Ensure a good airflow in your home, which can be done by just opening a window. Isolation typically lasts 5 days after a positive test result, with required mask-wearing for 5 additional days. Why is Lehigh requiring a COVID booster shot for all eligible students, faculty, and staff? If an instructor becomes symptomatic or receives a positive COVID test result, the instructor should shift the class to remote instruction until the instructor receives a confirmed negative test result or, in the case of a positive test, is cleared to return to work. Read more below for work-related resources. 426 0 obj <>stream Health Department staff* are available to answer questions Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 233 96650. For minor pains, illnesses or allergies, get answers any time of the day or night with an ExpressCARE Video Visit. endstream endobj 394 0 obj <>stream The second dose is more likely to produce side effects than the first. If the instructor is too sick to teach, the class can be rescheduled or an alternative instructor can be found. Our partnership includes an LVHN Employee Health Nurse Case Manager, Christine Wolfe RN, who serves as the key point of contact for Lehigh employees for any health concerns related to COVID-19. During the semester, the Lehigh COVID-19 Dashboard is updated daily during the week with the most current case information. Speak with a nurse to assess COVID and other symptoms, answer your questions, and discuss your testing options. Why is Lehigh requiring COVID vaccination and boosters for students, faculty and staff? The CDC offers more guidance on boosters, including eligibility, on the CDC website and Vaccines.gov provides location information for COVID vaccines and boosters. The researchers also said they may have underestimated asymptomatic infections and the results may be confounded by certain factors like health behaviors and chronic illness among vaccinated subjects. Does Lehigh have COVID-19 related health services for staff and faculty? Faculty with questions about medical exemptions or general information related to the process for submitting vaccination information should contact the Provosts Office at, and staff should contact Human Resources at, Widespread vaccination in the fall allowed us to operate as an in-person campus. The CDC recommends that all eligible people get a booster shot, even if theyve had COVID. Remember that if you receive a positive test result from testing conducted outside of the HWC,you must report your result by uploading it to thePatient Portal. All HVAC systems have received, and will continue to receive, regularly scheduled preventive maintenance. Any vaccine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or under the WHO - Emergency Use Listing will satisfy this requirement. Both. When in doubt about when you are able to end isolation, always follow the guidance provided by the HWC (for students) or Lehighs LVHN occupational health nurse (for faculty and staff). '2u&"2U(g/CHtO )D1nq1dY,{,5((ADE{'9K2Y`z;p'YNwC|Wh8 I)yPj$C"gx_rTe6399Pa+3|Ypt5ZWM14'KTVQJ!B (F(Mja_EGgLteFQF,$8~~] HveCexUzQ&!P3?Vm+kEfTs^-{/mbXL$eL'2. Once the isolation period has been completed and an individual is cleared to return to work or school, evidence of a negative test is not required. This benefit is available to all Lehigh staff and faculty, regardless of whether they participate in the University's medical insurance plans. Read more on the CDC website. Even as school board . St. Lukes and Good Shepherds vaccine mandates had earlier deadlines than LVHN and those networks also reported success from their mandates. If you don't feel well: Stay home and notify your supervisor or department chair. More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. .block-reference .header { padding-top: 40px; }. img + .header { margin-top: 1rem; } You can obtain a test at many local health centers and pharmacies as well. The screenings include: LVHN E-Visit: This is a questionnaire-based assessment completed by you, evaluated by a provider and. As a result, LVHN's 23504. The . What do I do if I have COVID-19-related concerns about returning to campus? What happens if I dont comply with the faculty/staff COVID vaccination requirement? Talk to your healthcare professional if you are unsure what treatments you received or if you have more questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine. hbbd```b`` ),rD"`,R Disinfection will be required in high risk/high contact areas like eatery entrances, the health center and testing areas. Some staff members may still feel uncomfortable coming to campus due to concerns about their health. Another 1.2 million have received a booster dose. If you've had close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, Lehigh Valley Health Network can help. These policies to be introduced soon will apply to everyone who works or conducts business within the health care organizations. Studies show immunity from a vaccine may be more reliable and provide more long-term protection. Call 888-402-LVHN or visit LVHN.org/virtualcare to learn about virtual care options. . Legislation has also been brought forward in the U.S. Senate to block Bidens mandate for large employers. Lastly, because new medical research has yet to be evaluated or peer-reviewed, it should not be used to guide clinical practice, according to medRxiv, the preprint server the study was posted on. If a student tests positive for COVID-19, including those living off-campus, the student must self-isolate for a minimum of 5 days. Thank you for your interest in Lehigh Valley Health Network. However, the study has multiple limitations. International students who cannot get boosted where they are located should schedule a booster as soon as they return to the United States. LVHNs deadline for non-union employees to comply with the mandate was