College of Medicine Pandemic Response for Jan. 14
This Week’s Updates:
Cloth Masks No Longer Allowed on Campus
Level 1 face masks – 3-ply procedure masks with ear loops – are required for all employees and students while indoors on campus, even those employees in administrative or non-clinical areas. Alternatively, KN95 or N95 masks can be used. Cloth masks are no longer 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.
Reminders on Quarantining
Employees who are in close contact or have a high-risk exposure with a confirmed case of COVID-19 must quarantine for 10 days. If the symptomatic contact tests negative, then the quarantine is lifted, and you may return to your normal routine. If the symptomatic contact tests positive, the quarantined employee must complete the 10-day isolation period. Exposed employees do not need to test for clearance after the 10-day isolation period and can return to work after the 10 days are complete. However, they need to monitor for symptoms and report them to Occupational Medicine (814-863-8492) and get tested, if symptoms appear. Please note that day 1 of isolation begins on the last day of exposure. Isolation is extended with continuous exposure (i.e., living with a COVID-19 positive individual).
Exemptions from quarantine/isolation:
- Individuals who have received their booster shot, completed the primary series of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine within the last six months,or completed the primary series of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine within the last two months do not need to quarantine following an exposure, but should continue to wear a mask indoors. Please refrain from eating and drinking around others. If symptoms occur at any time, individuals should immediately quarantine and get tested until a negative test confirms symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19.
- Individuals whotested positive for COVID-19 within the past three months and recovered do not have to quarantine or get tested again as long as they do not develop new symptoms. If symptoms develop, they need to self-quarantine and get tested.
Here is a helpful quick-reference guide
Graduate Faculty and Graduate Students
We appreciate that guidance on quarantine and isolation changes frequently and at times may be confusing. If any employee or student has a concern that someone is not adhering to current COVID safety protocols, they can contact Dr. Lang at chl1@psu.edu or Ray Scheetz at rscheetz@pennstatehealth.psu.edu for guidance. Similarly, these individuals can be contacted with other pandemic safety issues.
Differences in Quarantine/Isolation Requirements
At this time, the quarantine/isolation requirements for students differs from that of employees, so students who are symptomatic or have a close contact should contact Student Health (717-531-5998) immediately for guidance specific to students.
Additionally, quarantine/isolation requirements of the College of Medicine may differ from the quarantine/isolation requirements in place for Penn State Health employees.
COVID-19 Testing
Employees are encouraged to take advantage of the free, mail-in Vault Health COVID PCR saliva testing available to them. Any employee can currently order up to 12 Vault Health kits for their own in-home test. As Vault is experiencing delays in shipping, we encourage employees and students to order several tests now and have them on hand when needed.
Lunch and Breaks
Given the very high transmissibility of the omicron variant, please be especially careful when eating or drinking while unmasked. To the extent possible, please limit the number of people in the room with you, remain physically distanced while on breaks, and limit the amount of time you are unmasked.
Booster Shots
Although the number of employees and students fully vaccinated exceeds 98%, not all have received a booster shot. Booster shots significantly increase protection from infection by the omicron variant and are strongly encouraged. Boosters are available at any health care location, pharmacy, grocery store, etc. Find the location closest to you on vaccines.gov. Booster shots may be required in the future by the University.
Helpful Information
Find more information and COVID-19 updates in these frequently asked questions.
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