To: UOG Employees
From: Thomas W. Krise, President
Re: GUIDANCE ON GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 2020-05

The Governor issued an Executive Order today (No. 2020-05) related to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.  The order prohibits “public gatherings or congregations for the purpose of public entertainment, recreation, food and beverage service, theater, bowling, fitness, and other similar activities, to include all public venues in which the serving, provision, or consumption of prepared food or beverages occurs at a table, bar or for consumption….”

The order also clarifies some issues related to the work status of government employees.  The order makes clear that all government employees are on “regular work status” and must be prepared to come into the office upon the receipt of two hours’ notice from his/her supervisor.  This effectively ends the Administrative Leave status which many University employees have been under this week as well as the requirement to pay overtime for work performed during regular work hours under this emergency.  The University will adopt this new mode of work effective at 8 am Friday morning, March 20, 2020 to include personnel who have authorized shift-work hours.

As you know, the University remains closed to the public and is working towards providing fully online classes beginning March 30, 2020. All units need to continue to support this mission as well as the research mission of the University. This needs to be done while minimizing the ability of the virus to spread on our campus and the island.  All work that can be done from home, should be done from home and with maximum flexibility.  If a Unit Head has employees whose work cannot be done remotely and are not needed on campus during a specified time, the Unit Head is authorized to extend Administrative Leave to that employee for the periods they are not needed for work. All employees should remain ready to report to work upon two hours notice from his/her supervisor.

Employees who come to campus must practice safe working habits, i.e. social distancing (six feet minimum), frequent hand washing, refraining from touching your face, etc.  Unit Heads must manage the workplace in such a way as to ensure such social distancing is possible.  Employees coming to campus should be cognizant of the fact that access to food near the campus will be limited. All University employees will remain on regular status and working in this manner until further notice.

However, if any employee feels sick, has symptoms of COVID-19, is taking care of an individual with symptoms or who is sick, or has recently returned from traveling abroad, should stay home and do not return to the campus and self-quarantine for a minimum of 14 days. Sick leave must be used.

Thanks to all UOG employees for your resilience, creativity, support for our vision, and your willingness to help Guam and the region through this unprecedented global challenge.

For campus updates and advisories related to COVID-19, please visit www.uog.edu/covid-19.

Download Governor’s Executive Order No. 2020-05

Download a PDF of this memo