Faculty and staff noncompliance will be addressed at the college and stem level as a violation of workplace and university policy. Visit Widespread vaccination in the fall allowed us to operate as an in-person campus. u[5Yv\6=tcMM\$~.,5J2|-.-mgSV>~;c++a +^Rb bdk%s_x;GpV 0w/zu88@? If the instructor is too sick to teach, the class can be rescheduled or an alternative instructor can be found. For more information on LVHN Occupational Health services, contact us at Carisa Vetrano at carisa.vetrano@lvhn.org. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Because of this, employers that are considering deferrals for the naturally immune are trying to figure out how to structure that as an internal policy. 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. Because of that,our Occupational Medicine clinics areable to offer onsite services where the testing, physicals, vaccinations, and more are performed at your work site, thereby reducing loss of productivity. The university will not share confidential health information. ML _f0Ie6EIopY}fCul*( Weekly testing is required for those who are exempted. We are limiting plexiglass to areas marked by frequent transactions or similar places of high interaction. You also can schedule an appointment by calling our COVID-19 Hotline at 833-584-6283 (833-LVHN-CVD). Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) remains vigilant as the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) evolves, and we are committed to being your partner in health in these unprecedented times. Be part of the most ambitious fundraising and engagement effort in Lehigh's history. 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. 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, contact the universitys Employee Health Nurse Case Manager from Lehigh Valley Health Network, Christine Wolfe,RN, at 610-861-8080 ext. To schedule an appointment for the Dorney Park drive-through clinic or any other LVHN COVID-19 vaccination event, people in Phase 1A can sign in to MyLVHN. If you are vaccinated, LVHN offers COVID testing for those without symptomsand for those experiencing symptoms. On Wednesday, Pfizer said that the initial two shots of its vaccine appear significantly less effective against omicron but that a booster dose may offer important protection. Our partnership includes anLVHN Employee Health Nurse Case Manager,Christine WolfeRN,who serves as the key point of contact for Lehigh employees for any health concerns related to COVID-19. We recognize this is a difficult time for faculty, staff and families. LVHN is one of the nation's most advanced health networks, offering comprehensive care in 95 clinical specialties. For insurance purposes, it may be important to obtain a test in your county of residence or via your primary healthcare provider. for lists of local testing resources. Lehigh Valley Health Network is closing five medical offices in Lehigh and Northampton counties, according to a letter that, LVHN spokesman Brian Downs confirmed, was sent to some employees. 23504orChristine.Wolfe@lvhn.organd notify her of your condition. 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 medical consultation for planning purposes. A study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in August found that subjects who had natural immunity but were unvaccinated were more than twice as likely to be reinfected with COVID-19 as those who had natural immunity and those who got their shots. What happens if I dont comply with the faculty/staff COVID vaccination requirement? Good Shepherd officials reported 93% of employees had been vaccinated and the remaining employees received exemptions, had appointments planned or were on leave. The university is developing a new process for faculty and staff to confirm their vaccination status. Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@lehighvalleylive.com. hb```)ry ae`aq%TnPm[=``j`j`@S4Bb "EL0+0ez7F|OggfFu$f -"H mYg* ]A/ Yes. LVHNs deadline for non-union employees to comply with the mandate was Nov. 12 and the deadline for union employees at LVH-Hazelton, LVH-Pocono and LVH-Schuylkill was Nov. 30. Our journalism needs your support. 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. LVHN can help those who do not have a primary care provider. Speak with a nurse to assess COVID and other symptoms, answer your questions, and discuss your testing options. Contact Christine Wolfe, RN, the university's Employee Health Nurse Case Manager from Lehigh Valley Health Network at 610-861-8080 ext. Is there support for University staff and faculty (and their dependents) for mental health needs during this period? Full information about Lehigh's partnership with LVHN for COVID-19 related employee health services can be found here. Our colleagues have chosen to do the right thing to protect themselves and the community by getting vaccinated against COVID-19, Downs said. If you have any questions on your system or space please contact your building manager to review. Researchers said the results are only applicable to the delta strain and only the effectiveness of the Pfizer vaccine was examined. . 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. Click here.). 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 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). 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. Call 610-861-8080, select 5 to bypass menu and enter extension 21237. In addition, LVHN produced the following video that introduces you to the care team behind the partnership and shares additional information about when and how to obtain services from Lehigh's employee health nurse case manager. Its perfectly legal for employers who have vaccine mandates in place to allow deferrals for employees with natural immunity, Ed Easterly, with the law firm Hoffman, Hlavac & Easterly, said. Phone: 610 -402-1880 Fax: 610-402-1203 Jan 20, 2023. Can faculty or staff request information from students about their vaccination status? Christine serves as the key point of contact for Lehigh employees for any health concerns related to COVID-19. If you test positive for COVID, contact the university's Employee Health Nurse Case Manager from Lehigh Valley Health Network, Christine Wolfe, RN, at 610-861-8080 ext. The four levels address topics such as wearing a mask in our facilities, eating in our cafeterias, attending community meetings and more. However, Bidens orders have faced significant opposition by Republicans in both the judicial and legislative branches of government. International students who cannot get boosted where they are located should schedule a booster as soon as they return to the United States. You can obtain a test at many local health centers and pharmacies as well. Example: staying home and out of the public. 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. If a student volunteers such information, faculty must not ask about the reasons why a student is or is not vaccinated. 