March 31, 2021 – Staff Return to Campus Update
COVID-19 public dashboard update
The COVID-19 asymptomatic positive rate for the week of March 21–27 is 0.24 percent, a decrease from the previous week. This outcome is made possible by ongoing adherence to campus protocols and responsible behavior over a sustained period of time. As we approach the end of the academic year, it remains as important as ever to follow campus protocols and act responsibly as the pandemic continues.
Increase in younger patient hospitalizations due to COVID-19
Vanderbilt University Medical Center and other hospitals are experiencing increases in hospitalizations of younger patients with more severe symptoms due to COVID-19. We strongly encourage you to remain vigilant in following all safety protocols. We also encourage you to read more about vaccination options below to protect yourself and others.
Nashville has opened vaccines to 16-plus
Metro Health has announced today that COVID-19 vaccines are now available to all Nashville residents 16 and older.
Although Vanderbilt University is not a vaccine distribution site because we are not a health care center, we strongly urge you to explore every option available, including the local health department and other community providers, to get vaccinated—not just to protect yourself, but to help achieve a broad level of immunity in an effort to control the spread of COVID-19. Learn more about your options for vaccinations.
- We strongly encourage you to submit your COVID-19 vaccine records so that we can develop a broad understanding of the vaccine status of our community. This information, in conjunction with CDC and public health guidance from VUMC, will inform decision-making about campus protocols. Fill in the vaccine tracker/submission form. (You will be asked to upload a copy of your COVID-19 vaccination card.)
Vanderbilt fall classes to be offered in person
With the announcement of the fall academic calendar, we look forward to the return of the full residential learning experience that is integral to student life and to the university’s educational mission.
You will most likely have questions about how this impacts the status of your work environment and ongoing COVID-19 protocols. We continue to monitor the pandemic to inform our fall semester plans, including what reporting to work will look like for staff, and will provide additional information in the coming weeks. You can expect to hear directly from your supervisor about any changes. Read Vice Chancellor Eric Kopstain’s message to staff.
Coronavirus experts discuss importance of research investments, lessons learned from COVID-19 at Chancellor’s Lecture Series
Vanderbilt’s role in shaping each step of the medical response to the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 began three decades ago and is grounded in the determination of a small group of scientists to understand coronaviruses.
Watch “Vanderbilt in the Vanguard: The Decades-long Journey to a Coronavirus Vaccine.”
View today’s other Return to Campus updates.
–The Return to Campus Team