Personal Protective Measures

OVERVIEW

Public health guidelines call for judicious and prudent strategies for gradually reinstating on-campus operations. Efforts to resume campus activitiesmust be measured against the risk of spread and exposure to SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19. The overarching goal is to protect the health, safety, security, and well-being of our community.

The Brown School will rely on evidence-based public health measures to decrease both the likelihood and consequences of transmission. Our strategy is two-fold:

Personal protective measures–which aim to limit person-to-person spread, protect individuals, and reduce contamination of frequently touched surfaces (e.g. physical distancing, handwashing, masking, and respiratory etiquette)

Environmental measures–which focus on preventing transmission between infected individuals and those who are not infected, and shield those at risk of developing serious illness (physical distancing, decreased density, staying at home, working from home)

Implementation of these measures has the power to reduce the spread of the virus and associated illness and death. Adopting new public health measuresis a demonstration of our values and professional ethics. We trust that the members of our community are motivated to comply with these protocols, if only to protecttheir health, and the health of everyone in our community.

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR LEARNING AND WORKING ON CAMPUS:PERSONAL PROTECTIVE MEASURES

The Public Health Protocol Plan provides guidance on new procedures and policies to help facilitate the movement of evidence-based practices into routine behaviors; behaviors which focus on protective and preventative measures.

Personal protective measures

Screen for symptoms Practice physical distancing Wear a mask or face covering Practice healthy hygiene

Self-Screening

All persons coming to campus must complete a screening prior to entering any university buildings; this includes faculty, staff, students, and any authorized visitors, such as vendors and contractors. University employees and students must complete the screening questionnaire by visitingscreening.wustl.edu and loggingin with theirWUSTL Key. Self-screening is required before every visit to campus and will need to be completed no earlier than two hours before arrival.

Washington University Access Screening (subject to change based upon federal and local guidance): Today or in the last 24 hours have you experienced new or worsening symptoms of any of the following? Select all that apply. 11

Feel like you have had a fever? Chills? Unexplained muscle pain/body aches? New or worsening cough? Trouble breathing? New loss of sense of taste or sense of smell? Sore throat, different from your seasonal allergies? New or worsening diarrhea (not consistent with chronic medical conditions)? None of the above Have you been exposed to a household or close family member/intimate partner who has tested positive or is suspected of having COVID-19 in the past 14 days?

Anyone showing symptoms or otherwise failing the daily screen will be required to stay home and contact University health services (Habif Health and Wellness Center for students and Occupational Health for employees) for further instructions.

If an employee does not pass the screening protocol, their direct supervisor will be notified by Occupational Health and can expect to receive follow up information and instructions. Supervisorsshould keep the information confidential and not share information about the health of any specific employee.

Occupational Health and Habif will oversee protocols for monitoring, screening, and responding when necessary with quarantine, isolation and contact tracing within our university community. Appendix F includes further information if a student, faculty, or staff member does not pass the screening protocol.

If you experience symptoms and do not pass the screening protocol:

Faculty or staff contact Occupational Health’s COVID-19 hotline: 314-362-5056

Students contact Habif Health and Wellness Center: 314-935-6666

Students and employees who do not pass the self-screening protocol

Physical Distancing

are not permitted to come onto campus until they have been cleared to return to campus by Occupational Health or Habif Health and Wellness.

At a minimum, physical distancing means maintaining at least sixfeetseparation (about twoadultarms’ length) between yourself and other people. Also known as social distancing, physical distancing is one of the most effective tools in reducing exposure and transmission of the virus. Physical distancing also encompasses practices that reduce the density of people and personal interaction. The Brown School community is adopting a very broad definition of physical distancing, and encouraging its students, faculty, and staffto remain off campus, and work and learn from home as much as possible. When on campus, constituents are expected to comply with physical distancing requirements at all times and

adhere to signage and environmental cues.

University Guidelines for Physical/Social Distancing:  Maintain at least six feet of separation from other people at all times in all indoor and outdoor campus environments.  Avoid or minimize in-person meetings.  Talk to your manager about your area’s plan for staggering operations, etc.  Do not congregate in common areas (break rooms, conference rooms, common equipment rooms, etc.)  Wash your hands before and after entering a common area.

In addition to university guidelines, the Brown School will employ a mix of adaptations, including, but not limited to the following:  Minimize the number of courses offered on campus.  Limit the number of employees working on campus; continue to support remote operations.  Stagger schedules; limit duration of time that employees work from campus.  Discourage activities that facilitate personal interaction, such as eating and gathering in communal spaces.  Institute contactless delivery of goods and services.  Reconfigure the physical environment to support physical distancing.

During the fall semester, we will not convene groups or host events open to the public. Community partners, guest lecturers and speakers, visiting students and other campus visitors will not have access to our buildings; this includes family members of our faculty, staff, and students.

Face Masks/Coverings

COVID-19 can be spread by asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic coronavirus carriers –people who are infected but do not know it and have not developed symptoms. Wearing a face covering can limit the transmission of the virus by providing an extra layer of protection from the respiratory droplets that travel in the air from one person to another. Face coverings by themselves are not sufficient protection against the illness and must be used in combination with other protective measures. According to the CDC: A cloth face covering may not protect the wearer, but it

may keep the wearer from spreading the virus to others.

