In place of the weekly student Town Halls, Drs. Pirani and Rogers will answer questions in writing for the foreseeable future. Please send us your questions weekly, and we’ll respond! (Feel free to contact us individually for specific student-related questions.)
Question:
Could you please clarify the current masking/distancing policy at UMKC SOM versus Truman? And what is the expected timeline for this to evolve in the healthcare setting at Truman?
Answer:
This is confusing – thank you for asking for clarification! The University is following the CDC and local government guidelines for a non-healthcare setting. Hospitals, including Truman Medical Center, are not changing their current practices (per the CDC guidelines), and will not do so until additional CDC recommendations are shared. While in the hospital/clinic setting, continue to wear your mask, eye protection, additional PPE as indicated by your patient encounters and remain socially distanced.
The medical school sent out the following announcement earlier this month which explains the expectations in the school. If you are not vaccinated and wish to obtain the vaccine, you may do so at Truman (or any other site).
On May 16, 2021 the CDC issued new updated COVID-19 guidance, and the City of Kansas City rescinded their emergency order to be in alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention decision to ease mask-wearing guidance for fully vaccinated people, stating that these people no longer need to wear masks outdoors in crowds or in most indoor settings, with some specialized exceptions. Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.
For faculty, staff members and students within the UMKC School of Medicine some points to consider include:
- Anyone who is fully vaccinated can attend indoor and outdoor events without a mask or social distancing. Those who are more comfortable continuing to wear masks are free to do so.
- You are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after the second dose in a 2-dose vaccine series (e.g., Pfizer and Moderna vaccines) or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine (e.g., Johnson &Johnson’s Janssen vaccine).
- For individuals who have a medical condition or are taking medications that weaken your immune system, you may NOT be fully protected even if you are fully vaccinated. Therefore, you should continue to mask, but each person should check with their physician.
- Masks are required for all who are un-vaccinated or partially vaccinated.
- Masks are required at all hospitals, other healthcare settings and public transportation settings.
- People should continue to self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19, even if fully vaccinated; if you develop symptoms, continue to mask and distance and get a COVID test.
