College of Medicine Pandemic Response Friday Round-Up – Week of Feb. 15-19
College of Medicine leaders updated faculty, staff and students on Feb. 19 about the ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic:
College of Medicine Vaccination Rate – 78%
The College of Medicine currently has a vaccination rate of 78%, which includes all faculty, staff and students. This high vaccination rate is in alignment with the numbers at Penn State Health, which will be useful as we consider when it will be appropriate to reopen the College of Medicine to its normal capacity.
New Check-In Process Starts March 1
On Monday, March 1, the entry into the College of Medicine will look a bit different. Due to the great work everyone has been doing to maintain a safe environment, College leadership has determined that in-person temperature readings are not necessary moving forward. The staff at the main entrance and Biomedical Research Building entrance has been discontinued. However, all COM employees and students should continue to use the digital thermal scanners for a daily temperature check and the online check-in process to assist with contact tracing. In addition, continuing to practice physical distancing of at least six feet, regular hand hygiene and mask wearing.
Penn State Health stands up online, phone systems for vaccine scheduling
David Swift, senior vice president and chief human resources officer at Penn State Health, emailed employees across the health system Thursday announcing a new system for the public to directly schedule COVID-19 vaccination appointments with Penn State Health online or by phone. This information is provided so friends and family members of COM employees and students can be informed of how to obtain the vaccine.
Among the key points:
- Anyone who meets Phase 1A criteria will be able to register for an appointment online or by phone at one of four dedicated Penn State Health vaccination sites that opens Monday, Feb. 22, pending vaccine availability.
- As vaccine supply becomes available, members of the public will be able to schedule online at vaccine-scheduler.pennstatehealth.org. In the meantime, the public can register in the system to be notified when new appointments become available. Those who do not have access to the internet can schedule their appointments by calling a central scheduling number: 1-844-774-8883. Community members may find additional information related to COVID-19 and the vaccine on Penn State Health’s COVID-19 vaccination information page.
- Penn State Health has placed additional staff to help answer calls given the intense demand for COVID-19 vaccination and anticipates standing setting up an additional call center in the coming weeks. Still, because of high demand paired with a large number of Phase 1A-eligible people and an uncertain supply, those trying to register for appointments should anticipate long wait times by phone and likely extended scheduling options online.
- Read the full email.
Vaccination of New Employees and Current Employees Who Have Not Yet Been Vaccinated
Human Resources, in conjunction with Penn State Health, will offer vaccinations in early March for new employee hires and current employees who missed being vaccinated. Please watch for future emails from Human Resources regarding vaccine availability for these individuals.
Increased On-Site Research Capacity Implemented This Week
On Feb. 15, on-site laboratory research activities transitioned from phase 3 to a modified phase 4 of the COVID-19 Ramp-Up plan. Guiding principles for phase 4 are outlined in an email sent today from the Dean and Dr. Leslie Parent and are available on the dedicated coronavirus section of our website.
Observational Clinical Research Studies Now Permitted with Restrictions
Effective Feb. 15, observational clinical research studies that involve participants who are already on campus for a health care appointment are permitted if certain criteria are met. Please visit this link for more details.
Required Surveillance Testing for Employees and Students Starts March 1
The University will conduct random daily surveillance testing of approximately 2% of the University’s on-campus population across all campuses. This testing is scheduled to begin March 1. This testing is mandatory, and only those who have tested COVID-19-positive in the last 90 days are exempt. Read more in last week’s email.
University Fitness Center Expands to Weekend Hours Feb. 27
Looking to get more workouts in each week? Starting Saturday, Feb. 27, the University Fitness Center will expand its hours to 8 a.m. until noon on Saturdays and Sundays. Its full hours of operation will be:
Monday through Friday: 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 8 a.m. to noon
COVID-19 Resources for College of Medicine Faculty, Staff, Trainees and Students
See the latest policies, information and resources for both on-campus and remote working and learning by visiting med.psu.edu/coronavirus.
In Case You Missed It
See last week’s email which covered the following topics:
- Updated Interim Employee Quarantine Policy Effective Monday, Feb. 15
- New Inpatient COVID-19 Elective
If you're having trouble accessing this content, or would like it in another format, please email the Penn State College of Medicine web department.