Any faculty or staff member who has been on campus or in close proximity to other Lehigh community members and receives a positive COVID-19 test result should self-isolate, follow a primary care physicians advice, notify your supervisor or department chair of your absence, and notify Lehigh by contacting the universitys Employee Health Nurse Case Manager from Lehigh Valley Health Network, Christine Wolfe,RN, at 610-861-8080 ext. The one at its hospital in East Stroudsburg will close on February 3. Another recent study from Israel, which also hasnt been published or peer-reviewed yet, showed natural immunity provided longer-lasting and stronger protection against infection, symptomatic disease and hospitalization due to the delta variant than the Pfizer vaccine. If you've had close contact with someone who has been diagnosed with COVID-19, Lehigh Valley Health Network can help. In August, Lehigh Valley Health Network, St. Lukes University Health Network and Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network made the shots a requirement, setting individual deadlines for employees to get vaccinated, get an exemption or quit. On Monday, Aug. 23, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted full approval to the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Medical Information Request and Verification Form. Easterly said most employers at the moment arent allowing employees to defer vaccination because of natural immunity but the situation is developing and that could change. Lukes infectious disease experts are following the science, and our policies are based on the science, Kennedy said. Visit the campaign website now >, 27 Memorial Drive West, Bethlehem, PA 18015 USA, document.write( new Date().getFullYear() ); All Rights Reserved, Faculty & Staff Frequently Asked Questions, Any faculty or staff member who has been on campus or in close proximity to other Lehigh community members and receives a positive COVID-19 test result must notify Christine Wolfe and notify Lehigh by following the instructions in the, COVID-19 Return to Campus Employee Health Guide. If a student tests positive for COVID-19, including those living off-campus, the student must self-isolate for a minimum of 5 days. Anyone who has had close contact with someone with COVID-19 should quarantine for 10 days, or seven days if theyve tested negative for the virus. This is truly an extraordinary time to join the Lehigh Valley Health Network. Dr. Alex Benjamin . < Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) has four different operations levels based on the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our community. to determine whether your circumstances may be addressed under the Family and Medical Leave Act. If you have any additional questions, call 888-402-LVHN or visit LVHN.org/virtualcare to learn about speaking to a provider virtually. For more information, visit the Human Resources website. LVHN also said patients who have recently had COVID can defer boosters for at least three months following their diagnosis, as the illness can provide a significant immune system boost. 7. In addition, widespread vaccination supports the health and safety of the campus community and helps us to achieve and sustain a safe and successful semester with more normal activity on campus, including in-person classes, in-person events, full density, and other elements of the full campus experience. What do I do if I suspect I have COVID-19? Faculty with questions about medical exemptions or general information related to the process for submitting vaccination information should contact the Provosts Office at, and staff should contact Human Resources at, Widespread vaccination in the fall allowed us to operate as an in-person campus. Available research appears to show that those who have natural immunity and get their shots are better off than those who rely on natural immunity alone. HUn8}WTI,m\B`AeDr}i;C M (qx33t|u/nn\,c3e0]uW}^O'WA\U Todd Zywicki, a law professor at George Mason University, who argued he should be exempt from the schools vaccine mandate because he already had COVID-19, was able to get a medical exemption after he sued in August. The safety and well-being of the Lehigh community are our highest priority as we strive to provide the educational environment and workplace that students, faculty and staff expect. Please also note that while widespread vaccination will provide for substantive protection from the virus, individuals may choose to wear masks or practice other health and safety protocols in various settings. Only six Good Shepherd employees chose to resign. The . LVHN is providing free COVID-19 screenings online and by phone. We are limiting plexiglass to areas marked by frequent transactions or similar places of high interaction. Coronavirus (COVID-19): Latest Updates . 