University of Alaska Anchorage will begin semester with no changes to COVID protocols

The Alaska Airlines Center at the University of Alaska Anchorage during the winter. (Joey Mendolia / Alaska Public Media)

Some universities in the 48 Netherlands have postponed a return to face-to-face classes as the omicron variant spreads.

For now, officials at the University of Alaska Anchorage say there are no plans to change UAA protocols. Classes, including face-to-face, will resume on Monday when students return from winter break. Masks will continue to be required regardless of vaccination status. COVID-19 vaccinations are required for students living on campus.

COVID-19 home test kits are also available for pickup from the library and other buildings. Tim Edwards, UAA's director of health and safety, said the university distributed 8,700 home test kits before winter break. A shipment of 20,000 more is on the way.

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The UAA women's basketball team announced this week that its next Games against Seattle Pacific and Montana State Billings were canceled "due to health and safety protocols." The UAA COVID-19 panel does not currently include any active cases.

Edwards said the university will monitor case numbers in the coming weeks and consider changing protocols if necessary.