Nov. 12 and the deadline for union employees at LVH-Hazelton, LVH-Pocono and LVH-Schuylkill was Nov. 30. who serves as the key point of contact for Lehigh employees for any health concerns related to COVID-19. Please allow a few weeks before this process is complete. A recent study by researchers at Rockefeller University, which hasnt been published or peer-reviewed, found that natural infection can create B cells, a type of white blood cell, that produce more potent antibodies for fighting COVID-19 and its variants than the B cells created after vaccination. Why one board member is criticizing process, New Jersey trooper shooting suspect caught, recent study by researchers at Rockefeller University, more than twice as likely to be reinfected with COVID-19, centers for disease control and prevention, As Adderall shortage continues, DEA plans to limit some telemedicine prescriptions, House where JonBenet Ramsey was found dead listed for sale for almost $7M, Columbia University permanently drops SAT, ACT admissions requirement, The Waterbed Doctor: California retailer lays claim to retro bed with nearly 40 years of service, sales, Felonious Florida podcast: Missing teenage girl leads to several cases of child sex trafficking, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. f;Ik0yDrEHP lM wl'9y $ mad` No. If you have any questions on your system or space please contact your building manager to review. What should I do? Our journalism needs your support. Talk to your healthcare professional if you are unsure what treatments you received or if you have more questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine. What are the immediate side effects? Avoid sharing household items such as dishes, eating utensils, cups and towels. What is the current status of COVID-19 cases on campus? The partnership includes an LVHN Employee Health Nurse Case Manager who will serve as the key point of contact for Lehigh employees with any health concerns related to COVID-19. Lehigh medical benefits include behavioral health coverage. For all undergraduate and graduate students: If a student tests positive for COVID-19, including those living off-campus, the student must self-isolate for a minimum of 5 days. That was the date Miller received his first dose of either a placebo (inactive substance) or the vaccine being produced by Pfizer and partner BioNTech to protect against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. A study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in August found that subjects who had natural immunity but were unvaccinated were more than twice as likely to be reinfected with COVID-19 as those who had natural immunity and those who got their shots. As an employer, Lehigh has the ability to implement this requirement for the health and safety of its community, and vaccination and boosters remain critical in supporting these efforts. Our success in returning to our vibrant on-campus experience will take the efforts of all of us, individually and collectively. 86N{L.=8kZ'=Bj,+=L`+zA ^,`5$gx;v4Osxc? z> You can obtain a test at many local health centers and pharmacies as well. St. Lukes is based in the Bethlehem area. The health network. The new location is inside the Coordinated Health-Hazle Township facility at 26 Station Circle, Hazle Township. The hotline is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30. If you are vaccinated, LVHN offers COVID testing for those without symptoms and for those experiencing symptoms. Click here to download the document. Is there support for University staff and faculty (and their dependents) for mental health needs during this period? For example, because someone is choosing to wear a mask (beyond any university requirements), complete the symptom checker, or complete other protocols is not necessarily indicative of their vaccination status. Our journalism needs your support. ]oeaf4{hM>,O G!&B{] Good Shepherd officials reported 93% of employees had been vaccinated and the remaining employees received exemptions, had appointments planned or were on leave. Send a secure message to the Health and Wellness Center through the Patient Portal and they will be able to log your individual situation and advise on any further questions about your vaccination/booster schedule. Faculty with questions about medical exemptions or general information related to the process for submitting vaccination information should contact the Provosts Office at provost@lehigh.edu and staff should contact Human Resources at inhro@lehigh.edu. The one at its hospital in East Stroudsburg will close on February 3. But not all infectious disease experts agree on this. Details will be forthcoming. For more information on Lehighs COVID-19 related health services partnership with LVHN, more guidance on boosters, including eligibility, on the CDC website. Isolation:separates those who are sick with COVID-19 from those who do not have it to prevent the spread of the virus. "Our health care systems continue to combat the ongoing COVID-19 virus and are committed to the safety of every patient in our care and every colleague on our team," said Brian A. Nester, DO,. Call 888-402-LVHN or visit LVHN.org/virtualcare to learn about virtual care options. During this quarantine, you should monitor your health for any symptoms. Researchers said the results are only applicable to the delta strain and only the effectiveness of the Pfizer vaccine was examined. The dividers at these locations will remain in place at present. If you have questions, please call Employee Health Services at the number below. In August, Lehigh Valley Health Network, St. Lukes University Health Network and Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network made the shots a requirement, setting individual deadlines for employees to get vaccinated, get an exemption or quit. So when LVHN sent an