Alert Levels

In response to increased COVID-19 transmission, as of January 2021, the University has developed seven-tiered alert levels from clear to purple to guide its operation. DU’s alert status operates independently from state and city alerts but carefully considers and abides by all state and city ordinances. 

Non-compliance may result in a loss of campus access and may have other implications for your relationship with the University (see the compliance & enforcement protocol for more information). 

The following University of Denver alert levels have been revised based on new CDC guidance. The CDC reports county transmission levels based on reported positivity rate and the total number of new cases per 100,000 residents in the past 7 days. Community transmission levels are then categorized by the CDC as low, moderate, substantial, or high.  

CLEAR - Very Low Risk

The number of cases and outbreaks are low on campus. Community transmission is low or moderate in the surrounding community.  

Vaccination rates are high. Testing capacity and supply chain are strong. Compliance with DU public health protocols is high

  • Most classes are in-person 
  • Capacity for buildings is normal  
  • Campus clearance requires compliance with vaccination and Outbreak Management protocols 
  • Badge access may be required for some buildings 
  • Admissions tours and other events and performances are open to the public

GREEN - Low Risk

The number of positive cases and outbreaks increases on campus, and community transmission is moderate.  

Compliance with outbreak protocol remains strong. 

Testing capacity and supply chain are strong, and compliance with DU protocols is high. 

  • No major change in approach 

BLUE - Low to Moderate Risk

The number of positive cases and outbreaks continues to increase on campus. Community transmission is moderate. Compliance with outbreak protocols is in decline.  

Conditions on campus are controlled, testing capacity and supply chain are strong. Conditions on campus are well controlled.  

Virus variants are changing and causing increases in illnesses and hospitalizations. 

  • Doors change to badge access only 
  • Campus clearance requirements enforced  
  • Face coverings may be required, especially in key operations like food service, clinics and field placements, laboratories, etc. 
  • Public Health Team reevaluates testing schedule for mandatory testing protocol  
  • Hosts will need to provide access at doors after “Visitor Symptom Survey” 
  • Most classes are in-person  
  • Capacity for buildings is normal 

YELLOW - Moderate Risk

Conditions on campus are well-controlled with strong testing and supply chain capacity. Indicators point toward potential challenges in responding to the increased rate of transmission and/or declining compliance with DU Public Health protocols.  

Community transmission is substantial or high in the surrounding community. Virus variants are changing and causing increases in illnesses and hospitalizations. 

  • Most classes are in person  
  • Capacity for buildings is normal 
  • Reinstate mandatory testing protocol 
  • EOC activated 
  • All doors require badge access  
  • Face covering is required for all individuals indoors, except while actively eating or drinking or when an individual is alone in a private office or residential room  
  • Stricter event review and approval procedures 
  • Admissions tours and other events and performances are open to the public, consistent with the visitor protocol and the events protocol  
  • Visitors allowed consistent with applicable visitor protocol  

ORANGE - Moderate to High Risk

Viruses are causing severe illness among the general population, and cases are rising. Conditions on campus are manageable with strong testing capacity and minimum 30-day supply chain and adequate isolation capacity.  

Conditions in Denver and Colorado may be difficult. Community transmission is substantial or high in the surrounding community. ICU bed capacity at 50% or greater.  

  • On-campus in-person, hybrid, hyflex, and online courses are available 
  • Capacity for buildings is reduced to no more than 80 percent  
  • Mandatory testing protocol continues.
  • All doors require badge access.
  • Face coverings requirement continues  
  • Gatherings/Events restrictions: no more than 100 people  
  • Visitors only as an exception and must follow applicable visitor protocol

RED - High Risk

Virus severity increase is concerning, and testing, isolation, quarantine and/or hospital capacity are stressed.  Community transmission is substantial or high in the surrounding community.

  • On-campus, in-person and hybrid courses and activities require approval  
  • On-campus building access limited to no more than 50 percent capacity  
  • Gatherings/Events restrictions resume: no more than 10 people  
  • Mandatory testing protocol continues.
  • All doors require badge access.
  • Face coverings requirement continues 
  • Visitors prohibited 

PURPLE - Severe Risk

Virus severity has reached concerning levels, hospitalization rates are at capacity and conditions are not managed–insufficient testing resources at DU and/or insufficient hospital capacity in the surrounding community. 

  • Quick pivot to fully online classes & de-densification  
  • On-campus community limited to:  
    • Essential on-campus employees  
    • Students who cannot safely return home  
    • Students who are experiencing housing insecurity