COVID-19 and the CU Anschutz Community
April 3, 2020
As we come to the close of another week of working, learning and delivering care amidst this ever-changing healthcare challenge, our campus leadership team thanks you. The CU Anschutz Medical Campus is strong because of each of you, and we are grateful for your dedication, courage and perseverance during these trying times.
Return to Work Guidance for Critical Clinical Staff
Critical faculty and staff working in clinical care environments are to follow the guidelines shown here to determine when to return to work following upper respiratory or influenza-like illness and COVID-19 testing. Contact your clinical supervisor with questions.
Remote Working Extended Through April 30
Guidance on Wearing Cloth Masks Outside of Home
Today Governor Jared Polis asked all Coloradans to begin wearing non-medical cloth face coverings, face masks or scarves over their noses and mouths when leaving home for essential activities, such as grocery shopping. The Centers for Disease Control has also issued recommendations for wearing cloth face coverings outside the home. Residents can use household cloth items, such as old t-shirts, to make simple masks, and should not attempt to obtain medical masks reserved for healthcare workers. More information is available online
CU Regents Update
The CU Board of Regents postponed votes on CU’s fiscal year 2020-21 budget and tuition, fees and compensation in order to gain a clearer picture of funding. A decision on any compensation increase will be deferred, likely until November. Adjustments to existing pass/fail policies are forthcoming from the Office of the Provost. Read the update online.
CU Department of Medicine Grand Rounds
The April 1 Grand Rounds featured four campus experts discussing “COVID-19: Challenges, Opportunities and Unknowns." Jonathan Samet, MD, MS, dean of the Colorado School of Public Health, discussed the epidemiology of the virus; Eric Poeschla, MD, head of the Division of Infectious Diseases, discussed virology; Steven Johnson, MD, professor of medicine, spoke about the clinical course of individuals with COVID-19; and Thomas Campbell, MD, professor of medicine, spoke about therapeutic considerations. The discussion is available online here.
25th National Public Health Week
Next week, April 6-12, is the 25th National Public Health Week - an annual event recognizing the contributions of public health and highlighting issues important to the country. The Colorado School of Public Health is hosting virtual events, and details are available here.
Campus Resources & Reminders
- Slowing Community Spread: Please help slow community spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Stay home, minimize social interaction and travel, and practice social/physical distancing to stay healthy and safe.
- Mental Health Support Groups: The CU Department of Psychiatry has created free online support groups for students, residents, fellows, faculty and staff. Details and additional resources are available online.
- Fitness, Well-Being and Nutrition: The Anschutz Health and Wellness Center has created a new website full of resources including at-home workouts, mindfulness reminders, fitness tips, recipes and more.
- Identity and Inclusion: The CU Office of Diversity and Inclusion is offering a webinar titled “Addressing Racism: Solidarity in the Time of COVID-19” on Monday, April 6. Learn more and register online.
In addition to these Friday afternoon updates, we will continue to send communications as the rapidly changing situation warrants. Please visit www.cuanschutz.edu/coronavirus for the latest information.