In this message to faculty and professional staff, Marla J. Gold, MD, Director of the Return Oversight Committee, provides a COVID-19 prevention "Do's and Don'ts List" to help when hearing of an infected person or potential exposure.
Dear Colleagues,
On behalf of the Return Oversight Committee, I want to thank you for your ongoing support and flexibility during this challenging time.
As we work collectively to once again the flatten the curve , I want to remind you to continue to visit Drexel’s Response To Coronavirus website for the latest updates and communications. Visiting the website is the best way to access the most accurate information concerning the University’s health and safety protocols and procedures. The COVID-19 pandemic remains incredibly dynamic and, as a result, information can change rapidly. The Return Oversight Committee continues to review and revise the site’s information as well as the FAQs as new information becomes available.
Despite information provided to the campus community via the health and safety training and guidelines on the University website, when a situation involving an infected or exposed individual in the workplace occurs, it can be stressful and confusing. Decisions regarding testing, isolation and quarantine are complex. At Drexel, the people who perform COVID-19 assessments, testing, case investigation and contact tracing have undergone many hours of approved training. They are skilled in discerning what a true exposure is and when to advise quarantine or isolation for those exposed.
To help you remember key aspects of Drexel’s COVID-19 protocols, I recommend you print out and keep handy Understanding Drexel COVID-19 Contact Protocols - Do's and Don'ts [PDF] to help when you hear of an infected person or potential exposure.
At all times, the most important thing members of the campus community can do is follow all risk reduction protocols and requirements and, in so doing, avoid infection and exposure:
Finally, as we approach the Thanksgiving holiday next week, please note that it is recommended by city and state officials that individuals limit their travel and interaction with people outside their own households as much as possible to help prevent the spread of the virus.
The latest national and regional spike in cases serves to remind us of the important role we each play in the collective health of our community. I urge you to continue to do all you can to ensure your safety and the safety of your loved ones and those around you. Thank you for taking care of yourselves and each other.
Be safe and well.
Marla J. Gold, MD
Director, Return Oversight Committee