Since Friday’s notice in @Rochester, there are two new cases of COVID-19 to report: two River Campus students. 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.
The Medical Center is continuing to make vaccine clinic appointments available to all University faculty, staff, and students. Visit the URMC COVID Clinic List to register.
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.
The recent update by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests that fully vaccinated individuals may safely unmask in many settings. When it comes to how this CDC guidance corresponds to the University’s spaces and COVID-19 protocols, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, at this time, New York State has not updated its masking guidance to align with the new CDC guidelines and therefore masks are still required by New York State indoors, and should still be worn by people who are not fully vaccinated when outdoors. All individuals are required to wear masks outdoors when attending crowded settings, events, and gatherings.
Second, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo recently issued a statement that state health officials are reviewing the CDC guidance closely. The CURT committee will monitor any changes in New York State guidelines and will consider updates to the University’s policies in accordance with state and local guidance and the recommendations of our public health experts.
The Medical Center also announced via the URMC This Week newsletter how this CDC guidance relates to its clinical care settings. It’s noted that vaccinated individuals must cover their faces and physically distance when in clinical settings and long-term care facilities, and all COVID-related safety measures and processes at the Medical Center and UR Medicine remain in place until further notice.
International travel requests resume
The University will resume processing international travel requests for faculty, staff, and graduate students, effective immediately. As US Department of State travel advisories remain escalated worldwide, all international travel will continue to require a review by the Office for Global Engagement. Travelers should resume requests per the Business Expense and Travel Reimbursements policy and all travelers are required to register travel with the Office for Global Engagement via the travel registry. Email Global Engagement with questions or to discuss specific travel requests.
Board elects three members, honors four life trustees
Security Tip: How to properly dispose of electronic devices
Do you have unused electronics collecting dust? Perhaps it’s time to take part in some digital spring cleaning. Keep in mind that since 2015, New York State law requires the recycling of virtually all electronics with fines starting at $100 per incident. Whether it’s University-owned or personal electronics, you can securely recycle digital devices free of charge through the IT Equipment Recovery Program. The UR Tech Store provides a list of equipment eligible for recycling and different recycling options. When ready, you can either request a pickup or drop off electronics at the UR Tech Store’s Medical Center location (G-7220B).
Being new to exercise can be a challenge, especially if you have questions. In Well-U’s Fitness 101, eligible University employees can get answers without being judged and confidently take off toward their wellness goals. Enroll now.
Benefits overview webinar reminder
Are you newly hired or newly benefit eligible? If yes, the Office of Total Rewards is hosting a live webinar on Tuesday, May 18, to review and explain all benefit options. The webinar will begin at noon and representatives will be available to answer questions live throughout the presentation.
This summer, University Libraries will be upgrading the software behind the search box on the homepage of the River Campus Libraries website. Starting in mid-July, you will get quicker and more relevant results to your searches, plus additional materials pertinent to your research. The libraries also hope to offer more ways to personalize your research experience. If you have questions, contact Lauren Di Monte, assistant dean of learning, research, and digital strategies.
Lecture on understanding wellness in urban sports
Join the Center for Urban Education Success (CUES) for a conversation with Calvin Cole, a research assistant professor of orthopedics; Joanne Larson, the Michael W. Scandling Professor of Education at the Warner School of Education and associate director of research at CUES; and Eric Robinson, athletic director at East High School, for a lecture on the strategies the Center for Human Athleticism Musculoskeletal Performance and Prevention developed for East High students who play sports. The talk takes place today, Monday, May 17, from noon to 1 p.m. EDT. Register in advance to attend; a link to access the online program will be included in your confirmation email upon registering.
Annual endowment and investment review
The University’s endowment, valued at approximately $3 billion, provides perpetual financial support for what is most essential here—students and faculty, health care, and continued excellence in schools and programs. On Wednesday, May 19, at 11 a.m. EDT, join Douglas Phillips, senior vice president and chief investment officer, for a review of the endowment’s performance and growth over the past fiscal year. Students, faculty, and staff can register here.
'Stress: Why Do Some People Seem to Cope Better and How Can I Become One of Those People?'
Learn more about styles of coping with stress and how your style might be tweaked to help you manage stress more effectively. The taped presentation led by Caroline Nestro, a senior associate in the Department of Psychiatry and director of the Office of Diversity, Inclusion, Culture and Equity at the Medical Center, will be available on the Center for Community Health & Prevention’s Facebook page on Thursday, May 20, at 11 a.m. EDT.
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