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. Are there any additional sick leave accommodations provided for staff? We understand that some students are hesitant to report a positive test for fear of falling behind in classes. Health Research; Employee Wellness Programs; More information on Community. Inpatient Physiatry. Disinfection will be required in high risk/high contact areas like eatery entrances, the health center and testing areas. No. Some staff members may still feel uncomfortable coming to campus due to concerns about their health. Concentra has acquired LVHNs occupational health business inBethlehemandAllentown. GO: The Campaign for LehighBe part of the most ambitious fundraising and engagement effort in Lehigh's history. Yes. If you are experiencing COVID-like symptoms, whether you are unvaccinated or vaccinated--follow the establishedprotocols, including contacting your medical provider to be tested, staying home andaway from others to mitigate the risk of spreading the virus, and following any isolation protocols should you test positive for COVID. 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. 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. 23504orChristine.Wolfe@lvhn.org. What should I do? 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. Avoid sharing household items such as dishes, eating utensils, cups and towels. Lehigh Valley Heart & Vascular Institute cardiologists & other Lehigh Valley Health Network doctors are making waves on a global scale. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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. . 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. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. How is Lehigh cleaning classroom spaces, offices, and common areas of buildings? For insurance purposes, it may be important to obtain a test in your county of residence or via your primary healthcare provider. Following that deadline, St. Lukes officials announced that 17,000 employees had complied with the mandate and 155 employees resigned rather than get the vaccine. If you received monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma after you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 to prevent you from getting sick, you should wait 30 days before getting a COVID-19 vaccine. to determine whether your circumstances may be addressed under the Family and Medical Leave Act. Faculty and staff must continue to monitor personal health for symptoms and risk of exposure. You can obtain a test at many local health centers and pharmacies as well. She serves as the key point of contact for Lehigh employees for any health concerns related to COVID-19 and facilitates care through recovery and return to work for any employees who suspect exposure or may test positive for COVID-19, working closely with Lehigh Human Resources throughout the process. "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. 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. Refer to our isolation and quarantining protocol for what to expect if you live on or off campus. hbbd```b`` ),rD"`,R Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Nearly all LVHN employees complied with COVID-19 vaccine mandate, Tom Sizemore, Saving Private Ryan actor, dies at 61, Bryan Kohberger defense lawyers want gag order kept in Idaho killings case, Allentown School Board likely to vote on hiring Carol Birks as superintendent next week. If you have any additional questions, call 888-402-LVHN or visit LVHN.org/virtualcare to learn about speaking to a provider virtually. No. What is the current status of COVID-19 cases on campus? There are . Also remember that your primary care provider is always a phone call away or via a secure message through your MyLVHN account. 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. Miller is among about 75 LVHN employees, patients and community members who consented to participate in the Phase 3 trial for the . If you are living on campus, the HWC will assist with determining if you need to be relocated to on-campus isolation housing and the provisions for how you will receive care and support during the time you are isolating. For more information, visit the Human Resources website. St. Lukes is based in the Bethlehem area. This position could last for up to 12 months or more and will provide an opportunity to train and highlight your skills working with multiple directors/general . The claim: Employees who are fired for refusing a vaccine are eligible for unemployment benefits The highly transmissible delta coronavirus variant has caused a nationwide spike in cases,. Morning Call reporter Leif Greiss can be reached at 610-679-4028 or lgreiss@mcall.com. "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,. If LVHN employees covered by this policy are vaccinated outside of LVHN clinics, LVPG practices or Employee Health Services, they must provide evidence of immunization to More Local News to Love Start today for 50% off Expires 3/6/23. Good Shepherd is based in Allentown. The new location is inside the Coordinated Health-Hazle Township facility at 26 Station Circle, Hazle Township. Click here.). 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. The health network. . We know that COVID-19 can cause long-term health problems, even in mild cases. Email us 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. Every employer can handle it in a different way because theres no set standard for that type of exemption, Easterly said. Faculty or staff should not request information about students vaccination status. 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. Full information about Lehigh's partnership with LVHN for COVID-19 related employee health services. If you received monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma after you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 to prevent you from getting sick, you should wait 30 days before getting a COVID-19 vaccine. . Hours: 24/7 Not seeing an appointment time that works for you? See the. While Occupational Health services are vital, taking employees off the worksite is always an investment in time. What is the difference between isolation and quarantine? There are no laws governing this kind of exemption like there are for medical or religious exemptions, he said. I'm an international student and I am not eligible to get the booster in my home country. Christine serves as the key point of contact for Lehigh employees for any health concerns related to COVID-19. Medical Information Request and Verification Form. In addition, Lehigh's Employee Assistance Program (Integrated Behavioral Health) can be helpful for you and your dependents even if you don't participate in the Lehigh medical plan. Where can I find more information about boosters? /@[ O Ensure a good airflow in your home, which can be done by just opening a window. Sam Kennedy, spokesperson for St. Lukes, said the move to implement this exemption was made based on guidance from network infectious disease experts. who serves as the key point of contact for Lehigh employees for any health concerns related to COVID-19. Virtually all in-clinic services are available to be scheduled and performed onsite with the proper conditions. If youre not already signed up, we hope you will consider subscribing. On Sept. 9, President Joe Biden issued executive orders that, among other things, would have required private businesses with more than 100 employees to have their employees either get their COVID-19 shots or get tested for COVID-19 on a weekly basis and would have had a deadline of Jan. 4. 