College of Medicine Pandemic Response Friday Round-Up – Week of April 19-23
College of Medicine leaders updated faculty, staff and students on April 23 about the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic:
All College of Medicine Updates
COVID Vaccination Update
We have received many questions regarding whether Penn State or the College of Medicine will make the COVID-19 vaccine mandatory for employees or students. For now, we are strongly encouraging faculty, staff and students to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible and a dose is available. We may alter our approach in the future if it is determined to be in the best interest of our College and health system or called for by public policy. More information will be forthcoming through the Pennsylvania Department of Health, which is overseeing the vaccine distribution, and the University, and as we weigh the pandemic’s continuing impact on our communities.
BMR Courtyard Reopened
As a result of the warmer weather, the BMR courtyard is now open for meals and breaks. Because many individuals will be unmasked while eating and drinking, it is imperative that those using the courtyard maintain physical distancing (at least 6 feet) and, when appropriate, wear a mask. The courtyard may be closed in the future depending on the extent of noncompliance with established safety precautions.
Mandatory Random COVID Testing
For the last several months, the faculty, staff and students have participated in the 2% random COVID-19 testing program run by the University. This program is scheduled to be discontinued on or about May 3. Until that time, please comply with any email requests from the University for random testing. Because selection for this program is random, you may be asked to test more than once. Finally, being fully vaccinated is not an exclusion criterion.
Voluntary Asymptomatic COVID-19 Testing Available for Faculty and Staff
The University has extended asymptomatic testing to College of Medicine faculty and staff who are working on campus and wish to be tested. Testing will only be available to employees who are listed in the University’s Return-to-Work database, which can be done by filling out the Return-to-Work Authorization form. Employees who wish to participate in the voluntary testing program may do so by using the following link. This program is not intended for Hershey Medical Center faculty and staff who should refer to the following link for guidance.
Eating and Drinking Outside of Labs and Offices
College of Medicine faculty, staff and students are reminded that eating and drinking in the hallways and open public spaces in the College of Medicine buildings are still prohibited. As the weather warms, faculty, staff and students are encouraged to eat outside and maintain physical distancing.
COVID-19 Testing for Students and Faculty Attending Graduation
All students and faculty attending commencement on May 15 will be required to have a negative COVID test prior to the ceremony. Instructions for obtaining a test will be sent in the near future to students and the limited number of faculty who have been specifically invited to graduation. COVID testing will not be required for family and friends who will be in attendance.
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