College of Medicine Pandemic Response for Feb. 4
This Week’s Updates:
Masking at the College of Medicine
Level 1 face masks – 3-ply procedure masks with ear loops – are required for all employees and students while indoors at the College of Medicine, even those employees in administrative or non-clinical areas. Alternatively, KN95 masks can be used in place of procedure masks, but should not be worn in the clinical environment. Cloth masks are not permitted unless worn over a level 1 mask.
Medical and physician assistant students can continue to pick up approved masks in the Office of Medical Education (C1704), Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Graduate students can pick up masks from their department safety officer, from the Office of Graduate Studies or from Dr. Lang (C4723). The College of Medicine is only supplying level 1 procedure masks, not KN95 or N95 masks.
Approved Observational Studies with Participant Mask Removal May Resume on Thursday, Feb. 10
Based on the recent downward trend in local COVID-19 caseload (and other data), in-person, observational research studies at the College of Medicine with procedures that involve participant mask removal that have already been reviewed and approved through InfoReady can resume enrollment on Thursday, Feb. 10. Study teams must continue to follow all other requirements as outlined in their COVID Safety protocol in InfoReady.
College of Medicine Town Hall
Thank you all for those who attended Friday’s town hall. The town hall was recorded and will be available for viewing shortly for those that were not able to attend. In the meantime, please share any further questions with COM leadership here. Human Resources questions should be sent to Jill Curry or askCOMHR@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
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