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. Some readers want LVHN to reveal department of employee with coronavirus. But even as the U.S. closes in on a milestone of 200 million people fully vaccinated against COVID-19, cases and hospitalizations are spiking again, including in highly inoculated corners of the country like New England. From low to high risk, the levels are: green, yellow, orange and red. The dividers at these locations will remain in place at present. LVHN was the last to release its vaccination statistics, giving unionized employees until Nov. 30. Another 1.2 million have received a booster dose. So will clinics at LVHN hospitals in Hazleton and Pottsville. Health Services Administrator (Current Employee) - LVPG - September 28, 2022 Culture is awful, no orientation for new managers, way too many software programs that don't communicate, shifting priorities, terrible communication. If you dont feel well, stay home and notify your supervisor or department chair. The Employee Health Nurse Care Manager will need to clear you for return to work and will facilitate appropriate contact tracing. 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. endstream endobj 390 0 obj <>/Metadata 34 0 R/Outlines 95 0 R/Pages 387 0 R/StructTreeRoot 102 0 R/Type/Catalog>> endobj 391 0 obj <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/StructParents 0/Tabs/S/Type/Page>> endobj 392 0 obj <>stream Contact your primary care physician and follow their advice, including scheduling a COVID-19 test, if recommended. Only six Good Shepherd employees chose to resign. Vision exams 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). A Pennsylvania hospital chain announces it will not require employees who had COVID-19 to get vaccinated for 12 months after their positive tests. Contact the universitys Employee Health Nurse Case Manager from Lehigh Valley Health Network. We are not installing plexiglass at general locations at this time. Lehigh Valley Health Network (LVHN) has four different operations levels based on the risk of COVID-19 transmission in our community. 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. 23504. Free lunches. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. In July, LVHN was the only regional health network to become part of the Pfizer booster shot trial, again, leading the way in curbing the spread of COVID-19. Once the isolation period has been completed and an individual is cleared to return to work or school, evidence of a negative test is not required. For more information on Lehighs COVID-19 related health services partnership with LVHN, follow this link. Your provider will advise you about COVID-19 testing and quarantining during your virtual visit. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. However, the study has multiple limitations. Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. The federal COVID-19 response excludes up to 106 million workers from paid leave protections The end result is that a legislative package with the stated intent of protecting the physical and. Do I need to show a negative COVID test to end isolation? Supervisors are expected to address these issues with their direct reports. Contact a LVHN employee health nurse. P.C. The Morning Call. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Caitlin Leidy at crl215@lehigh.edu or Patricia Florkowski at pjg209@lehigh.edu. Yes, we are continuing to maintain all our ventilation systems, including regularly scheduled filter replacement as per our regular operations. endstream endobj 395 0 obj <>stream At-home antigen tests are widely available at pharmacies, and, in many cases, are covered by insurance. LVHN is providing free COVID-19 screenings online and by phone. Why is Lehigh requiring a COVID booster shot for all eligible students, faculty, and staff? LVHN front-line health care workers receive COVID-19 vaccine. However, the LVHN mandate didnt go into effect until Aug. 24, the day after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved Pfizers vaccine. We welcome your questions, ideas and suggestions. 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. We are continuing with the strategy we initiated last summer to most safely provide a fully functioning campus through widespread vaccination. The remaining employees received either permanent medical or religious exemptions or temporary exemptions due to having natural immunity after contracting COVID-19. You can start here and watch the video that provides guidance about your next steps. If you want your COVID-19 vaccination quickly, sign up for or enroll in a MyLVHN account. Where can I find information about vaccination? Noncompliance with the booster requirement for students will result ina hold being placed on the student's account which will prevent them from registering for classes for the following semester. 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. Any vaccine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or under the WHO - Emergency Use Listing will satisfy this requirement. Position: LVHN is seeking an Orthopedic Trauma Surgery Physician Assistant (Physician Assistant )<br>Orthopedics opening in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.<p>This is truly an extraordinary time to join the Lehigh Valley Health Network. If you experience or witness a situation in which members of our community, regardless of whether they are students, faculty, staff, or visitors are not adhering to these standards, you have the following options: If you can safely address the concern directly with the individual or group, you may do so by reminding them of University standards and our shared responsibility in promoting a healthy, safe and inclusive learning and working environment. I lost my vaccine card. 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. Click here to download the document. Lastly, because new medical research has yet to be evaluated or peer-reviewed, it should not be used to guide clinical practice, according to medRxiv, the preprint server the study was posted on.
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