|
|
|
|
|
UC DAVIS: HUMAN RESOURCES
June 3, 2003
Please post and circulate
DEANS, DIRECTORS, DEPARTMENT CHAIRS, AND CAMPUS/UCDHS ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS
Re: SARS Concerns in the Workplace
This directive is third in a series of directives sent to the campus
community addressing the ongoing issues that have arisen around the SARS
outbreak. The previous directives have outlined campus protocols for
screening and medical care for faculty, students, and staff who have
traveled in SARS affected regions or have had close contact with SARS
infected individuals. An advisory committee has been convened and is
currently addressing policies for making decisions about programs and
classes in which SARS may be a potential issue for some participants.
The purpose of this directive is to discuss some concerns that have been
raised by faculty, staff, and students who have recently been in SARS
affected regions and have returned to the campus. Some of these
individuals have reported that they have encountered concern and fear from
colleagues about their potential for being exposed to SARS. These
situations have been awkward and uncomfortable for all concerned. This
memo is intended to allay fears and to eliminate these situations in the
future.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends quarantine or isolation
only for individuals showing signs of disease, not for individuals who are
healthy even if they have been in an area of SARS outbreak. CDC guidance
also states that casual contact with such individuals poses a minimal
health risk for the general population. Therefore, the medical evidence
makes it very clear that there is no reason to fear contact with
individuals who have merely been in one of the SARS affected areas of the
world. On May 14, 2003, CDC issued an "Interim Guidance for Institutions
or Organizations Hosting Persons Arriving in the United States from Areas
with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)." It can be found on the CDC
website at:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/sars/hostingarrivals.htm
This guidance states in part:
"Casual contact with SARS patients at schools, other institutions, or
public gatherings (e.g., attending the same class or meeting) has not
resulted in documented transmission in the United States. Thousands of
people arrive in the United States from areas where SARS outbreaks are
occurring to participate in gatherings such as academic courses, business
meetings, or sporting events. Guidance is needed to provide a consistent,
rational approach to SARS prevention without unnecessarily stigmatizing
these groups or interfering with collegial pursuits, commerce, and other
important activities."
Campus policy is based on CDC guidance. We are writing to remind you that
there are procedures in place and resources available to ensure that SARS
is not transmitted in the United States or at UC Davis. Intervention and
monitoring are aggressively being pursued in SARS affected countries and
the CDC is aggressively managing communications and intervention within the
United States. Colleagues of recent travelers can be assured that the
workplace is safe and that the campus is working to ensure that the recent
travelers are healthy and safe as well. It is also important to recognize
that all individuals have a right to the privacy of their medical
information and the University has an obligation to protect that privacy.
Therefore, it is not appropriate for supervisors to discuss specific
medical issues within the workplace. The campus community is expected to
trust that the procedures that have been put in place are being followed
and that they are designed to protect individuals as well as the institution.
Recent travelers should not be stigmatized by their coworkers or fellow
students. Individuals who have questions or concerns should address them
to the designated medical providers (Cowell Student Health, 530-752-2300;
Employee Health Services, 530-752-2330; UCDHS Employee Health Services,
916-734-3572; and UCDHS Infection Control, 916-734-3377) if they have
questions or concerns. We encourage all members of the campus community to
be sensitive to the privacy of the individuals who have traveled.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Judy Sakaki
Vice Chancellor - Student Affairs
Dennis Shimek,
Senior Associate Vice Chancellor - Human Resources
Barbara Horwitz
Vice Provost - Academic Personnel
03-063
 Office of the Chancellor | Contact Information | Current Issues | Speaking Out | Staff and Organization | Philosophy of Purpose | Principles of Community | Administrative Resources Modified: 12/14/2006 12:23:33 PM Comments: |