This week’s updates
Masks Are Still Required
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recently adjusted its guidelines regarding masks, because of the health care nature of our work and learning environments, employees and students are still required to wear level 1 face masks – 3-ply procedure masks with ear loops – while indoors at the College of Medicine or Penn State Health. This applies to all students and employees, even those employees in administrative or nonclinical areas. Alternatively, KN95 masks can be used in place of procedure masks, but should not be worn in the clinical environment. Cloth masks are not permitted unless worn over a level 1 mask.
Medical and physician assistant students can continue to pick up approved masks in the Office of Medical Education (C1704), Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Graduate students can pick up masks from their department safety officer, from the Office of Graduate Studies or from Dr. Lang (C4723). The College of Medicine is only supplying level 1 procedure masks, not KN95 or N95 masks.
Specific Information for In-Person Human Subjects Research
The University committee advising on the Revised Standards for Human Subjects Research met last week to update procedures for in-person human subjects research. The updated guidance is as follows:
- Human subjects research will no longer require vaccination for high-risk research participants or research participants over age 60.
- The committee will continue to review studies with high-risk participants, but it will no longer require participant vaccination. This requirement is also removed from previously approved studies.
- Investigators wishing to have only vaccinated participants partake in their studies may continue to require vaccination.
- Masking requirements for in-person human subjects research will not change. Masking is required at all times by both staff and subjects, unless previously approved by the College of Medicine COVID Safety Committee.