Hi,
Based on input from our health system and public health leaders related to resources to handle an outbreak and minimize spread of the disease to our community, we plan on putting in effect a temporary policy by the end of the week that will ban students from taking care of patients in isolation where PPE is required and we will not be allowing students to be in the front line care of patients presenting with acute respiratory symptoms with or without fever until they have been assessed for risk of COVID-19. We are in the process of making sure there are alternative learning opportunities for students. This seems to be a very conservative approach and hopefully it will not be in place for a prolonged time as we gain more knowledge. I understand that public health issues, the need to contain any spread, and the need to ensure that essential health care workers have adequate PPE but I worry about the impact for student learning, especially in primary care and general hospital settings where individuals with respiratory infections make up a significant percentage of the population. This will apply to all of our student - MD, PA, Nursing, etc. We have also been asked to consider cancelling large events, such as second look, AOA banquet, and large community focused events. Currently in WI, we are still in a low risk area, with only one confirmed case to date. I would be interested in hearing what other schools have done or are putting in place. Thanks!
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Elizabeth Petty
Senior Associate Dean Academic Affairs
University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Pub
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