Hello Sonoran University of Health Sciences community,
The Infectious Illness Taskforce met again this morning to assess reported infection rates on campus and our need for ongoing masking. Your efforts are making a significant difference! Reported infection rates amongst students have remained steady, and we do not suspect that infection is being spread on campus.
With this in mind, the Taskforce has UPDATED the following recommendations:
- Masking is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED in all campus spaces but is no longer mandatory until the Taskforce reassesses the campus infection rates next Friday, March 7th.
- People with lingering symptoms (coughs, congestion, etc.): Please wear N95 masks until symptoms resolve. The Med Center has N95 masks in stock (may be requested from PSR or MA).
- People with NO symptoms: Procedure/surgical masks, as well as N95 masks, are acceptable.
- Face shields are not fitted to the face and therefore do not provide any barrier to airborne germ particles. Face shields only protect against liquid splatter. They are not an equivalent alternative to masking.
- PLEASE allow students to participate virtually (when appropriate) if they are symptomatic.
- Physicians & lecturers have the option of requiring students to wear masks in class, (including clinic classrooms), especially in more crowded spaces.
- 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.
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