Anyone physically present on campus must wear a mask or face covering that fully covers their mouth and nose at all times, unless they are alone in an individual closed office space or are outside and able

to keep at least six feet between themselves and other people they do not live with (this includes multi-person offices; hallways; stairwells; elevators; meeting rooms; classrooms; and restrooms). Masks should not be removed to eat or drink without maintaining a 6-foot distance away from others.

University Guidelines for Face Coverings (Cloth or Disposable):  Wear a mask that fully covers your mouth and nose at all times while on campus, unless you are alone in an individual closed office space or are outside and can maintain six feet of physical distance from others.  If you do not have a mask, see the CDC’s guidanceon creating one with or without sewing.  Wash your hands before placing and removing your mask.  Store your mask in clean area when not in use.

Face coverings must be used appropriately in combination with physical distancingand healthy hygiene; however, the most effective way to slow the spread of COVID-19 is to ALWAYS wear a mask when physical distancing is not possible. See mask requirements for the Danforth Campus; for detailed instructions on masks and face coverings, see Appendix C.

In the event that a faculty or staffmember cannot wear a mask due to a medical condition or other concerns, they should contact their supervisoror academic dean. Students should consult with their academic advisors.

Healthy Hygiene

Small changes in our personal hygiene practices can have significant effects on infection prevention.

University Guidelines for Good Hygiene:  Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.  Alcohol-based disinfectant can be used if soap and water are not available.  Review CDC guidance on hand-washing.  Avoid touching your face.  Do not share headsets or other equipment that is near your face.

In addition, constituents are advised not to share office equipment or supplies such as phones, keyboards, computer accessories, headsets, pens, paperclips or binder clips, reusable kitchen items (flatware, dishes, and cups), and cleaning items (sponges, brushes, and towels).

Cleaning and Sanitation

Evidence suggests that the virus that causes COVID-19 can remain viable on a variety of surfaces from several hours to multiple days, therefore cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces is recommended. In addition to routine and enhanced cleaning performed by custodial crews, individuals will be responsible for cleaningcommonly used surfaces after use, particularly those that might be shared with others (e.g. classroom computer keyboards, audiovisual equipment, copiers, light switches, phones, etc.). Instructions for sanitizing technology equipment can be found here.

University Guidelines for Cleaning and Sanitation:  Clean and disinfect highly touched surfaces frequently. Facilities will be cleaning offices and common areas, but you should use cleaning supplies provided to keep your workspace clean.  Clean and disinfect common areas after use. Ask your manager or refer to specific guidelines for your office, lab or workspace. Cleaning supplies are provided to each department for individual use when necessary.

Practicum and Internship Activities

It is important that students maintain public health measures while engaged in field education. Students are not required to return to their practicum sites solely based on the letup of sheltering orders. If practicum and internship experiences can accommodate work-from-home activities, we recommend students exercise this option.

If the student and site agree that in-person work is necessary, students must meet with a field faculty member to discuss their plans. For students beginning a new practicum you will be asked to submit a COVID-19 safety plan as part of your Educational Learning Agreement (ELA).

If you have questions please contact the Assistant Dean for Field Education, Jenni Harpring (jharpring@wustl.edu) before returning to a site in person to discuss their plans and determine the following:  Scope and nature of in-person learning activities and whether they are essential

The organization’s plan to minimize the spread of COVID-19, including; provision and proper use of PPE; physical distancing at the site; and other preventative measures.

In addition, we will discuss the student’s responsibility in preventing the spread of COVID-19, including:  Monitoring symptoms regularly using the screening checklist provided by the Brown School;  Remaining home if you have symptoms;  Reporting exposure at the site to the school;  Reporting exposure to the site; and  Limiting activities that increase exposure to COVID-19.

Students must adhere to any organizational, local, state, or federal policies regarding travel restrictions. Students are expected to monitor shelter in place orders and be prepared to complete practicum activities remotely. The Brown School will communicate regularly with students and share critical updates regarding local public health conditions and university/school protocol. Students and practicum supervisors should prepare for a possible resurgence and develop contingency plans for field education.

Key Considerations

Public health protocols are in place to protect our community –compliance is not optional but we understand that situations call for compassionate and flexible responses. Deans, directors, managers and supervisors will lead their units in the adaption of personal protective measures and new practices adopted during alternate operations. In addition to compliance with Human Resource policies, consideration will be given to individual circumstances, maintaining confidentiality, advancing equity, and reducing stigma. Additional considerations pertain to vulnerable populations, reasonable accommodations (ADA), attendance policies, and resources for supporting employee and student wellbeing. Managers and supervisors should refer to Human Resource’s Return to Campus Manager Guide. Unit leaders should also consult with Siomari Collazo-Colón, Associate Dean for Administration.

Communication & Compliance

The Brown School dean’s office, communications department, and Academic Affairs team will be responsible for communicating relevant updates, new information, university guidelines, and changes to public health measures through a multitude of communication channels. New protocolshave been integrated into student and employee orientation and training. Signage has been installed throughout the three buildings to communicate expectations and provide instructions. Unit and department leaders will be responsible for keepingtheir teams informed and helping them successfully adaptto the changes. The Preparedness Team and Fall Planning Committees will remain active to help assess the effectivenessof the plan and make adjustments as needed.

To facilitate understanding and compliance, employees must complete the Return to Campus Training and make their pledge to commit to keeping our campus community safe. Students must also complete an online public health training and acknowledge the community pledgethrough a Canvas module. In the event that any individual fails to complete the training and pledge, they are not permitted onto campus and disciplinary action may be taken.