The following communications and guidance have been provided for the EVMS Community by the Continuity of Operations Task Force. The most recent and updated information is placed at the top. Please note dates, and in some cases times, on all posts.
Messages from EVMS
07-18-2022 Update on COVID Exposure and Testing Protocol
The Continuity of Operations Task Force has released updates to the EVMS COVID-19 exposure and testing protocol.
04-18-2022 Update on COVID Protocols
The Continuity of Operations Task Force has released guidance including that vaccinations and social distancing are no longer required.
03-14-2022 Update on Masking and International Travel
Additional guidance regarding when masking is required or not required has been provided by the Continuity of Operations Task Force.
03-1-2022 Masking and Social Distancing Update
EVMS is dropping its requirements for mandatory indoor masking, with exceptions including EVMS Medical Group departments, classrooms and the testing center.
02-1-2022 COVID-19 Protocol Reminder
A streamlined reporting process is available for those with COVID-19 symptoms or exposure via the REDCap EVMS/EVMS Medical Group Exposure Survey. Guidance for home testing is included.
01-07-2022 IMPORTANT Update on EVMS COVID-19 Guidelines
All EVMS employees, residents, fellows and students are now required to document through the VAX portal having received a booster shot no later than Feb. 15, 2022.
01-06-2022 IMPORTANT Updated Employee Procedures for Illness and Exposure
We are streamlining our “What Should I Do?” protocol amid the spread of the highly contagious omicron variant including guidance for home testing.
12-22-2021 Omicron Variant Update from the Continuity of Operations Task Force
We strongly urge all employees, residents, fellows and students to get a booster shot now, and to enter that information on the VAX portal.
11-30-2021 Important Update on Omicron variant
With all employees and students vaccinated and wearing masks, EVMS is as well positioned as we can be with the recently discovered Omicron variant.
11-15-2021 IMPORTANT: Announcement on International Travel
EVMS has determined that applications for international travel may be submitted beginning December 1, 2021 for travel scheduled after January 1, 2022. Only fully vaccinated employees are permitted.
11-03-2021 IMPORTANT: Reminder for employees with COVID symptoms or exposure
The Task Force reminds the EVMS community of the reporting process for those with COVID-19 symptoms or exposure, beginning with notifying your supervisor and completing the online survey.
10-25-2021 IMPORTANT: Taskforce Update on Social Events, International Travel, Booster Shots
Social events are permitted under restrictions. International Travel has not changed, but is being monitored by the task force. Booster shots are encouraged for eligible employees, but not required.
10-11-2021 IMPORTANT: Oct. 11 Update from the Continuity of Operations Taskforce
The Continuity of Operations Taskforce has issued updated guidance on the Pfizer COVID-19 booster vaccine as well as directives for visitors and volunteers.
09-15-201 Directive on Volunteers from the Continuity of Operations Task Force
Volunteers on the EVMS campus will have to conform to the universal vaccination and masking directives that apply to employees and students.
09-02-201 Announcement: International Travel for Business Prohibited
The Continuity of Operations Task Force prohibits international travel from EVMS for business purposes. International visitors to EVMS must follow visitor and international travel protocols.
08-31-2021 An Update from the Continuity of Operations Task Force
When the conduct of essential EVMS business requires visitors to be on the EVMS campus, the visitor protocol must be followed.
08-23-2021 Important Announcement from the Continuity of Operations Task Force
Emphasizing the directive from August 16, including universal vaccination and masking, limitations on eating at events and information on the telework policy.
08-16-2021 Important New Directive from the Continuity of Operations Task Force
Reminders to our employees and students of the directives in force as of August 16, 2021.
08-11-2021 REMINDER: Virtual Town Hall scheduled for today at noon
Members of senior leadership will discuss masking and social distancing requirements, vaccination updates and other COVID-19 information.
08-09-2021 Virtual Town Hall scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 11
The Town Hall will be held from noon to 1 p.m. Members of senior leadership will respond to questions. Topics will include: vaccination updates, masking and social distancing requirements.
08-06-2021 Important Update from the EVMS Continuity of Operations Task Force
Effective Aug. 9, EVMS will not hold social events, either indoors or outdoors. A town hall will be held Aug. 11 to address questions about the evolving pandemic campus policies.
08-04-2021 Reminder: Virtual Town Hall scheduled for Wednesday, August 4
Anyone from the EVMS community who would like to participate in the Virtual Town Hall is welcome.
08-03-2021 Virtual Town Hall scheduled for Wednesday, August 4
EVMS will hold a virtual Town Hall Wednesday, August 4 from noon to 1 p.m. Members of senior leadership will be available to respond to questions.