0. Stay home and notify your supervisor or department chair. Its not the same as the medical or religious ones where there are laws in place that deal with that.. Employee Health Services Hours and Locations . Visit an extension of the universitys COVID vaccination requirement for all eligible students, faculty and staff who did not receive an approved medical or religious exemption. What do I do? Love Where You Work! for lists of local testing resources. Do I need to get a booster even if I am fully vaccinated and/or tested positive for COVID? Researchers said the results are only applicable to the delta strain and only the effectiveness of the Pfizer vaccine was examined. GO: The Campaign for LehighBe part of the most ambitious fundraising and engagement effort in Lehigh's history. Demand for the vaccine with recent approval of boosters for all adults and shots for elementary school children has been high amid the surge and the emergence of the omicron variant, whose dangers are still not fully understood. If you fall into the CDC-defined category of people who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 due to a, , you may submit a confidential request for a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act by submitting these forms through email at, If you are 65 years of age or older (another higher risk category defined by the CDC) or do not have an underlying medical condition but are generally concerned about returning to campus, please talk with your department chair or supervisor about modifications (such as flexplace arrangements, flexible schedules or workspace modifications) that may allow you to perform your position accountabilities effectively and productively. There are limitations, though. Employees with exemptions continue to receive weekly COVID-19 testing, Downs said. All faculty have been instructed to work with students to ensure their ability to keep up with coursework if they need to quarantine or isolate. Any faculty or staff member who has been on campus or in close proximity to other Lehigh community members . The new location is inside the Coordinated Health-Hazle Township facility at 26 Station Circle, Hazle Township. 0 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. During this quarantine, you should monitor your health for any symptoms. If you or your child have a history of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in adults or children (MIS-A or MIS-C), consider delaying vaccination until you have recovered from being sick and for 90 days after the date of diagnosis of MIS-A or MIS-C.. The CDC recommends that all eligible people get a booster shot, even if theyve had COVID. The partnership includes an LVHN Employee Health Nurse Case Manager who will serve as the key point of contact for Lehigh employees with any health concerns related to COVID-19. Get detailed information about COVID-19, and vaccine safety and effectiveness at LVHN.org/vaccineFAQ, SLUHN.org and goodshepherdrehab.org. Contact the universitys Employee Health Nurse Case Manager from Lehigh Valley Health Network. Visit the Vaccination Resources page on the Coronavirus Information Center for more information about Lehigh's policies. ]oeaf4{hM>,O G!&B{] If you arrive on campus and begin to feel symptoms consistent with COVID-19, immediately notify your supervisor or department chair and go home. If you dont feel well, stay home and notify your supervisor or department chair. December 8, 2021 at 12:30 p.m. Lehigh Valley Health Network saw significant success from its vaccine mandate with the vast majority of employees choosing to get the vaccine, network officials. Testing and visits for the diagnosis of COVID-19 are covered under the Universitys medical plans with no cost share to the patient through January 16, 2022. The cold weather, Thanksgiving gatherings and a big rebound in holiday travel are all believed to be playing a role, along with public weariness with pandemic restrictions. The situation is not as dire as last years surge, before the public had any access to COVID-19 vaccines, but the roughly 60% of the U.S. population that is fully vaccinated is not enough to prevent hot spots. Faculty should indicate to students how they plan to support students who need to be in isolation. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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PA-07 COVID-19 Testing Sites Lehigh Valley Health Network COVID-19 Assess and Test Locations Instructions (apply to each location) "We have opened LVHN COVID-19 Assess and Test locations throughout the region to minimize our community's exposure to COVID-19. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect our community and allow for a return to normal campus operations. No. You can obtain a test at many local health centers and pharmacies as well. Isolation typically lasts 5 days after a positive test result, with required mask-wearing for 5 additional days. Faculty or staff should not request information about students vaccination status. You should take an at-home COVID antigen test or contact your primary care physician first and follow their advice. This testing can be done by your Primary Care Physician or can be coordinated through ouroccupational health services partnership with Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN). Both. Faculty with questions about medical exemptions or general information related to the process for submitting vaccination information should contact the Provosts Office at provost@lehigh.edu and staff should contact Human Resources at inhro@lehigh.edu. Example: restricting and isolating to a room separated from others in the household. And Good Shepherd, which gave employees until Oct. 15, reported a 99% compliance rate among its workforce of about 1,200 people, including 71 who received exemptions or deferments. Our partnership includes an LVHN Employee Health Nurse Case Manager, Christine Wolfe RN, who serves as the key point of contact for Lehigh employees for any health concerns related to COVID-19. K(*piY^9%w'\lzInog-EV]Yb|^, vmsU#O!Hi3@O;\l!k(p!