UPDATE: Potential limitation of on-site campus activities April 5, 2021 April 3, 2021 - Message from the Office of the President - Potential limitation of on-site campus activities The number of COVID-19 cases and the testing positivity rate have steadily increased in the region and state for the last three weeks. https://mistartmap.info/?area=county:detroit-city As indicated in the President’s communication on Saturday, April 3rd, the positivity rate in the Detroit City area has exceeded 15%, which is one of the tipping point metrics for reducing the footprint on campus (see the “Tipping Point Metrics” table as you scroll to the bottom of this posted link https://wayne.edu/coronavirus/returning-guidelines). Unless the regional case numbers fall within the acceptable range according to our metrics by tomorrow, we will initiate a reduction of on-campus activities, effective Wednesday, April 7, 2021, and continuing for the next 10 days. Corresponding adjustment of on-campus research activities include the following:
Note that while many on campus have already received both vaccine doses, as of April 5 all Michigan adults are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. While the vaccine is not mandated at present, we encourage all members of the campus community to be vaccinated through the various options available in their area and through the campus health center. A FEW ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS While we remain in a fragile period with the pandemic, we all recognize that we are in much better position than many months ago given the operational parameters established, the testing platforms in place and the access to the vaccine. With the exception of a bump up for the week of March 20-27, the number of cases and positivity rate on campus has been low (https://health.wayne.edu/coronavirus-tracking/) and these data will update each Monday at noon. The research community has been operationally stable throughout the pandemic without any on site transmission. There have been isolated positive tests that have popped up intermittently in some research facilities across campus over the past year and this is not unexpected and in each situation that I am aware of, reflect exposure of an individual from an off-campus interaction. As always, thank you for taking responsibility for your area, for your engagement and guidance during this period. Please do not hesitate to contact me or the VPR team if you have any additional questions. Steve
Be sure to regularly check the following links for updates and awareness of university initiatives and operations: Research operations at Wayne and coronavirus Campus Health Center https://health.wayne.edu/ Health and Safety Guidelines for Campus Activities Wayne State University COVID-19 Dashboard Contact Information for Questions and Additional Information Operational logistics: Timothy Stemmler, Ph.D., Assistant VP for Integrative Biosciences, Timothy.Stemmler@wayne.edu, Office: (313) 577-5712, Cell: (248) 860-7244 General questions: Julie O'Connor, Director of Research Communications, Office of the Vice President for Research, julie.oconnor@wayne.edu, Office: (313) 577-8845, Cell: (734) 748-4207 Direct line for concerns regarding safety and operational health: Research Integrity and Safety Office – Phil Cunningham, Ph.D., Associate VP for Research Integrity, philc@wayne.edu, Phone: (313) 577-9064, FAX: (313) 577-0384 Campus Health Center: (313) 577-5041 (accessible around the clock). Information on COVID-19 infection and symptoms may be found at https://health.wayne.edu/coronavirus/ |