08-03-2021 New Guidance from the Continuity of Operations Task Force
Effective Wednesday, Aug. 4, we are mandating masking for employees, students and visitors inside all EVMS buildings regardless of vaccination status.
07-29-2021 Reminder: Time of Remembrance ceremony today at noon
Join EVMS Graduate Medical Education today for a ceremony to honor family, friends and patients lost to COVID-19.
07-22-2021 Update from the Continuity of Operations Taskforce
The COO Task Force and Senior Management directed all students (both entering and continuing) to be vaccinated by August 1, 2021, and to provide proof of vaccination through the EVMS Vax Portal.
06-24-2021 Updated protocol for campus visitors
EVMS departments must ensure any individual invited to campus has a legitimate business purpose to be in EVMS facilities, is aware of required safety protocols and is not exhibiting signs of illness.
06-17-2021 Reminder: Virtual Town Hall Today at Noon
Anyone from the EVMS community who would like to participate in the Virtual Town Hall is welcome.
06-15-2021 Virtual Town Hall scheduled for Thursday, June 17
EVMS will hold a virtual Town Hall Thursday, June 17, from noon to 1 p.m. Topics to be discussed will include vaccination updates and potential on-campus, return-to-work plans.
06-08-2021 Announcement Concerning Vaccination, Masking and Social Distancing
Based on new recommendations from both the CDC and the Commonwealth, we are preparing to return to much more flexible operations.
05-27-2021 Resumption of international travel and EVMS policy review
EVMS will continue following the pre-COVID procedures and not approve travel to countries listed as a Level-4 Do Not Travel warning based on CDC’s Travel Health notices.
05-14-2021 Important message regarding Masking and Social Distancing
Current EVMS policy is that masks are not required outdoors for anyone. Indoors, EVMS requires masking and social distancing for everyone. This policy remains in force.
05-12-2021 Continuity of Operations Committee update and Town Hall reminder
EVMS Senior Leadership has accepted recommendations from the Continuity of Operations Committee regarding a safe return to more normal, on-campus operations.
05-06-2021 Virtual Town Hall scheduled for Wednesday, May 12
Topics to be discussed will include vaccination updates and potential on-campus, return-to-work plans.
04-29-2021 EVMS Travel Guidance from the Continuity of Operations Task Force
EVMS continues to limit travel to professional meetings and conferences. We hope to be able to allow broader travel for professional meetings sometime this summer.
04-7-2021 Reminder: Virtual Town Hall today
Anyone from the EVMS community who would like to participate in the Virtual Town Hall is welcome.
04-1-2021 Virtual Town Hall scheduled for Wednesday, April 7
EVMS will hold a virtual Town Hall Wednesday, April 7, from noon to 1 p.m. Members of senior leadership will be available to respond to questions.
02-11-2021 Reminder: Tune in to today's virtual Town Hall
EVMS will hold a virtual Town Hall today from noon to 1:30 p.m. Members of senior leadership will be available to respond to questions.
02-05-2021 Virtual Town Hall scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 11
Anyone from the EVMS community who would like to participate in the Virtual Town Hall is welcome.
02-05-2021 Update regarding on-campus vaccinations, remote work and safety precautions
The advent of vaccinations is truly a positive development, but the impact is not yet sufficient to change our posture on safety.
01-21-2021 Important update regarding the COVID-19 vaccination
EVMS has now received an allocation of the Pfizer vaccine and has begun scheduling appointments in accordance with the EVMS priority list.
01-15-2021 Important update regarding the COVID-19 vaccination
EVMS expects to receive a sufficient allocation of the Pfizer vaccine to offer vaccines to remaining EVMS faculty, staff and students who are interested in receiving the vaccine.
01-08-2021 EVMS Priorities for COVID-19 Vaccination
We hope to receive vaccines beginning in about two weeks and to administer vaccines to faculty, staff and students thereafter.
01-05-2021 First 2021 Update from the EVMS Continuity of Operations Task Force
We expect a surge in COVID cases as a result of the Christmas and New Years holidays with their attendant travel and social gatherings.
12-29-2020 Important Update from the EVMS Continuity of Operations Task Force
Advice to continue to follow protocols, and avoid gatherings and travel. Physician Assistant students are asked to follow required screening protocols. Vaccination information is updated.
12-22-2020 Important Updates from the EVMS Continuity of Operations Task Force
The initial shipment of vaccines has been received by Sentara and is being distributed to those clinicians in high risk settings.
12-18-2020 Reminder: Virtual Town Hall starts at noon today
Anyone from the EVMS community who would like to participate in the Virtual Town Hall is welcome.
12-14-2020 Mark your calendar: Virtual Town Hall set for Friday, Dec. 18
EVMS will hold a virtual Town Hall Friday, Dec. 18, from noon to 1:30 p.m. Members of senior leadership will be available to respond to questions.
