands.
4. Cover coughs and sneezes
Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue and immediately throw the tissue into the trash. If you do not have a tissue on hand, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
5. Stay home if you are sick
If you develop symptoms of COVID-19 or have been in contact with someone who has it, stay home and avoid contact with others. Call ahead to your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms before going into their office. If you have a medical emergency, call 911 and explain your symptoms. Wear a face mask if you must interact with others or leave your home.
6. Clean and disinfect regularly
Both clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces such as doorknobs, phones, countertops, and toilets regularly.
For additional guidance or to find educational materials that you can share with your community, please see visit the CDPHE and CDC websites.
Social distancing is keeping distance between yourself and others. The CDC recommends keeping 6 feet between you and other people, avoiding group gatherings, and limiting travel. For the latest recommendations and additional information, please visit the CDC website.
Social distancing remains important. For more information and details, review the latest guidance on the CDPHE website.
Social distancing helps reduce community spread of the virus. Not only does COVID-19 pose an immediate threat to the health of individuals, particularly those in high-risk groups, it also threatens to overburden our healthcare system.
If everyone, including young and healthy people, practices social distancing, it is less likely that a lot of people will fall ill at once and place a more significant strain on the healthcare system and healthcare resources. By practicing social distancing, you can help protect others, particularly those who are more vulnerable and more likely to become very ill from COVID-19.
For more information about the importance of social distancing and the impact on Colorado, please review the March 27, 2020 press release from Governor Polis as well as slides from the presentation. Dean Samet and other researchers at the Colorado School of Public Health as well as our colleagues from the University of Colorado School of Medicine and CDPHE worked together on the modeling data included in these slides.
COVID-19 questions
For general questions about COVID-19, call CO-HELP—Colorado’s call line providing answers in many languages including English, Spanish (Español), Mandarin (普通话) and more at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911. You can also check CDPHE's FAQ page or the CDC's FAQ page to find answers to common questions.
According to guidance from CDPHE, "People should call 911 ONLY with a medical emergency. Do not call 911 if you are seeking general medical advice or wish to be tested for COVID-19. If you have COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath), consider a telehealth visit or nurseline advice before seeking in-person care." Please find more information on the CDPHE website.
School and university operations and resources
For questions about how school and university operations are affected by COVID-19 that cannot be answered by exploring this site and related links, please contact the relevant department(s)—such as the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs, HR departments at our universities, or CU Employee Services—or search our directory to find a specific individual. Our school and our universities have many resources available to students and employees that we are happy to help you navigate. If we cannot answer your question, we can likely point you in the right direction.
Statewide human resources and services
For other questions about how to navigate human resources across the state of CO, please visit the 2-1-1 Colorado website, call 2-1-1, or text your zip code to 898-211. Mile High United Way and the Colorado State Emergency Center have partnered to offer this service and help Coloradans navigate resources such as housing, rent, and utility assistance, applying for SNAP benefits, and more. For more information, please see the press release.
Mental health resources
Suicide prevention and crisis support
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255); Crisis Text Line: Text “START” to 74-741
- Colorado Crisis Services: No matter what the crisis might be, if you or someone you know needs help, get in touch with Colorado Crisis Services to talk to a trained professional. Individuals can call 1-844-493-TALK or text TALK to 38255 to chat with someone who can listen and help. The centers also take walk-ins, with the Aurora center right on the CU Anschutz Campus.
Additional resources
- Colorado Spirit Crisis Counseling Assistance & Training Program: A free and anonymous program helping people cope with the impacts of COVID-19 on their lives. Providers work with both individuals and communities.
- Mental Health Center of Denver: MHCD has a number of resources for self-care and talking to kids about COVID-19, and vetted news and blog posts.
- 211 Colorado: A confidential and multilingual service that connects Coloradans to vital resources across the state including basic needs, financial resources, housing and shelter, food assistance, mental health and addiction, childcare and education, legal assistance, immigrants and refugee assistance, and more. Just call 2-1-1 from your phone.
- Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council: CBHC offers a network of community-based behavioral health providers across Colorado that offer a wide range of services.
- ColoradoSPH Population Mental Health & Wellbeing Program: Our school's Population Mental Health & Wellbeing program has put together a comprehensive list of resources related to COVID-19 or other life stresses. From tips on self-care and wellbeing, how to cope with mental health issues or substance abuse, local community resources, social connectedness and more, you can also sign up to receive the program emails related to maximizing your mental health.
- CU School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry: The Department of Psychiatry COVID-19 website offers a number of resources, videos, documents and a "Mind the Brain" podcast to provide helpful hints and contacts; they also maintain a page of resources for CU Anschutz faculty and staff.
Tips and tools
For all students
- CU Anschutz mental health resources: Find a list of CU Anschutz campus services available to help with everyday stressors and added pressures.
- Department of Psychiatry resources: Many COVID-19 support resources are listed on the School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry website. Resources include mental health clinic information, podcasts, mindfulness strategies, and more.
- Student & Resident Mental Health Clinic: Student and resident mental health appointments are available virtually. To schedule an appointment, please call (303) 724-4716 or email SMHservice@ucdenver.edu.
- Support groups: The CU Student and Resident Mental Health Clinic is offering a Zoom support group for students and residents who would like to talk to other students about how they are managing this situation with the facilitation of a student and resident mental health psychologist. This is a free, non-clinical group (i.e. you do not have to be a SRMH patient to participate, and insurance will not be billed). If you are interested please download zoom to your phone or computer, and email Dr. Noa Heiman (group facilitator) to sign up. The group will "meet" on Tuesdays and Fridays from noon to 1pm.
- Reading: Managing fears and anxiety around COVID-19
For ColoradoSPH at CSU students
- Counseling Services: CSU Counseling Services are available over the phone during typical business hours. Call (970) 491-6053 to access drop-in services. Call (970) 491-6053 to access drop-in services. If you need to speak with a counselor urgently when CSU Health Network Counseling Service is closed, call the 24/7 counseling line at 970-491-7111.
For all employees
- HR resources: To learn more about mental health support services available to employees, please view the latest information from the HR department of your home campus: CU Anschutz, CSU, and UNC.
- 5-minute meditation: CU Anschutz's National Mental Health Innovation Center is hosting 5-minute guided meditation exercises via Zoom every Tuesday and Thursday morning at 7:50 am. All are welcome to attend.
- Case Management Referral for students: If you know a student who is feeling overwhelmed, help to ensure they receive support. Please use the campus Case Management referral information. Students can also contact the Campus Student Health Center to talk to a mental health professional or counselor at 303-724-4716 or SMHservice@ucdenver.edu.
For ColoradoSPH at CU Anschutz employees
- CU Anschutz mental health resources: Find a list of CU Anschutz campus services available to help with everyday stressors and added pressures.
- Department of Psychiatry resources: Many COVID-19 support resources are listed on the School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry website. Resources include support and employee assistance phone numbers, podcasts, mindfulness strategies, and more.
- Faculty and Staff Mental Health Clinic: To schedule a virtual mental health appointment at the CU Department of Psychiatry Faculty and Staff Mental Health Clinic, please call (303) 724-4987 or email fsmh@ucdenver.edu.
- COVID-19 Narratives: A short writing program to help you process stressful experiences with a mental health professional. Over five weeks, participants will write one 20-30 minute response each week and receive confidential feedback from a mental health professional. No cost to CU employees.
- Employee Services: Additional information and resources for ColoradoSPH at CU Anschutz employees can be found on the Employee Services website.
The Population Mental Health & Wellbeing program at ColoradoSPH has launched a mental wellbeing survey to assess the effects of imposed social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. This survey is open to U.S. and international participation. We welcome your participation, and we encourage you to share the survey with your networks.
Colorado School of Public Health
CU Anschutz
Fitzsimons Building
13001 East 17th Place
3rd Floor
Mail Stop B119
Aurora, CO 80045
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