Following the Labor Day weekend, I hope everyone had a good week and continued to do their part in slowing the spread of COVID-19.
 
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COVID-19 Health and Wellness Information

Following the Labor Day weekend, I hope everyone had a good week and continued to do their part in slowing the spread of COVID-19.

As was the case after Memorial Day and July 4, there may be an increase in cases following Labor Day. For this reason, everyone must stay vigilant about spotting potential signs of infection in yourself and your close contacts. Some symptoms to watch out for include new loss of taste or smell, cough, fever, headache, or fatigue.

Regardless, using the Daily Symptom Checker is mandatory for students, faculty, and staff. Please answer the questions honestly and thoroughly. It only takes about two minutes and is an essential step in providing a safe campus environment for everyone.
Roy E. Weiss, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine
Chair, Department of Medicine
Chief Medical Officer for COVID-19

COVID-19 TESTING AND TRACING

If you do feel ill or have reason to believe that you have been exposed to the virus, do not come to campus. Instead, call the University’s COVID-19 hotline at 305-243-ONE-U; members of the Medical Campus should call 305-243-8378. The hotline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. UHealth physicians and providers will answer your questions and provide telemedicine services if needed.

You may be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days from the time of exposure and while awaiting test results. Monitor your symptoms and do not leave your home except to get medical care.

Faculty, staff, and students who have a COVID-19 test result from an outside testing facility should email the results report to utrace@miami.edu so contact tracing can be conducted. This step is critically important to stop the spread of the virus.
 

MANDATORY COVID-19 TESTING FOR ALL STUDENTS

As announced yesterday, students who will be on the Coral Gables or Marine campus at any point during the remainder of the fall semester will be required to take a COVID-19 test every two weeks through the UScreen Testing Initiative. Additional information regarding this new, mandatory testing initiative is available at https://messages.miami.edu/messages/2020/09/09-10-20-mandatory-covid-testing.html.
 

TELEHEALTH

If you do need to see a doctor, virtual appointments are available for most physical and mental health needs. The visits may be online or on an app and are similar to Zoom calls or other video-conferencing tools.  
  • Make sure that you have access to a strong WiFi signal.
  • Choose a safe and private location.
  • Sign in early in case there are any technical difficulties.
  • Don’t try to drive at the same time you are talking to your doctor.

TELEVIGILENCE

If you must quarantine or go into isolation because of COVID-19, you may be able to be remotely monitored using a TytoCare device through our televigilence program. The palm-sized device enables UHealth providers to remotely examine your throat, ears, lungs, and heart, and keep track of your vitals, including the oxygen level in your blood. Contact us at tyto@miami.edu or call the 305-243-ONE-U hotline (305-243-8378 for the Medical Campus), to see if this device would be appropriate for you.
 

TIPS WHEN LIVING WITH OTHERS

Whether you are living with a significant other or you have a roommate, there are actions you can take at home to minimize the potential spread of the virus. These are particularly important if you live with someone who has a higher risk of contracting COVID-19 or if you are concerned that you may have the virus or have been exposed. These include:
  • Clean and disinfect bathrooms, common areas, and frequently touched surfaces and objects daily
  • Do not share towels
  • Do not share food or drinks and use separate utensils, serving dishes, or cups
  • Wash your hands every time you enter your residence

EXERCISING SAFELY

Exercise is a great way to relieve stress and boost your immune system, but it must be done safely. This means wearing your mask and staying physically distanced. Remember:
  • Make sure the mask is not too tight
  • Keep hand sanitizer in your pocket for when you remove your mask
  • Don’t touch your face
  • Take a second mask in case your first mask gets wet
  • Wash your hands before touching your mask
  • Wash masks regularly
We will share more health and wellness news in the next edition.

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.

If you are in distress or need counseling services, the Counseling Center provides mental health services through HIPAA-compliant teleconferencing platforms. Counselors are certified and available to help any time by calling 305-284-5511. Additional resources are also available by visiting counseling.studentaffairs.miami.edu.
 
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