12-11-2020 EVMS Priorities for Vaccination for COVID-19
This is the first in a series of emails that will address the EVMS distribution plan as it evolves.
12-8-2020 Restrictions on EVMS formal and informal gatherings
Any EVMS gathering that is confirmed as having taken place may result in disciplinary action for all employees in attendance.
12-7-2020 COVID-19 Vaccine Communication and Survey
We are conducting a brief survey to determine who is interested in receiving the vaccine once it is available.
11-13-2020 Important Update: COVID-19 and the Upcoming Holiday Season
As we approach the holiday season, the Continuity of Operations Task Force has a few points for you to consider.
10-26-2020 Important Update from the Continuity of Operations Task Force
We are continuing, with very few exceptions (supporting a Red Cross blood drive, for example), to ban all social events and community engagement activities until the end of the year.
08-10-2020 Addressing Work From Home Questions and Concerns
At our Aug. 6 Virtual Town Hall meeting, we received multiple questions about returning to campus for work... I (Dr. Homan) hear your concerns and want to take a moment to address them directly.
08-04-2020 Important Date Change: Virtual Town Hall rescheduled to Thursday, Aug. 6
EVMS will hold a virtual Town Hall Thursday, Aug. 6, from noon to 1:30 p.m. Members of senior leadership will be available to respond to questions.
07-30-2020 Updates from the EVMS Ramping Up Task Force
EVMS Ramping Up Task Force updates: the website now has a "What should I do?" section for those ill or exposed, and research and service activities in the broader community remain suspended.
07-27-2020 COVID-19 Collaborative Research Incubator Series launches on July 28
Edward Oldfield III, MD, Professor of Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease Specialist, will provide a brief update on COVID-19.
07-10-2020 Important Message Regarding Minimizing Your COVID-19 Risks
Over the past week we have had additional reports of employee and student exposures outside campus and positive COVID-19 test results.
06-16-2020 Policy on Personal Food Delivery to EVMS
To limit the number of non-EVMS individuals in our buildings, EVMS has adopted the policy that all personal food deliveries must be directed to the security desk at the entrance of each EVMS building.
06-16-2020 Virtual Town Hall set for today
Anyone from the EVMS community who would like to participate in the Virtual Town Hall is welcome.
06-03-2020 EVMS ramp-up process continues; masking required campus-wide
The EVMS Ramp-Up Task Force has announced plans for faculty and staff to return to campus.
05-28-2020 Human Resources information regarding COVID-19
EVMS has developed two surveys to assist with risk assessment, monitoring and work restriction decisions for EVMS employees and healthcare personnel who may have been exposed to COVID-19.
05-28-2020 Noon today: EVMS-Sentara COVID-19 Update on Clinical Protocols
The M. Foscue Brock Institute for Community and Global Health will host the “EVMS-Sentara COVID-19 Update on Clinical Protocols” from noon to 1:30 p.m.
05-20-2020 Reminder: Virtual Town Hall today at noon
A campus-wide Virtual Town Hall will be held today, May 20, from noon to 1:30 p.m. All students, residents, faculty and staff members are invited to tune in.
05-15-2020 Safety is top priority as campus begins to reopen in stages
EVMS is beginning to ramp up its clinical, research and educational enterprises.
05-13-2020 EVMS Wellness offers twice-weekly chat sessions
To help counter the isolation presented by COVID-19, EVMS Wellness is hosting regular opportunities for EVMS staff to gather together and talk.
05-12-2020 Flyover pays tribute to Virginia’s COVID-19 heroes
The F-22 Raptor Demo Team and Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation are planning to salute frontline workers tonight.
04-30-2020 Virtual Town Hall set for noon Thursday
Richard V. Homan, MD, President and Provost of EVMS and Dean of the School of Medicine, will be joined by 11 members of the EVMS senior management team.
04-22-2020 EVMS will host COVID-19 Update at noon Thursday
EVMS is offering the Hampton Roads community an opportunity to learn the latest about the virus during “COVID-19 Update: What the Public Should Know.”
04-17-2020 Student Update: Printers now available for student use
Printers are now available for student use in Lester 107 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. Masks are required. Distancing and hygiene practices are in place.
ODU has agreed to make campus housing available to full-time, salaried EVMS clinical faculty, residents, fellows and staff who are caring for patients as COVID-19 frontline workers.
04-13-2020 COVID-19 Response - Supplies & Equipment Needed
To assist our partners on the front-lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, EVMS/EVMS Medical Group is collecting in-kind donations of supplies and equipment.
