COVID-19 Health and Wellness Information |
The COVID-19 public dashboard is up and the good news is that COVID-19 case numbers are down. Among students, faculty, and staff, we also have a much higher vaccination rate than Florida and the country as a whole. I want to thank each and every one of you who has been vaccinated. And, for those who are not, it’s never too late.
A couple more reminders—please remember to always mask indoors, and mask outdoors when you are in groups, both on campus and off.
Also, unvaccinated students on the Coral Gables and Marine campuses are required to test twice per week and employees who have an approved exemption are required to test once per week. If you are having symptoms or you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID, regardless of your vaccination status, please make an appointment to get a COVID-19 test as soon as possible.
And now a quick note about civility and professionalism. Everyone is under stress right now because of the unusual circumstances created by this pandemic. We’re in our second year of adjusting to evolving circumstances and our goal is to keep everyone safe and follow the latest scientific evidence. It is not easy, especially for those on the front lines. When speaking to someone at one of our hotlines or sending an email, remember that you’re communicating with another person who is doing their best to help you. There is never any reason to be rude or unprofessional.
If it seems that I am repeating myself, I probably am, but there is a good reason for it. Those things that have kept us safe from the beginning are the same now as they were at the start. Please continue to take care of yourselves and each other.
Roy E. Weiss, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor of Medicine
Chair, Department of Medicine
Chief Medical Officer for COVID-19 |
INFLUENZA DATALast year was a very interesting unintentional influenza experiment. According to the CDC, “the cumulative rate of laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated hospitalizations in the 2020-2021 season was the lowest recorded since this type of data collection began in 2005.” This makes perfect sense since COVID-19 safety measures like avoiding crowds, wearing masks, washing hands, and staying home when you’re sick work for the flu as well.
As a comparison, during the 2019-20 flu season there were an estimated 38 million people sick with flu, 400,000 hospitalizations, and 22,000 flu deaths. However, a flu shot can prevent this level of flu activity and that is why it is mandatory for students, faculty, and staff to get their flu vaccine. At a time when our health care system is overtaxed due to the delta variant, we must all do our part.
For more information on where to get the shot and how to upload verification that you have received the shot, please visit these links: faculty and staff and students.
Do not schedule a flu shot if you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
BOOSTER SHOTS There has been a lot of back and forth in the media about whether or not a COVID-19 booster shot is necessary. While many may be impatient about an answer and about getting that third shot, gathering data and analyzing it is essential.
Today, the FDA and the CDC meet to discuss the issue of a booster shot and we all hope to have more clarification on this topic next week. If you are interested in this process, all meetings and materials are open to the public. Although, it may not make for exciting entertainment for many, it is a testament to the fact that our medical institutions and health agencies do not make decisions lightly, nor should they.
MEDICAL/UHEALTH COVID VERIFICATION DEADLINE For those on the Medical Campus, the deadline to upload your vaccine verification in Workday or file a religious or medical exemption is Monday, Sept. 20.
It’s an easy process. You will need to have your vaccination verification or a completed exemption waiver form as a PDF, GIF, or image file in order to upload.
There is a new step-by-step video describing how to load your information into Workday using the ActionBot. If you do not see the ActionBot icon, click here to install the required plugin. Please note that it may take a few seconds to appear. Once installed, follow the instructions in the video.
If you don’t want to use the ActionBot, this link will take you to the direct location in Workday to upload your information (it will ask for your name). You can also complete this process from within your MyUHealthChart account.
OUR EVOLVING WORKDAYSBefore COVID-19, powering through a case of the sniffles at work or at school were common place. Now, it is imperitave that you stay home if you think you are sick. It may be that you only have a cold, but because of the overlap with COVID symptoms it is important not to take the chance.
Shaking hands, unfortunately, is still gone from our daily interactions. But, we can all still wave or say, “hello.”
Another change for many may be no longer eating at our desks. However, I am certain many a pound was gained through mindless snacking throughout the day. Plus, it is better to eat outside anyways! So, grab an apple and find a shady tree. Your waist and your mental state will thank you.
TEAMWORK … AND A CAT As I am sure many saw and heard, last week’s football game was filled with excitement. While I am sure there is plenty of symbolism to be found in catching a dangling cat with an outstretched American flag in the middle of a football game, I will instead focus on the teamwork that led to this happy ending.
It is truly amazing what ’Canes can do when we come together and work as a team for the common good. We keep each other safe, we lift each other up, and we root each other on. And, when we do that, not only do we win (against Appalachian State) we also save lives (including that of a cat).
These attributes are what make me honored to be on your team. |
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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 a student 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.
If you are a faculty or staff members in need of support visit fsap.miami.edu. |
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