Health and Wellness Information During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Because of COVID-19, the 2020-21 school year will be unlike any we have experienced before. But if we each take personal responsibility and follow the guidelines in place, we will get through it safely. We have a shared commitment to protect the health and wellness of the University of Miami community.

I am honored to have been appointed the University’s chief medical officer for COVID-19. Working closely with the leadership of the University and UHealth, as well as with Dr. Howard Anapol, director of Student Health Service, I am committed to providing you with clinical care and guidance to staying safe during the pandemic.

Roy E. Weiss, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine
Chair, Department of Medicine
Chief Medical Officer for COVID-19

A message from Dr. Roy Weiss, chief medical officer for COVID-19

PROTECT YOURSELF AND OTHERS

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is important to practice some key steps at all times and not let your guard down. Small actions can have a big impact. You can do your part to protect yourself and everyone by making these simple steps part of your regular routine:

Wear a mask; it may save someone’s life. In one study, death rates increased by 43% in countries where people did not wear masks, but just 2.8% in countries where they did.
Maintain at least six feet of physical distance.
Use hand sanitizer and wash your hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds.

ON AND OFF CAMPUS

Even when you are off campus, your decisions can affect your fellow ’Canes when you return to campus. Please avoid engaging in “super spreading” events such as house parties, large gatherings at restaurants, or other activities. This behavior can quickly spread the coronavirus, impacting the health of you and your colleagues. That kind of spread would directly affect the on-campus experience for everyone.

CHECK YOURSELF

Pay attention to your health and use the University’s Daily Symptom Checker. At any time of the day, if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, loss of smell/taste, etc.), believe that you have been exposed to the virus, or do not feel well, stay in or go back to your room and remain there without interacting with others and call our COVID-19 hotline at 305-243-ONE-U. Medical Campus staff and students should call 305-243-8378.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO BOOST YOUR IMMUNITY

With the onset of classes, schedules, and deadlines, it is important to reduce your stress. Stress-related hormones like cortisol can affect the body’s ability to fight off infection. Exercise can lower stress, so take advantage of the facilities on campus.

GET YOUR ZZZZs

Get your rest. At least six to eight hours per night is necessary for proper health. Less sleep can result in stress, lower your immune reserve, and raise your blood pressure, among other changes. Also, don’t snack after dinner. You’ll get a more restful sleep and have more energy the next day.

AVOID DAILY AND EXCESS ALCOHOL

Even moderate consumption of alcohol in young and older adults can weaken the immune system in a variety of ways. It results in inflammatory markers and affects the gut microbiome, which could make you more susceptible to infection.

We will share more health and wellness news in the next edition.

WORK TOGETHER

Remember, we’re in this together. Students have volunteered to be Public Health Ambassadors. You’ll find them located in high-traffic areas on campus, ready to provide you with access to hand sanitizer stations and encourage healthy behaviors.

We are one U. I am here to support you as we come together and make this a successful and safe fall semester. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with questions or concerns at covidcmo@miami.edu.

COVID-19 RESOURCES

Students, faculty, and staff on the Coral Gables and Marine campuses who are experiencing possible symptoms consistent with, or who have been potentially exposed to, COVID-19 should contact the University’s COVID-19 hotline at 305-243-ONE-U, where UHealth physicians and providers are available to answer your questions and provide telemedicine services if needed.

Members of the Medical Campus should contact 305-243-8378.

For additional University of Miami COVID-19 information and resources, visit coronavirus.miami.edu.

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