04-10-2020 Annual Training deadline extended; latest Town Hall video posted
Deadline to complete Annual Faculty and Staff Training and other required annual training courses (for select faculty/staff based on roles) extended to Friday, May 15. Town Hall video now available.
Available study space, access to printers and scanners, student club and class events, student volunteer efforts for EVMS' COVID-19 Response, important resources, and list of student affairs team
04-08-2020 Important Operational Updates in Regards to COVID-19
Brickell Medical Sciences Library will close at 5 p.m. Friday, April 10th. Student Center will close Friday, April 10th. EVMS Bookstore staff will work remotely. Compliant cloud file storage options.
04-08-2020 Employee Virtual Town Hall set for Thursday, April 9
To address employees' concerns and questions, EVMS is hosting an employee Virtual Town Hall on Thursday, April 9.
04-03-2020 Important update to EVMS COVID treatment protocol
The EVMS COVID protocol was updated this afternoon. There is a major change. COVID-19 results in a hypercoagulable state.
04-03-2020 Guidance for healthcare providers treating COVID-19 patients
EVMS Medical Group is providing guidance for healthcare providers treating COVID-19 patients. This approach to COVID-19 is based on the best (and most recent) available literature.
04-01-2020 Families First Coronavirus Response Act
On April 1, 2020, the U.S. Department of Labor announced new action regarding how American workers and employers will benefit from the protections and relief of the law.
04-01-2020 New guidance and restrictions on students working in labs
Access by PhD and Masters graduate students will be restricted in research laboratories.
03-30-2020 Clarifying impact of Governor's stay-at-home order on EVMS
With the exception of essential personnel, supervisors must require all eligible employees to work remotely.
03-27-2020 Update Following the 3/26 Virtual Town Hall
The Town Hall was the first of what will be a series of live broadcasts to provide updated information and to answer your questions.
03-26-2020 YMCAs now offering emergency child care for essential personnel
Beginning today, local YMCAs are offering emergency child care services for essential personnel, including healthcare workers, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
03-25-2020 How to watch the Virtual Town Hall at noon Thursday
Richard V. Homan, MD, President and Provost of EVMS and Dean of the School of Medicine, will hold a Virtual Town Hall on Thursday, March 26 to update the community on the COVID-19 pandemic response.
03-22-2020 Student COVID-19 Case
EVMS was notified that one of our Physician Assistant students has been confirmed as having COVID-19.
3-20-2020 UPDATE: COVID-19 Information for the EVMS Research Community
Research leadership is alerting you to some additional operational guidance and requirements effective immediately.
03-20-2020 Vacation and Travel during the Pandemic
For the health and safety of the EVMS community, EVMS is strongly recommending all personal travel be postponed due to COVID-19.
03-18-2020 Teleconferencing resource available through EVMS COVID-19 website
We have posted information about tools you can use to work effectively off campus.
03-17-2020 COVID-19 Information for the EVMS Research Community
EVMS is recommending that all researchers begin ramping down non-essential research activities – and that no new experiments or studies be initiated during this outbreak.
03-16-2020 Directive for Remote Work during COVID-19 Pandemic
EVMS employees who can work remotely and are approved by their supervisor should do so until further notice.
03-16-2020 IMPORTANT: Your EVMS source of information regarding COVID-19
To safeguard our systems, information and workforce, our website will be the official source for COVID-19 information.
03-16-2020 IMPORTANT INFORMATION Regarding Clinical Rotations
All MD and Health Professions students are being recalled from all clinical rotations effective immediately and until further notice.
03-15-2020 Important Update on COVID-19 Screening Procedures
To safeguard the health of our campus and our community, we have established a drive-through COVID-19 clinical screening site for our patients, faculty, residents, staff, and students.
03-13-2020 Important Information regarding COVID-19
A message from Richard V. Homan, MD, President and Provost, Dean of the School of Medicine, on steps EVMS is taking amid the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
03-13-2020 Urgent information regarding Telework/Remote Work and Emergency Leave
Remote work may be available under the EVMS Telework/Remote Work Policy depending on the nature of your position.
03-12-2020 Match Day 2020 Announcement
In light of today’s declaration of a state of emergency for Virginia and in keeping with our steadfast commitment to the health and wellbeing of the EVMS community, Match Day will not be held.
03-10-2020 New Coronavirus Travel Restrictions
To protect the health of our faculty, staff, residents, students and patients, EVMS is indefinitely prohibiting employee attendance at domestic and international conferences.
02-28-2020 International Travel Update
As of Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, the CDC has issued Level 3 Warning; Avoid Nonessential Travel for the following countries: China, South Korea, Italy and Iran.
02-07-2020 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Health Alert
EVMS and EVMS Medical Group continue to monitor updates from the CDC and Virginia Department of Health regarding the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV).