UNMC’s Omaha campus has achieved “a state of localized herd immunity,” said Ted Cieslak, MD, UNMC interim executive director for health security, at last week’s virtual all-campus forum.
You can replay a recording of the forum here.
UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD, cautioned that outside of campus, especially in certain parts of the U.S., variants that are more transmissible and cause more hospitalization and death are keeping hospitalization numbers due to COVID-19 at a plateau.
Despite increased vaccination rates, we have a long way to go to get into the CDC’s “blue zone.” And, herd immunity in Nebraska? “We are not even close,” Dr. Gold said.
But on UNMC’s campuses, everyone has had the opportunity to get vaccinated, and more than 80 percent of us are now fully immunized.
Since Feb. 1, there have been 10 confirmed positive cases on campus, as of the forum, and all 10 had declined vaccination.
“I think it’s time to start talking about what we can do next,” Dr. Cieslak said. That includes moves toward re-opening campus gradually, gently and in a data-driven fashion, he said.
Masking protocol remains in place for now. Hopefully this will become moot very soon, due to increased community vaccination, Dr. Cieslak said. But, in the meantime, please see the sidebar at right as to why masking continues on campus.
One of the first re-opening milestones will likely be in-person commencement ceremonies. “They will be significantly de-densified,” Dr. Gold said. “We will still be very respectful of social distancing and mask mandates. We are going to be absolutely rigid about it.”
A return to campus for work-from-home employees “will continue to rebalance over time,” Dr. Gold said. He foresees continued flexibility, though “how much will be determined by their supervisor, and frankly, by what they do.” Some jobs are not doable from home.
In any case, “It’s not going to be like flipping a switch,” Dr. Gold said.
Aileen Warren, associate vice chancellor for human resources, later clarified, “Campus leaders are currently assessing their staffing needs to determine who needs to return to campus and when. Once their assessment is complete, they will be sharing with their respective organizations. In the meantime, employees are encouraged to reach out to their direct manager to discuss their individual situation.”
Also addressed at the forum:
- On March 19, UNMC released its 12-point guidance on campus re-opening. Those plans and policies, which include guidance on gatherings and travel, remain in effect.
- COVID-19 testing is widely available for those who want it. No plans for random testing at this time.
- If you have antibodies, you are still advised to get the vaccine when you can.
- If you are pregnant, please make the decision on whether or not to be vaccinated in consultation with your obstetrician.
- Dr. Gold reiterated that it remains a significantly stressful time for many. Please seek out available services, and be there for one another: “I have been mentored by Dr. (Steven) Wengel on this. If you see something (of concern in a student or fellow employee), say something. Talk to them about it.” Take care of one another, Dr. Gold said. “I am asking you as clearly and empathically as I can to do that.”
- Enrollment is solid, recent resident matches went well, and UNMC is looking forward to welcoming those who matched here.
- Project NExT is going well, but federal funding remains the final hurdle. “There is a long distance between authorization and appropriation, as I have come to learn. We work on it every day,” Dr. Gold said.
- Construction projects remain on time and on budget.
- Dr. Gold remains optimistic that the legislature will fund the university per its budget request. “President Carter did a phenomenal job,” in his testimony, Dr. Gold said.
Dr. Gold closed the forum with another call to care for one another and be mindful of each other’s mental health.
“These are difficult times, a lot of emotional stress,” the chancellor said. “I remind everyone that the med center is a family, and families take care of each other. We are responsible for each other’s wellness.
“I am so honored and so humbled to be a part of this family,” he continued. “Please stay safe. If there is anything we can do to help anybody in the UNMC community, please let us know.”