Orange Zone designation is lifted—but vigilance is still needed
Earlier this week, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that most of the state’s COVID-19 Microcluster Zones have been lifted, meaning that the University is no longer in an Orange Zone—or any state-designated zone. Many of the COVID-19 practices and protocols in place within the University community—like mask-wearing, social distancing, and completing Dr. Chat Bot every day—remain in effect; others have more flexibility. Read more in the Today’s Updates section below.
Also in this issue:
Learn about taking classes through the Eastman Community Music School
The Gandhi Institute will offer online grief circles twice a week throughout the month of February
Sign up to attend the Envision Climate Summit, taking place next month
Since Thursday’s notice in @Rochester, there are no new cases of COVID-19 to report. Please note that the University’s COVID-19 Dashboard is updated daily. Whenever a new case is known, the contact-tracing process begins immediately with confirmed exposures being contacted and required to quarantine.
It’s extremely important for the health of the University community that individuals continue to adhere to the face masking and social distancing protocols. Even as some individuals are now receiving their first or second dose of the vaccine, these practices to prevent the transmission of the virus cannot be relaxed.
If you think you’re experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, it’s important to report them through Dr. Chat Bot immediately. Even if you think your symptoms might be something else—like a cold, seasonal congestion, or allergies—it’s still important to tell University health professionals and contact tracers what you’re experiencing.
Rochester is out of the state's Orange Zone—here's what it means
On Wednesday, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that most of the New York State COVID-19 Microcluster Zones have been lifted. The announcement is effective immediately and comes as regional and statewide metrics on COVID-19 cases have been improving.
All non-academic indoor and outdoor campus events and gatherings will allow up to 50 individuals/participants, or the proper occupancy guidelines for a particular space. Student Activities will be adjusting their protocols accordingly.
Research activities will continue as normal.
Campus Dining is shifting to allow up to six students at a table and all tables will be 6 feet apart; chairs and furniture cannot be moved. Several additional multipurpose campus spaces have been established to accommodate students who need to eat a meal or snack on campus.
The latest updates and policies at the Medical Center and clinical care facilities can be found on the Medical Center’s intranet.
Flags will be lowered for Carol Judson
University flags will be lowered Thursday, February 11, for Carol Judson, a phlebotomist at the Medical Center, who died January 19. Judson joined the University in 2012.
Angela Branche, an assistant professor of medicine and codirector of the Medical Center’s Vaccine Trials and Evaluation Unit, and Marsha Allen, leader of the Global Humanitarian Surround Care Mobile Wellness Initiative, are working to topple longstanding barriers that keep minorities from participating in clinical trials.
The Center for Community Engagement in the College invites Students’ Association–recognized student organizations to apply for Community Engagement Challenge grants. These grants of up to $500 each are intended to support projects that build and strengthen ties between the University and the city of Rochester. Learn more about the project-funding opportunity here. Spring 2021 applications are due February 1. Apply online.
Make music with the Eastman Community Music School
The new year can be a great time to learn a new instrument or start music lessons to brush up on your skills through the Eastman Community Music School (ECMS). As always, most University employees and staff are eligible for a 25 percent discount at ECMS for themselves and their dependent children. Check with the Office of Total Rewards to find your eligibility or learn how to apply for a tuition waiver.
The Gandhi Institute will be offering online grief circles for the month of February every Monday from 7 to 8 p.m. EST and Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. EST. Capacity is limited to 25; register in advance to reserve your spot. In an effort to make events as accessible as possible, the institute has created a donation-based model, starting at no cost.Â
Virtual climate summit
The student-organized Envision Climate Summit takes place February 19–21, and features talks, panels, and workshops on climate change, its repercussions, and possible solutions. Learn more and register here. All events will be held via Zoom.
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