email to employees about a clinical trial for a COVID-19 vaccine, Miller jumped at the opportunity to help end the pandemic, signing up half an hour later. If you are experiencing COVID-like symptoms, whether you are unvaccinated or vaccinated--follow the establishedprotocols, including contacting your medical provider to be tested, staying home andaway from others to mitigate the risk of spreading the virus, and following any isolation protocols should you test positive for COVID. Some readers who have been at Lehigh Valley Hospital-17th Street in . If you are out of work because you have been quarantined due to possible exposure to COVID19 or have tested positive for COVID19 yourself, follow the instructions regarding illness or exposure on the HR website. Employee Health Services Hours and Locations . Faculty and staff must continue to monitor personal health for symptoms and risk of exposure. About 97% of current LVHN employees are fully vaccinated Brian Downs, a network spokesperson, said. In addition, Lehigh's Employee Assistance Program (Integrated Behavioral Health) can be helpful for you and your dependents even if you don't participate in the Lehigh medical plan. Out of a workforce approximately 20,000 strong, 97% are fully vaccinated. COVID Vaccine Policy . Contact us For more information on LVHN Occupational Health services, contact us at Carisa Vetrano at carisa.vetrano@lvhn.org. Vaccine providers may not require you to show your vaccination card to get a booster or may be able to provide you with separate documentation that you received a booster. LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. - Lehigh Valley Health Network said Friday it will be closing its COVID-19 vaccine clinics in the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos. PA-07 COVID-19 Testing Sites Lehigh Valley Health Network COVID-19 Assess and Test Locations Instructions (apply to each location) "We have opened LVHN COVID-19 Assess and Test locations throughout the region to minimize our community's exposure to COVID-19. Sodexo is seeking a full-time Manager 3, Regional Operations Support to support new business and/or vacancies throughout the entire US in Food and Environmental Services for Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest, located in Allentown, PA. The claim: Employees who are fired for refusing a vaccine are eligible for unemployment benefits The highly transmissible delta coronavirus variant has caused a nationwide spike in cases,. 0. We appreciate your patience. endstream endobj 393 0 obj <>stream O'Donnell doesn't agree with the area's major hospitals - LVHN, St. Lukes and Good Shepherd- which are mandating all their employees get the COVID-19 vaccine. Boosters are a necessary component of our health and safety protocols to support a successful semester on campus, including in-person instruction and activities. If you receive a positive test from an outside source, be sure to let the Health and Wellness Center know and to upload your results on your health center portal. Contact your primary care physician and follow their advice, including scheduling a COVID-19 test, if recommended. Available research appears to show that those who have natural immunity and get their shots are better off than those who rely on natural immunity alone. %%EOF Low-cost health insurance for employees CME reimbursement and time outside of normal PTO to take classes, attend conferences etc. Filter changes will continue to follow ASHRAE guidelines. Contact your school or place of employment about specific COVID-19 guidelines before returning. Medical Information Request and Verification Form. Health Research; Employee Wellness Programs; More information on Community. Less than 1% chose to leave, Downs said. Leif Greiss is a reporter covering hospitals and health care in the Lehigh Valley. The CDC has already identified fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing and joint pain among the most common reported long-term side effects. LVHN is currently operating in Level Yellow. LVHN was the last to release its vaccination statistics, giving unionized employees until Nov. 30. However, Dr. Michael Nussenzweig, one of the studys authors and head of Rockefellers Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, said in this instance benefits dont outweigh risks. 6DGamY'N{o)Z{aG>;-p~ t{@m 2R{8yrT[m'BNfk34Yn?gej &e"FL8O)x{Ko yIWk.x,Jj!iWE@`. HUn8}WTI,m\B`AeDr}i;C M (qx33t|u/nn\,c3e0]uW}^O'WA\U >Students living on- or off-campus who believe they have symptoms in line with COVID-19should call the Lehigh Health and Wellness Center (HWC) at 610-758-3870. Natural infection is much more likely to result in serious sickness or death, whereas a vaccine protects against serious illness or death from COVID-19 infection, he said. To better support the health and safety of Lehigh faculty and staff as we return to campus, the University has partnered with Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) for occupational health services and medical consultation for planning purposes. Being vaccinated is essential to save lives and finally end this pandemic, the health system CEOs said in the joint statement. So will clinics at LVHN hospitals in Hazleton and Pottsville. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. %PDF-1.7 % Are there any additional sick leave accommodations provided for staff? Pros occasional free lunches Cons leadership - it all flows from there Was this review helpful? . LVHN was the last to. Some of the more common onsite services performed include: Onsite services are performed at the same cost of the service in-clinic plus an hourly fee and travel for the medical personnel performing the specific service(s). Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. In particular, prior infection is likely to provide poor protection against the Omicron variant.