SMPH Daily COVID-19 Update: March 17, 2020
This daily e-mail for SMPH personnel summarizes COVID-19 response information that is specific to our school. Please refer to https://covid19.wisc.edu/ for the latest updates from UW–Madison, and the COVID-19 hub on U-Connect for the latest updates from UW Health. When appropriate, SMPH COVID-19 updates will shift from daily to weekly editions. Questions? Contact smphcovid19@med.wisc.edu
Telecommuting:
- All supervisors should have information on record about how to reach their team members remotely in real time (such as preferred cell phone number, or using Cisco Jabber to forward campus VoIP calls).
- SMPH HR continues to encourage supervisors to be flexible and supportive of employee telecommuting, including working on special projects. See campus and SMPH guidance
- Use of leave: see updated leave policy information released this morning by the Office of Human Resources.
Building access and security updates:
- HSLC and WIMR now require WisCard access at all times (24/7)
- Please ensure that any personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies in your area are properly secured
Education:
Education leaders for all programs have worked hard to ensure that the senior class will be able to graduate.
MD program:
- All hands-on clinical learning activities involving patients have been suspended for all SMPH medical students through the end of March at this time. Virtual learning activities are scheduled to continue.
- SMPH Virtual Match Day will occur this Friday
- Plans for the continuation of any clinical rotations beyond March are being determined by medical education leaders with input from faculty and students statewide and with guidance from national leaders in medical education
Other health professional degree programs (Genetic Counseling, Master of Public Health, Physician Assistant, Physical Therapy):
- all will deliver curriculum online and minimize hands-on clinical and community work as feasible and necessary to optimize safety for students, staff, faculty, patients, and community partners
Basic science degree programs:
- Basic science courses are being converted to online formats. The Dean’s office is working with programs/department and with central campus to provide resources needed for course readiness.
Research:
- PIs are encouraged to develop and refine continuity of operations plans. Campus FAQs
- Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene requests specific reagents that are in short supply nationally; these reagents are needed for future contingency planning. Learn more
Staying strong & supporting one another:
- Do you have tips to share about how your group is team-building in a remote work environment? Let us know and we will share with the SMPH community.