College of Medicine Pandemic Response Friday Round-Up – Week of March 1-5
Clinical Research Updates
If any clinical research study staff have a positive COVID-19 test (regardless of employment with Penn State Health or the College of Medicine), in addition to the requirements to report to Employee Health or Occupational Medicine, the PI must notify Dr. Neal Thomas and Ray Scheetz immediately at nthomas@pennstatehealth.psu.edu and rscheetz@pennstatehealth.psu.edu.
If the number of COVID cases in the county and hospital continue to decrease, we are anticipating potentially resuming observational research on campus on Monday, March 15. Studies that have already been reviewed through the InfoReady process do not require another review, but any new studies or any significant changes to previously approved studies will require submission and approval prior to opening. More information will be available in next week’s Pandemic Response email.
New Check-In Process Started This Week
This week the check-in process changed at the College of Medicine main entrance and Biomedical Research Building entrance. The tables at these entrances are no longer staffed by personnel doing temperature checks and COVID symptom screening. Because we have been living with the COVID pandemic for more than a year now, please continue to use the online check-in process daily, attesting that you do not have symptoms and listing where you will be located in the College of Medicine for contact tracing. As a reminder, please continue to stay safe and cautious by practicing physical distancing of at least six feet, washing your hands, using hand sanitizer and wearing your mask.
Mark Your Calendar for Penn State Health Town Hall on March 24
Penn State Health will host a virtual town hall on Wednesday, March 24, at noon. College of Medicine employees are encouraged to attend. Zoom information is available on the Infonet (Penn State Health ePass login required).
New Break Space Available at College of Medicine
In ongoing efforts to keep employees and patients safe, the College of Medicine has added a meal/break space. Lecture Room D, C-7619, which accommodates 38 people, is open daily from 5:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. until April 28.
The Ronald McDonald family room, Junker Auditorium and Lecture Room B, C5621, are no longer break areas. However, employees can take advantage of other designated meal/break rooms.
Many employee-positive COVID-19 cases have been linked to crowded break areas and dining without social distancing and masking.
Employees should follow room-occupancy mandates and social-distancing requirements of six feet or more. They also should wear masks when they are not eating and drinking.
Vaccination of New Employees and Current Employees
Human Resources, in conjunction with Penn State Health, will offer vaccinations in early March to new employee hires and current employees who missed being vaccinated. Please watch for future emails from Human Resources regarding vaccine availability for these individuals.
Required Surveillance Testing for Employees and Students Started This Week
The University will conduct random daily surveillance testing of approximately 2% of the University’s on-campus population across all campuses. This testing began this week, so you may receive an email directly. This testing is mandatory, and only those who have tested COVID-19-positive in the last 90 days are exempt.
COVID-19 Resources
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.
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