FAQ

That is correct. There is no further guidance at this time.

Last Updated: 03-31-2020 3:39 p.m.

No. EVMS will remain open indefinitely to provide needed medical care to our community, facilitate remote learning for our students and to perform critical research. Get remote work guidance here.

All classes for the School of Health Professions started being delivered online on Monday, March 16, 2020. All M1 and M2 classes will be delivered online beginning Monday, March 23, 2020, immediately following spring break. All MD and Health Professions students have been recalled from all clinical rotations until further notice.

Get more updates through the EVMS Communications page.

Last Updated 04-17-2020 3:20 p.m.

Brickell Medical Sciences Library, including the computer lab, was closed, Friday, April 10. Its staff is working remotely and will continue to provide limited services Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Contact the service desk email for assistance. For reference service, email researchlibrarians@evms.edu; for document delivery, to use your ILLiad account direct ILLiad questions to ILLiad@evms.edu; for general information questions, email library@evms.edu. You can contact individual librarians via the email address listed on the library’s web page.

Last Updated 03-13-2020 2:31 p.m.

Symptoms are fever, cough and shortness of breath. Seek medical advice if you develop symptoms, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19. Find an additional EVMS resource on symptoms.

Last Updated 03-16-2020 3:16 p.m.

Tips to prevent the spread of the illness:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Stay home when you are sick except to get medical care.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Find a helpful poster of this information here.

Find a video with helpful tips here.

Last Updated 05-07-2020 12:42 p.m.

Call your primary-care doctor by phone to be screened for symptoms. You can find a quick list of symptoms here.  If you require testing, you will be scheduled an appointment for testing.

Last Updated 03-18-2020 12:43 p.m.

Employees who have an EVMS primary-care physician can call their doctor for pre-screening and, if warranted, be scheduled an appointment for the drive-through site. Employees who do not use an EVMS primary-care physician can complete a phone screening with EVMS Occupational Health and, if warranted, be scheduled for a drive-through appointment. THIS TESTING IS NOT AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC and can only be obtained only with an appointment.

Last Updated 03-18-2020 12:44 p.m.

If the family member has an EVMS primary-care physician, they can call their doctor for pre-screening and, if needed, be scheduled an appointment for the drive-through site. If the family member does not use an EVMS primary-care physician, they can complete a phone screening with EVMS Occupational Health and, if needed, be scheduled for a drive-through appointment. THIS TESTING IS NOT AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC and can be obtained only with an appointment.

Last updated 05-07-2020 12:45 p.m.

Residents who have an EVMS primary-care physician can call their doctor for pre-screening and, if needed, be scheduled for an appointment for testing. Residents who do not use an EVMS primary-care physician can complete a phone screening with EVMS Occupational Health and, if needed, be scheduled for screening.

Last Updated 05-07-2020 12:46 p.m.

Call the Student Health Clinic at 757.446.5700. You will receive a pre-screening and, if warranted, be scheduled an appointment.

Last Updated 03-18-2020 12:46 p.m.

Clinical protocols have been established and are available on a special COVID-19 resource website. You must use your network log-in credentials to access this information.  https://myportal.evms.edu/covid-19resources/

Last Updated 03-31-2020 9:03 a.m.

Richard V. Homan, MD, President and Provost, Dean of the School of Medicine, advised in a March 30 email that, with the exception of essential personnel, supervisors must require all eligible employees to work remotely.

Evaluate what tools you will need. BEFORE leaving campus, be sure to address your email and phone access and possibly request a VPN:

• Email: Set up your DUO two-factor authentication for email.
• Phones: Consider how to handle phone coverage and forwarding.
• VPN: Decide if you need a virtual private network (VPN) authorization, and submit a hard-copy request form signed by your supervisor.

Essential personnel are employees who are required to report to their designated work location.

Last Updated 03-18-2020 12:50 p.m.

Before you leave campus, make sure you have established your DUO two-factor authentication to use EVMS webmail remotely. To reach the directions, you will need to log in to myPortal. DUO two-factor authentication is available here.

Last Updated 03-18-2020 12:50 p.m.

You may need a virtual private network, especially if you handle sensitive personnel, medical or student records. If you and your supervisor determine a VPN is needed, you must submit a printed and signed . BEFORE DOWNLOADING the form, log in to myPortal, or find the form in the myPortal forms search under “VPN” Please note: the link is in the bold blue type.

Please be aware the network center is handling a historic volume of VPN requests. Your patience is appreciated.

Last Updated 03-18-2020 12:52 p.m.

Contact Telecommunications telehelp@evms.edu if you need to arrange to have phones forwarded offsite.

