Resources for faculty, staff and students

COVID-19 status: College of Medicine

Masking

Employees and students are required to wear a level 1 mask in certain scenarios.

• When experiencing a runny nose, sore throat or cough (even if possibly due to allergies) – mask should be worn when within 6 feet of anyone on campus (including co-workers).
• For at least a full 10 days after a higher-risk (as defined in the Penn State Health Employee Quarantine and Isolation Policy) exposure or after isolation start date if positive for COVID.

Making guidelines for gatherings:

• Less than 30 attendees
  • Follow normal operating protocols and masking is optional
• 30 or more attendees and greater than or equal to 30 minutes in duration
  • If % positive COVID-19 test rates greater than or equal to 10% at HMC lab (in any of the last 2-3 weeks reported):
    • Masking recommended, hand hygiene readily available, and distancing, as possible. Virtual option recommended.
  • If % positive COVID-19 test rates greater than or equal to 20% at HMC lab (in any of the last 2-3 weeks reported)
    • Masking required, hand hygiene readily available, and distancing, as possible. Virtual option required.
• Regardless of size and trigger, those with upper respiratory infection symptoms should not attend in person and the planner should send a reminder of this ahead of the event.

View full masking guidelines (includes information about masking while in patient care). (PDF download; PSU Sharepoint login required)

Student Policy for COVID-19 Reporting and Quarantine

Students experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or exposure to COVID-19 are expected to take the steps outlined on the Student Health COVID-19 page.

Human Subjects Research

The Revised Standards for In-Person Human Subjects Research were retired on December 13, 2022, and are no longer in effect. Study teams are strongly encouraged to follow Best Practices for Conducting In-person Human Subjects Research (or see below). Moving forward, in-person research no longer requires review by the COVID Safety Committee via InfoReady. Studies previously approved through InfoReady are encouraged to continue the practices outlined in their protocols.

• Vaccination: It is strongly recommended that study staff be fully vaccinated (full regimen, including boosters).
• Screening: Participants should be screened for transmissible viruses and diseases, such as COVID and influenza. Follow University or College of Medicine screening scripts.
• Clean and disinfect: Study teams utilize standard cleaning procedures, particularly for shared surfaces and equipment.
• Masking: Study teams should utilize masking as appropriate, particularly during times of high transmission. At the College of Medicine and Penn State Health, follow current masking guidelines stated above.