COVID-19 Information

COVID-19 status: College of Medicine

Masking

Masking is required in Penn State Health and College of Medicine facilities in certain scenarios, such as:

• 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 Employee Return to Work and Work Restrictions resource) exposure or after isolation start date if positive for COVID.

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

View masking guidelines in Penn State Health policy portal (ePass login required).

Employee Return-to Work and Work Restrictions Related to COVID-19

Employees of Penn State College of Medicine follow the same guidelines as employees of Penn State Health.

View the employee guidelines related to COVID-19 infection and exposure in Penn State Health policy portal (ePass 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 guidelines include information on testing, masking and isolation in different scenarios.

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The Revised Standards for In-Person Human Subjects Research were retired on December 13, 2022, and are no longer in effect.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.