-} iw{_6E+N 4-+3O]xSHwxu@W3Kva]0([@H[CP |?C wo x>\.8CU`DEFq4,X0^ncwQhEGl,6.l/5FQO.,H9hN>z/e}NZeK"HMCleRcV]Ng&mN >E endstream endobj 394 0 obj <>stream How is Lehigh cleaning classroom spaces, offices, and common areas of buildings? Some staff members may still feel uncomfortable coming to campus due to concerns about their health. Can we keep it if it makes us feel more comfortable? 4T@kR[4\P! Boosters are a necessary component of our health and safety protocols to support a successful semester on campus, including in-person instruction and activities. I am vaccinated but am experiencing COVID-like symptoms. Our journalism needs your support. St. Lukes and LVHN announced Aug. 9 that they were implementing a vaccine mandate for all employees, as well as everyone who conducts business in those health care organizations. . The university is developing a new process for faculty and staff to confirm their vaccination status. "Our health care systems continue to combat the ongoing COVID-19 virus and are committed to the safety of every patient in our care and every colleague on our team," said Brian A. Nester, DO,. For example, because someone is choosing to wear a mask (beyond any university requirements), complete the symptom checker, or complete other protocols is not necessarily indicative of their vaccination status. We welcome your questions, ideas and suggestions. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. International students who cannot get boosted where they are located should schedule a booster as soon as they return to the United States. In particular, prior infection is likely to provide poor protection against the Omicron variant. Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network officials, who announced their mandate along with St. Lukes and LVHN, declined to comment on whether they were considering such a policy. Experiencing COVID-Like Symptoms Immediately notify your supervisor, department chair or PI, go home and self-isolate. Low-cost health insurance for employees CME reimbursement and time outside of normal PTO to take classes, attend conferences etc. Any individual, even if asymptomatic, who wishes to get tested can do so for a fee through Vault Health (the company we have contracted with for student arrival testing) or through a number of other providers. While we encourage you to provide your name and contact information with this form so that the CRT may follow-up with you, if necessary, you may also submit this report anonymously. St. Lukes, following a Sept. 25 deadline, reported that of its approximately 17,000 employees, 668 were granted medical or religious exemptions or temporary deferments and 155 quit. a hold being placed on the student's account which will prevent them from registering for classes for the following semester. The screenings include: LVHN E-Visit: This is a questionnaire-based assessment completed by you, evaluated by a provider and. If you don't feel well: Stay home and notify your supervisor or department chair. What steps should I take? To better support the health and safety of Lehigh faculty and staff as we return to campus, the University has partnered with Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) for occupational health services and for medical consultation for planning purposes. Also remember that your primary care provider is always a phone call away or via a secure message through your MyLVHN account. %PDF-1.7 % Under St. Lukes and LVHNs new policies, individuals who were infected with COVID-19 and recovered can defer their shots for up to 12 months from the date tested positive. "Our health care systems continue to combat the ongoing COVID-19 virus and are committed to the safety of every patient in our care and every colleague on our team," said a joint statement. If you choose to submit your information via the Google Form, your information will be kept strictly confidential and will be submitted to Capital Blue Cross through their secure portal. LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. - Lehigh Valley Health Network said Friday it will be closing its COVID-19 vaccine clinics in the Lehigh Valley and the Poconos. LVHN is currently operating in Level Yellow. No. The clinic is open 8 . u[5Yv\6=tcMM\$~.,5J2|-.-mgSV>~;c++a +^Rb bdk%s_x;GpV 0w/zu88@? Wear a mask in your home when youre unable to socially distance. 