Dear Sonoran University of Health Sciences community,
The Infectious Illness Taskforce met this morning to assess reported infection rates on campus and our need for ongoing masking. Reported infection rates amongst students have decreased significantly, however they have not returned to baseline. In addition, we suspect significant under-reporting of infectious-type symptoms amongst staff.
With this in mind, the Taskforce has made the following recommendations:
- Masking will continue in all clinical spaces (including clinic classrooms) for an additional week (at least), until the Committee reassesses the campus infection rates next Friday, Feb. 28th.
- Procedure/surgical masks, as well as N95 masks, are acceptable for those staff/students with NO symptoms. People with lingering symptoms, coughs, congestion, etc. are asked to wear N95 masks until symptoms resolve. The Med Center has ordered additional N95 masks.
- Although masks are not mandatory for didactic classrooms, they are highly recommended, and lecturers have the option of requiring students to wear masks in class.
- STAFF/EMPLOYEES: Please report any potentially infectious symptoms to e.warner@sonoran.edu, whether or not you are working or taking sick days. This is for tracking purposes, as we suspect we are under-reporting infection amongst Staff.
Please note:
Face shields are not fitted to the face and therefore do not provide any barrier to air-borne germ particles. Face shields only protect against liquid splatter. They are not an equivalent alternative to masking.
We appreciate your commitment to keeping our campus community safe and healthy. Wishing you wellness during this time, and thank you for your continued efforts to support one another.
Sincerely,
Infectious Illness Safety Taskforce