Guidance for JHU campus activity updated for the fall
Aug. 21, 2020
Dear Johns Hopkins Community:
We know the recent decision to continue to hold all undergraduate classes and most graduate classes online and limit access to our campuses through the fall semester has been disappointing. We are deeply grateful for the commitment of everyone in our community to continue to protect the health of others and do as much work as possible remotely.
Until public health conditions improve, we will stay in Phase 1 of our reopening plan, which means access to campus facilities will remain strictly limited. For those who will need to be in our buildings and on our grounds in the coming months, we have posted a revised version of our Return to Campus Guidance. It includes a great deal of important information about health and safety guidelines, campus operations during this phase, and support and resources for our affiliates. Please review the document and continue to look for updates and frequently asked questions on the JHU Coronavirus Information website.
Health and safety guidance continues to be in effect, and safety ambassadors will be reminding people on campus to wear a face covering correctly and at all times, wash their hands, keep a 6-foot distance from others, and stay at home if they have symptoms. As discussed in the original guidance, smoking and vaping are not allowed on any JHU property during the pandemic, as they interfere with wearing masks and create health concerns. Smoking and tobacco cessation resources are available for faculty and staff and for students.
According to the new guidance in this area, anyone coming to campus will be required to have an influenza vaccination this fall, and more information will be coming about how to get one free of charge. In addition, individuals will have to complete a daily health check by using theProdensity mobile app, in which they will be asked questions about whether they are experiencing COVID symptoms. Affiliates who indicate they have no symptoms will receive a green “badge” in the app that they can show to campus security and area supervisors as needed for the next 12 hours. If affiliates answer yes to one of the questions, they will receive a red “badge” and need to call the Johns Hopkins COVID Call Center (JHCCC).
The JHCCC continues to be available seven days a week between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. by calling 443-287-8500. Anyone in the Johns Hopkins community experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or concerned about exposure can get help and, if they meet the requirements and are located near Baltimore, will be referred for testing.
The Return to Campus Guidance also discusses alterations to the use of campus facilities, details about transportation, and expectations for using elevators and public restrooms. It outlines ways to ask for an adjustment or accommodation if you are required to be on campus but think that you cannot come to work safely. And it discusses support services for mental well-being and caregiving needs.
These wide-ranging instructions and best practices are vital for creating an environment where our faculty, students, and staff can continue any work that cannot be done elsewhere while keeping each other safe from the coronavirus. We need everyone to be vigilant about adhering to these practices when they are at Johns Hopkins, and every member of our community is empowered to request compliance by others, including by notifying the JHU hotline at 844-SPEAK2US (844-773-2528) of any issues on campus.
Several members of our planning team will discuss the Return to Campus Guidance and answer questions at a town hall at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, August 25. You can submit questions in advance at covidtownhall@jhu.edu. We also welcome your feedback on all of our planning efforts through the online feedback form.
Thank you for everything you are doing to make our mission possible under difficult circumstances. We will continue to assess the situation, evaluate our approaches, and keep you informed.
On behalf of the JHU 2020 Planning Task Force,
Stephen Gange
Professor and Executive Vice Provost for Academic Affairs
Jon Links
Professor, Vice Provost and Chief Risk and Compliance Officer
Jane Schlegel
Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer
