An uptick in COVID-19 cases here in the U.S. and around the world reminds us that while we may long for a settled state, the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to evolve – and, we must continue to remain fluid as well, said UNMC Chancellor Jeffrey P. Gold, MD.
The rise of the BA.2 variant has "given us enough pause that we do not want to move too quickly on (relaxing) our internal policies," Dr. Gold said during a Zoom town hall meeting on May 2.
Dr. Gold hosted his monthly all-campus forum with reports from Jane Meza, PhD, interim executive director for health security for UNMC, and Bob Bartee, vice chancellor for external relations.
The UNMC and med center community can watch a recording of the forum.
Dr. Gold believes there could be a dramatic underreporting of cases, thanks to a drop in testing.
Dr. Meza said the latest security measures put in place about six weeks ago have worked "relatively well." The med center will continue to employ NPIs (nonpharmaceutical interventions, such as masks and distancing), though not as stringently as earlier in the pandemic.
Guidelines originally issued March 21 remain in place.
Masks are still required for all students, staff, faculty and visitors in public, common and patient-facing areas across all UNMC campuses at all times. Where appropriate social distancing is possible, masks will no longer be required in non-clinical, non-public areas, including classrooms, office spaces, break rooms, cubicles, library study rooms and conference rooms. Gatherings with food are allowed if held in a space where a capacity of less than 40% of the normal room capacity is possible.
Please reach out to Dr. Meza or healthsecurity@unmc.edu with any questions on the latest guidance.
"We are trying to stay balanced," Dr. Gold said. "And look to the horizon the best we can."
He said he is looking forward to attending UNMC’s upcoming graduations, to be held in person with "appropriate and thoughtful precautions."
In other news:
- Bartee said that the latest legislative session was a "win" for UNMC. Legislators passed, with the governor’s signature, expansion of UNMC’s presence in Kearney, to benefit rural health, increased abilities to address the behavioral health workforce shortage, pancreatic cancer research funding and environmental impact research for Mead, Neb. Bartee praised "a team and a community of colleagues" for the success.
- Drs. Gold and Meza encouraged med center colleagues to follow FDA and CDC recommendations on COVID-19 boosters.
- UNMC will continue to study a recent climate survey, which served to "identify challenges, but also identify opportunities," Dr. Gold said. The results were largely encouraging, but: "Burnout was a very widely identified and selected area of concern for many," Dr. Gold said. "Including, by the way, myself. These are long days, long weeks, long months."
- Proposals for deferred maintenance projects for the UNMC College of Dentistry, the Eppley Science Hall, and Saddle Creek development will go to the Board of Regents.
- Dr. Gold said UNMC hopes to make an announcement this week on the search for a new vice chancellor for business, finance and business development. Interest also is strong in the vice chancellor for research position. And UNMC is launching a search to replace retiring dean of nursing Juliann Sebastian, PhD. People want to work at UNMC, Dr. Gold said: "It’s a great place to live and work and great place to fulfill your professional aspirations."
- Local and domestic observers are once again allowed on campus to "shadow," but UNMC is still holding off on international observers. "We are starting those conversations again," Dr. Meza said.
- Dr. Gold praised work in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), including a recent three-day Design Thinking session.
- Dr. Gold recently was feted with the Omaha Press Club’s highest honor as a Face on the Barroom Floor. The chancellor said this was not a personal accolade, but a reflection of the esteem in which UNMC is held within the Omaha community.
- Project NeXT continues to make progress toward fruition. "The government relations team is working very, very hard," Dr. Gold said.
- Repairs are in the works for the Truhlsen Events Center ceiling. More specific information will be made available when known.
Dr. Gold closed by thanking the campus community for everything they do. He also put out a call to "express gratitude and extend grace."
Please explore resources available for wellness, counseling and mental health, the chancellor said. Put the suicide prevention lifeline (800-273-8255) in your phone. And, if you are concerned about yourself or someone else, please let someone know.
"That’s how we are going to protect each other and continue to protect the med center family," he said.