COVID-19 Working on Campus
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Guide to returning to campus
Working on campus in Hershey: What you must do
For all employees
The following guidelines apply to all College of Medicine employees planning to return to on-campus work.
To ensure a safe and successful transition back to campus, employees and their managers should be prepared to adhere to the following safety precautions before returning to work on campus.
Masks
Masking with a level-1 procedure mask is required in locations accessible to patients or human research subjects. Masking is optional for employees and students while in well-defined areas that are restricted from patient or human research subjects access.
View the current masking guidance.
One-time attestation required for new employees and students
All new Penn State College of Medicine employees and students will be required to complete a one-time attestation stating they will not enter any College of Medicine building or Penn State Health clinical area if they have symptoms of COVID-19. Additionally, all new students or employees will be required to be vaccinated or have an approved medical or religious accommodation.
Self-screening process
Faculty, staff and students no longer need to complete the online check-in process before entering campus buildings. Do not come to campus if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19.
Employee quarantine guide
College of Medicine employees who are exposed to COVID-19 must follow this guide.Requirements for managers
In addition to these measures, managers should also consult the Managers' Guide to Returning Faculty, Staff and Students to the Workplace developed by College of Medicine Human Resources and the COVID-19 Assessment/Reporting Instructions for Supervisors (both available in OneDrive; Penn State Access ID login required).
Work location decisions (on-site, fully remote or a hybrid) remain at the discretion of individual business units. Managers making these decisions should follow the Return to On-Site and Remote Work Guidance (in OneDrive; Penn State Access ID login required).
For those engaged in research
All research labs or research support offices with personnel working on campus must post the occupancy of their room or lab.
Find more details on policies related to research.For all employees
Effective July 16, 2021, supervisors no longer need to complete the university's Return-to-Work Authorization for employees who will be working on campus.
All employees and students must continue to wear a mask while on campus and avoid coming to campus if they are experience symptoms.
Follow masking policies
Masks must be worn in areas accessible to patients or human research subjects. (See mask policy.)
Practice social distancing
Keep 6 feet between people whenever possible - especially when not wearing masks.
Practice good hand hygiene
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds when entering a room and before and after touching your mask.
Stay safe during meals
- Stagger break and meal times.
- Avoid sitting directly beside or across from others.
- Clean or disinfect tables before and after eating.
- Wash or sanitize hands before removing mask.
- Store mask in clean place while eating.
- Immediately after eating, wash or sanitize hands, then put mask back on.
Stay safe in elevators
- Wear mask at all times.
- Limit 1 to 2 people in elevator. Take stairs or wait for next elevator.
- Practice social distancing while waiting for elevator, and when inside.
- Avoid touching your face after pushing the button.
- Wash with soap or sanitize hands after leaving elevator.
For shared spaces
The College of Medicine offers a set of standard operating procedures for the use of common rooms, shared equipment within departments and other spaces occupied by multiple people.
See shared facility SOPsFor labs
Specific guidance is available for laboratories and research facilities regarding approved COVID-19 disinfection methods researchers can follow for their high-touch work areas and equipment.
See lab cleaning guidanceMore resources
- General cleaning protocols (including what cleaning products are provided and what is cleaned by Environmental Health Services)
- Handwashing guidance (PDF flyer from University Environmental Health and Safety; can be printed and hung near sinks)
- Cleaning guidance for computers and electronics (PDF guide from University Environmental Health and Safety)
- How safe is your building? (Facilities provides information on campus building systems and COVID-19 safety)