The spring semester COVID-19 testing plan includes new measures to enhance the safety of the campus community. Beginning Jan. 25, faculty and staff working on campus or using campus facilities will be required to test regularly. Proof of recent negative test results will be needed in order to access campus facilities and services. A free, easy-to-use mobile app called Safer Badgers will help employees and others schedule tests, quickly obtain test results, and access additional health resources. Employees will be receiving weekly updates throughout the month of January in preparation for the new campus safety protocols. Detailed FAQs and additional updates can be found at covidresponse.wisc.edu.

A Safer Badgers website is now available at saferbadgers.wisc.edu. Members of the UW–Madison community will find the information they need to prepare for the spring semester COVID-19 testing requirements. The website provides details about campus testing, the Safer Badgers app, and building access. DoIT offers information on how to get started with and use the Safer Badgers app at it.wisc.edu/learn/guides/safer-badgers-guide. Current faculty, staff, and students who do not have smartphones can borrow a limited-use smartphone at no cost through a campus loan program administered by the DoIT Help Desk.

A new public health order takes effect Wednesday from Public Health Madison & Dane County. Officials continue to advise against gathering with people outside your immediate household; however, the new order permits indoor gatherings off-campus of no more than 10 people, with face coverings and physical distancing required. Outdoor gatherings off-campus of up to 50 people are now permitted, and participants must maintain physical distancing.

Active UW–Madison employees can choose to receive W-2 and 1095-C forms via electronic-only delivery. Electronic forms are available earlier than mailed paper forms. Electronic delivery is environmentally friendly and secure, with less risk of lost or stolen forms. To choose electronic-only delivery, go to MyUW at my.wisc.edu and then to Payroll Information. Select Tax Statements. You can then complete the consent forms to receive your W-2 and/or your 1095-C electronically. If you do not consent to electronic-only delivery, your W-2 and 1095-C forms will be sent to your mailing address in the MyUW portal. The deadline to choose electronic-only delivery of forms for the 2020 calendar year is Monday, Jan. 18, 2021.