412 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[]/Index[389 38 428 1]/Info 388 0 R/Length 116/Prev 381408/Root 390 0 R/Size 429/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream That was the date Miller received his first dose of either a placebo (inactive substance) or the vaccine being produced by Pfizer and partner BioNTech to protect against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. There are . If the instructor is too sick to teach, the class can be rescheduled or an alternative instructor can be found. However, if they choose to share this with you, treat this as confidential information and follow up with Christine Wolfeor Human Resources to make sure the information and all services are being extended. Supervisors and department chairs, staff and faculty are not required to divulge that the reason for their absence is due to a COVID-19 isolation or quarantine. Aug. 17SCHUYLKILL HAVEN The Schuylkill Haven Area School District wasted no time in putting the new Lehigh Valley Health Network Sports Performance Center to use. Given the waning effectiveness of vaccines over time, the increased transmissibility of the Omicron variant, and mounting evidence that boosters provide additional protection against COVID, Lehigh is requiring the COVID booster as. Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. Keeping the People You Live With Safe from COVID-19, Next Steps After Being Diagnosed with COVID-19, Learn more about ExpressCARE Video Visits. Both of the major health networks in the Lehigh Valley have COVID-19 vaccine mandates in place for employees, but if any employee contracted COVID-19 themselves, they are allowed to defer. Talk to your healthcare professional if you are unsure what treatments you received or if you have more questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine. While an individual always has the option of sharing their vaccination status personally, the university will not share someone's vaccination status or personal information. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). The percent of fresh air will be adjusted to as high as possible based on outdoor temperatures, humidity, and the capacity of the unit to heat/cool the desired percent of fresh air. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Ive received a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. See the. For more information on LVHN Occupational Health services, contact us at Carisa Vetrano at carisa.vetrano@lvhn.org. This story was updated Tuesday to indicate Lehigh Valley Health Network has decided to update its policy; previously the health network had been discussing doing so. Contact Christine Wolfe, RN, the university's Employee Health Nurse Case Manager from Lehigh Valley Health Network at 610-861-8080 ext. Email us But some medical research shows that natural immunity may offer some benefits vaccines dont. HUMo0Wh jv E6i0v7Vlm]GJ8a.QlS||@,8%CYw@hZD=Zor J!F#bA8 \gnhC# This benefit is available to all Lehigh staff and faculty, regardless of whether they participate in the University's medical insurance plans. However, if they choose to share this with you, treat this as confidential information and follow up with Christine Wolfe or Human Resources to make sure the information and all services are being extended. "Our colleagues have chosen to do the right thing to protect themselves and the community by getting vaccinated against COVID-19," said LVHN spokesperson Brian Downs. Yes, Lehigh will continue to require COVID vaccination and boosters for all students, faculty and staff (unless they receive an approved medical or religious exemption). .block-reference .header { padding-top: 40px; }. Almost everyone who works at the Lehigh Valleys biggest hospital networks tens of thousands of health care employees has now been vaccinated against COVID-19. We look forward to working with you for a safe and healthful workplace. Please do not send us any additional information other than what is requested in the form above. Refer to this list provided by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). endstream endobj 393 0 obj <>stream St. Luke's and LVHN employees who caught COVID-19 to defer getting the vaccine, other employers may follow Tyger Williams / Philadelphia Inquirer Some employers are considering allowing. Already a print subscriber? If you want your COVID-19 vaccination quickly, sign up for or enroll in a MyLVHN account. Faculty or staff members with symptoms should stay home and notify your supervisor or department chair. What are the restrictions on events, meetings and indoor and outdoor gatherings? Click here.). Experts continue to study the long-term effects of the COVID-19 vaccine, but early research has not shown cause for concern. Yes. Some staff members may still feel uncomfortable coming to campus due to concerns about their health. @i-UkX`l%IZb{n0C3Z"JH )~a]2Kvl]Z+ (IMos5baq8I ;6[g]u Some of the more common onsite services performed include: Onsite services are performed at the same cost of the service in-clinic plus an hourly fee and travel for the medical personnel performing the specific service(s). Hours: 24/7 Not seeing an appointment time that works for you? Where possible, HVAC systems that introduce fresh air into the buildings will have the percentage of outdoor air settings adjusted to maximize the amount of fresh air movement through the building. Any faculty or staff member who has been on campus or in close proximity to other Lehigh community members and receives a positive COVID-19 test result must notify Christine Wolfe and notify Lehigh by following the instructions in the COVID-19 Return to Campus Employee Health Guide. