Coronavirus Emergency Plan
Thanks
to everyone for managing the reduction in research personnel that occurred over
the past 6 months as well as the COVID-19 precautions that were enacted (e.g.,
masking, 6 ft distancing, location log, etc.). We are unaware of a single
COVID-19 infection that occurred in our research spaces during this time. Because
of your vigilance, the reduced capacity in research labs and spaces will be
lifted as of October 1st as communicated by the Vice President for Research.
In preparation for this increased density, we are asking the PIs
of laboratories and research programs to fill out the very brief Research Lab Density Attestation Fillable Form which will provide us with a better understanding of the
College's projected density. Please send on to your department chair or
designee for final signature. Department chairs/designees should then forward
to Diana Mullenix
by close of business, September 30, 2020.
Although we are increasing our capacity for research, there is
still an expectation to minimize density by continuing to perform activities
remotely and/or staggering schedules as much as possible. If work can be done
at home, that should be accommodated. Smaller labs that cannot accommodate
physical distancing practice may have to stagger schedules of lab personnel. We
ask that PIs offer latitude for lab personnel schedules that may need to
accommodate child care or other issues. In addition to being aware of the
social distancing requirements in your lab, you must pay attention to the
surrounding areas to minimize congestion.
Though we all would like to get back to our past lab camaraderie,
please be mindful of limiting the number of people at gatherings to 10 or less
(with appropriate physical distancing). Lab meetings can only be held in a room
if such distancing can be accommodated. Consumption of food or beverages during
the meeting is not permitted. Remote lab meetings, especially during the winter
months are strongly suggested. A potential transmission situation is posed by
lunch groups, even outdoors, as masks are off. It remains prudent to eat lunch
in your office/space by yourself with the door(s) closed.
Please be aware that confirmed COVID-19 infections within the CoM
buildings, individual labs, departments, and the College could result in
closures or return to reduced density. It is in our best interest to ensure all
precautions which kept us safe thus far are maintained to get our research
engine at capacity. In addition, personnel will no longer be required to
complete location logs as of October 1.
We must all be mindful that strict adherence is necessary to
maintain full capacity and that we are all very much in this together. If you
see a lapse in adherence in a lab or by lab personnel, please report it to the
lab director, department chair or designee immediately. You could also ask the
person to correct their behavior in a courteous manner.
Finally, we are grateful that you have been so productive during these past 6 months even with all the restrictions. We ended FY20 as one of only 3 colleges to meet the challenge of the President to increase annualized research holdings by 25%; in fact, thanks to all of you we surpassed 30%. Although we have been hampered over the past 6 months, it is now our challenge to regain that high level of productivity and continue building upon what you have done over the past few years. It will be great to see everyone back. Masks up!
Andrew T. Filak, Jr. MD |
Dean of the College of Medicine, Senior Vice President for Health Affairs |
Melanie T. Cushion, Ph.D. |
Senior Associate Dean for Research |
Brett M. Kissela, M.D., M.S. |
Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Research |
Contact Us
University of CincinnatiCollege of Medicine
CARE/Crawley Building
Suite E-870
3230 Eden Avenue
PO Box 670555
Cincinnati, OH 45267-0555
Mail Location: 0555
Phone: 513-558-7333
Fax: 513-558-3512
Email: College of Medicine