COVID-19 Health and Wellness Information |
It is hard to believe that we are near the end of the in-person portion of our semester. I am proud of the students, faculty, and staff who came together and made it possible to have in-person instruction. Many believed that it could not be done, but we succeeded with minimal infections.
As students prepare to depart campus, remember to remain vigilant about wearing your mask, staying physically distant, and frequently washing your hands. Remember that a negative test today does not mean that you cannot contract the virus in the next week and still bring it home to your loved ones or have to delay your travel.
As we head into the winter months, it is forecasted that COVID-19 infections will increase exponentially. The daily count of new infections is already more than at any other time in this pandemic. I trust that you will all continue taking the necessary preventative measures during the break to stop the spread of COVID-19. Not only can you protect yourself and your family and friends, but you can also lead by example in your communities.
Be healthy and be well. Travel and celebrate safely, enjoy your break, and have happy holidays.
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Roy E. Weiss, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine
Chair, Department of Medicine
Chief Medical Officer for COVID-19
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TRAVELING SAFELYIf you have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past two weeks, are awaiting test results because of possible transmission, or have been in close contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus, you should not travel. If you are negative and know that you have not been exposed, keep in mind that any travel increases your risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2. If you must travel, driving alone without any stops along the way is the safest option. Any stops for gas, food, or lodging are another chance you will contract the virus. |
Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:
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Make a travel plan and familiarize yourself with the local guidelines for your destination.
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Pack sufficient hand sanitizer and face coverings. Also pack some food and water in the event dining options along your route are closed.
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Practice physical distancing at all times.
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Upon arrival to your destination you may need to quarantine based on local regulations after traveling either by air or car. Please check the regulations at your destination before arrival.
WHEN YOU ARRIVE Regardless of how cautious and diligent you may have been with hand washing, physical distancing, and wearing a face covering, wear a mask for the first 14 days after arrival. Also, stay as physically distant as possible and avoid close contact, including hugging and shaking hands. You may even consider quarantining if there are vulnerable, higher-risk individuals living in your home.
TESTING BEFORE AND AFTER TRAVEL Students should continue to attend their regularly scheduled UScreen testing appointments. However, if the timing of your regular test does not align with your travel schedule or the local regulations of your destination, the UScreen testing site at Pavia Garage is able to provide walk-in testing weekdays, from 8:00 a.m. to 7:40 p.m., through Thursday, Nov. 19; no appointment necessary. Test results may take up to 48 hours, so please plan accordingly. We also encourage you to get tested within 5-7 days of your arrival after traveling. |
CELEBRATING SAFELYThe safest way to celebrate the holidays this year is with the people who live in your household. During this time of year, it is common for family and friends to come together and celebrate. Unfortunately, any time people gather, the risk of COVID-19 spread increases, so we all need to take precautions to keep each other safe. Those at higher risk of developing severe disease should be even more cautious.
If you do decide to either host or attend a gathering, remember these guidelines:
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More people equals more risk
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Outside is much safer than inside
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Only people who live in the same household should sit together to eat
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Everyone should wear masks except when eating or drinking
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Consider using disposable utensils and dishes
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Do not serve food in buffet-style
Also, consider skipping Black Friday events, parades, or the movies this year.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITESThere are safe things that you can do to celebrate. Some ideas:
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Use video conferencing to eat with extended family virtually
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Watch a parade on television
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Make a list of all the things that you are thankful for
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Leave a pumpkin pie on your neighbor’s doorstep
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Play games with friends and family online
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Shop on Cyber Monday instead of Black Friday
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VACCINE: GETTING CLOSERWe all heard about the significant effectiveness of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine that has had excellent results in a preliminary analysis. While there are more information and analyses to come, everyone is hopeful that this will be the start of having a vaccine close at hand. More details will be forthcoming in our future newsletters.
SPRING SEMESTERWe are looking forward to the spring semester. However, we will likely still be in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. We will share the guidelines for testing and other requirements for returning safely soon. In the meantime, please continue to follow the University’s guidelines to help slow the spread and have a safe winter break. For more information on the University’s COVID response, visit coronavirus.miami.edu. |
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We will share more health and wellness news in the next edition. |
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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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