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. How is noncompliance with the booster requirement addressed? It has been brought to the attention of Human Resources that some healthcare providers may be submitting incorrect billing codes to Capital Blue Cross when a patient receives a COVID-19 diagnostic test, resulting in the patient being responsible for a copay or coinsurance for the visit. You should contact your primary care physician first and follow their advice, including scheduling a COVID-19 test, if recommended. In particular, prior infection is likely to provide poor protection against the Omicron variant. Yes. You can start here and watch the video that provides guidance about your next steps. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science, Job Placement Success & Postgraduate Education, Medical Information Request & Verification Form, COVID-19 Health Services from LVHN for Staff and Faculty, 2021 COVID-19 Testing Claim Review Request, Read more about COVID-19 symptoms, treatmentand on-campus testing for students on this page. About 97% of current LVHN employees are fully vaccinated Brian Downs, a network spokesperson, said. 23504 or Christine.Wolfe@lvhn.org and notify her of your condition. Widespread vaccination in the fall allowed us to operate as an in-person campus. If you have any challenges scheduling, or need to contact us regarding your COVID vaccination, please call us at : 833-LVHN-CVD (833-584-6283). Be part of the most ambitious fundraising and engagement effort in Lehigh's history. Leif Greiss is a reporter covering hospitals and health care in the Lehigh Valley. The Employee Health Nurse Care Manager will need to clear you for return to work and will facilitate appropriate contact tracing. Why one board member is criticizing process, New Jersey trooper shooting suspect caught, recent study by researchers at Rockefeller University, more than twice as likely to be reinfected with COVID-19, centers for disease control and prevention, As Adderall shortage continues, DEA plans to limit some telemedicine prescriptions, House where JonBenet Ramsey was found dead listed for sale for almost $7M, Columbia University permanently drops SAT, ACT admissions requirement, The Waterbed Doctor: California retailer lays claim to retro bed with nearly 40 years of service, sales, Felonious Florida podcast: Missing teenage girl leads to several cases of child sex trafficking, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. endstream endobj startxref You may also consult with Human Resources at. The first shipments of the Pfizer and BioNTech coronavirus vaccine that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved for emergency use arrived in the Lehigh Valley around noon Thursday. Studies have shown that vaccination is effective at preventing serious illness, hospitalization and death from COVID, but vaccination protection against the virus and variants decreases over time. Fewer than 1% of LVHNs nearly 20,000 employees chose to leave rather than get vaccinated. Legislation has also been brought forward in the U.S. Senate to block Bidens mandate for large employers. If I received a medical or religious exemption from Lehighs COVID Vaccination requirement, do I need to submit any additional documentation? More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. He said there are considerations for employers such as how they will establish whether somebody had COVID-19 as well as determining how long they will allow employees to defer their shots. (Cant see the Pa. case rate chart? Contact your school or place of employment about specific COVID-19 guidelines before returning. From low to high risk, the levels are: green, yellow, orange and red. If you are vaccinated, LVHN offers COVID testing for those without symptoms and for those experiencing symptoms. Morning Call reporter Leif Greiss can be reached at 610-679-4028 or lgreiss@mcall.com. The CDC offers more guidance on boosters, including eligibility, on the CDC website and Vaccines.gov provides location information for COVID vaccines and boosters. %%EOF While no vaccine provides a guarantee against infection, COVID vaccination and the booster are effective at preventing serious illness and death and continue to be the best protection against the spread of new and more contagious variants of the virus. As a result, LVHN's LVHNs announced its mandate alongside St. Lukes University Health Network and Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network on Aug. 9. If addressing the concern directly is not an option, or if you are not satisfied with the response you receive or the behavior doesnt stop, you may report the concern by completing this form athttp://lehigh.edu/go/covidreporting. Contact us For more information on LVHN Occupational Health services, contact us at Carisa Vetrano at carisa.vetrano@lvhn.org. The mandate for health care workers would have gone into effect Monday if not for judges in the U.S. District Courts for the Eastern District Court of Missouri and the Western District of Louisiana issuing injunctions on Nov. 29 and Nov. 30. But not all infectious disease experts agree on this. Lehigh Valley Health Network saw significant success from its vaccine mandate with the vast majority of employees choosing to get the vaccine, network officials report.
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