The Eugene campus is experiencing the impacts of wildfire smoke from nearby fires. For the latest information about air quality, please visit AirNow. 

Information on campus operations related to wildfire smoke is available on the Human Resources website.  

Faculty should not plan outdoor class activity when the AQI exceeds 200.

If on campus, please close windows and doors. Laboratories, please close hoods if feasible. 

Air Quality Safety Tips 

• Air pollution levels are measured by the Air Quality Index (AQI) which includes gases and particulate matter. The higher the levels on the AQI, the greater the potential health risks. 
• Smoke can cause adverse health effects. While wildfire smoke can contain hazardous chemicals, the main exposure concern for people who are not close to the fire are the tiny particles (particulate matter or PM) suspended in the air. The smallest particles, called PM 2.5 because they are 2.5 microns in diameter or smaller, are considered most harmful because they can penetrate deep within the respiratory system. 
• Elevated levels of particulate matter found in wildfire smoke can irritate the lungs and cause persistent coughing, phlegm, wheezing, itchy eyes, sinus issues, difficulty breathing or chest tightness. Particulate matter can also cause more serious problems, such as: reduced lung function, bronchitis, worsening of asthma, and heart failure. 
• Sensitivity to PM varies by individual. Sensitive groups may include people with heart or lung disease (e.g., asthma, COPD), individuals over the age of 65, pregnant women, and children. Individuals who are sensitive to PM might experience symptoms at AQI levels below 150. 
• Stay inside with the doors and windows closed and where possible, avoid strenuous outdoor activities (e.g., going for a run) during heavy smoke events. Stay hydrated by drinking water. Consider using an N95 respirator mask, if necessary, when going outdoors. 
• Recirculate the air in your home’s central heating/cooling system (shut off the fresh air intake) and make sure the filter has been recently changed. Avoid vacuuming, burning candles or other activities that increase indoor air pollution. 

August 12, 2021 – 12:34 pm

The Eugene campus is experiencing the impacts of wildfire smoke from nearby fires. For the latest information about air quality, please visit AirNow.

Information on campus operations related to wildfire smoke is available on the Human Resources website. 

Air Quality Safety Tips

• Air pollution levels are measured by the Air Quality Index (AQI) which includes gases and particulate matter. The higher the levels on the AQI, the greater the potential health risks.
• Smoke can cause adverse health effects. While wildfire smoke can contain hazardous chemicals, the main exposure concern for people who are not close to the fire are the tiny particles (particulate matter or PM) suspended in the air. The smallest particles, called PM 2.5 because they are 2.5 microns in diameter or smaller, are considered most harmful because they can penetrate deep within the respiratory system.
• Elevated levels of particulate matter found in wildfire smoke can irritate the lungs and cause persistent coughing, phlegm, wheezing, itchy eyes, sinus issues, difficulty breathing or chest tightness. Particulate matter can also cause more serious problems, such as: reduced lung function, bronchitis, worsening of asthma, and heart failure.
• Sensitivity to PM varies by individual. Sensitive groups may include people with heart or lung disease (e.g., asthma, COPD), individuals over the age of 65, pregnant women, and children. Individuals who are sensitive to PM might experience symptoms at AQI levels below 150.
• Stay inside with the doors and windows closed and where possible, avoid strenuous outdoor activities (e.g., going for a run) during heavy smoke events. Stay hydrated by drinking water. Consider using an N95 respirator mask, if necessary, when going outdoors.
• Recirculate the air in your home’s central heating/cooling system (shut off the fresh air intake) and make sure the filter has been recently changed. Avoid vacuuming, burning candles or other activities that increase indoor air pollution.

UO Alert: Significant increase in COVID-19 cases among 18 to 27 year-olds in Lane County. 

There has been a significant increase in COVID-19 cases among college-aged individuals in Lane County over the past week.

As you go into the weekend, remember you can reduce your risk of contracting and unknowingly spreading COVID-19 by limiting the number of people with whom you are in close contact.

Take the following precautions:

• Keep groups small—stick to your household or small social “bubble”.
• Wear masks or cloth face coverings at all times when with others, indoors and outside.
• Remember that exposure is defined as being within six feet of another for 15 minutes.
• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after touching common surfaces.
• Don’t share drinks, vapes, or utensils. Don’t eat or drink while close to others.

For more preventative measures and guidance on what to do if you think you have been exposed to COVID-19, visit the UO Coronavirus website.

Starting tomorrow (July 29), all UO faculty, staff, and graduate employees must use Duo two-step login to access protected UO services, including Canvas, Zoom, UOmail, and Microsoft applications such as Outlook, Word, and Teams. Action is required to enroll in Duo. For more information, see Two-step login deadline approaches for UO employees in Around the O. If you’ve already enrolled, you can disregard this message.

May 28, 2020 – 12:44 pm – Eugene Police advises this is all clear.

May 28, 2020 – 12:15 pm

Information only… UO Police Department was notified of an off-campus gas leak near 17th and Walnut, several blocks off campus. Please avoid the area.

PeaceHealth administration is keeping its campus on lockdown today (September 18) including PeaceHealth North. Security guards will circulate throughout the campus and may stop people at building entries.

PeaceHealth administration is keeping its campus on lockdown today (September 18) including PeaceHealth North. Security guards will circulate throughout the campus and may stop people at building entries.

UO employees will be allowed to enter with UO ID. PeaceHealth has asked UO visitors without UO ID to access PeaceHealth North through the emergency department or the parking structure.

PeaceHealth security and local police know the man they are looking for. The security measures on the PeaceHealth campus continue to be a choice to exercise caution by PeaceHealth administration, rather than at the direction of law enforcement. As always, employees and visitors are asked to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity.

Updates will be provided as they are received from PeaceHealth.

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