Last Updated 03-17-2020 11:41 a.m.

If you have questions or need assistance from Human Resources, please call ahead at 757.446.6043 prior to visiting as staffing is limited. Badging services are suspended and no ID badges will be available until further notice.

Last Updated 03-19-2020 9:16 a.m.

Tell the employee to contact Human Resources. All employee illnesses are being routed through Occupational Health, and Human Resources will notify you about the disposition. Employees must NOT return to work until cleared and you are notified by Human Resources.

If an employee reports to work without approval, please contact Human Resources immediately.

Last Updated 03-19-2020 9:16 a.m.

You should send the employee home immediately. Both you, as the supervisor, and the employee need to contact Human Resources. Contact Housekeeping to have the office cleaned. All employee illnesses are routed through Occupational Health, and Human Resources will notify you about the disposition. Employees must NOT return to work until cleared and you are notified by Human Resources. Please refer to the EVMS Communicable Disease Policy.

If an employee reports to work without approval, please contact Human Resources immediately.

Last Updated 03-20-2020 3:24 p.m.

You need to notify Human Resources immediately. 

Last Updated 03-31-2020 5:57 p.m.

EVMS has updated several policies to address multiple leave and related pay scenarios. In addition, new federal regulation are available to assist. Find detailed information regarding COVID-19-related Employee Benefits questions. If employees have questions regarding available leave and related pay issues or any other benefits-related questions, please have them contact Human Resources.

Last Updated 04-17-2020 9:12 a.m.

• All institutionally sponsored events beginning Monday, March 16, 2020, and until further notice have been canceled.
• EVMS strongly discourages non-essential gatherings of 10 or more people. Organizers should consider postponing the event/meeting or using remote technology to help avoid the spread of the virus. The 10-person limit is based on guidance from our health experts, the CDC and is consistent with practices at a range of institutions.
• Meetings and events of any size should be reconsidered. Consider using teleconferencing as an alternative. Find details under the remote section of Faculty and Staff Guidance. 

Last Updated 05-07-2020 5:38 p.m.

EVMS will host a virtual commencement ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 16, 2020. The ceremony will be featured on the EVMS home page at that time. This alternative was supported by a survey of the graduating class and communicated to students by email sent by the administration.

In addition, all 2020 graduates will be invited back to participate in the May 2021 Commencement Exercises and EVMS Alumni Relations is working to create a dedicated Class of 2020 celebration later this year.

For additional information on related virtual commencement events and activities, see the Commencement page.

Last Updated 03-20-2020 1:35 p.m.

EVMS is strongly recommending all personal travel be postponed due to COVID-19. This guidance applies to all employees, including faculty, staff and residents. Read more about specific travel policies on the Travel Guidance page.

Last updated 04-17-2020

EVMS is restricting all travel to both domestic and international conferences.  If your travel was canceled, please request a refund directly from the airline or other vendors as soon as possible. Find additional information on seeking refunds under "Business Travel Restricted."

Last Updated: 01-19-2021

• There may be a limited supply of COVID-19 vaccines available at first. We will distribute the vaccine to employees and students based upon their risk level as outlined in the list below.
• Most of our clinical departments have received vaccinations through our community partners. As such, our current priority levels for our employees and students include:
  • All healthcare providers and students involved in direct patient care not previously vaccinated
  • All other clinical personnel
  • All EVMS employees and students that are:
    • 65 years or older
    • 18-64 with underlying medical conditions
  • Non-clinical personnel in clinical departments, clinical research personnel and security
  • All remaining EVMS employees and students
• Once we receive enough supply, we will open COVID-19 vaccine clinics to subsequent priority levels.

Last Updated: 01-19-2021

• We may not have enough vaccine to offer to all employees and students at first.
• As we receive more vaccine, we plan to offer a COVID-19 vaccine to every EVMS employee and student.

Last Updated 05-07-2020 12:46 p.m.

Call the Student Health Clinic at 757.446.5700. You will receive a pre-screening and, if warranted, be scheduled an appointment.

Last Updated: 01-19-2021

• Read the Pfizer vaccine fact sheet.
• Read the CDC’s information on the Pfizer vaccine.
• Read the CDC’s facts about COVID-19 vaccines and CDC’s frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination.

Last Updated: 01-19-2021

• The vaccine is a new type of vaccine - a mRNA vaccine. Read the CDC’s information on mRNA vaccines for more information.
• The vaccine does not use a live virus. You cannot get COVID-19 from the vaccine.

Last Updated: 01-19-2021

• The Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine includes the following ingredients: mRNA, lipids ((4-hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl)bis(2-hexyldecanoate), 2 [(polyethylene glycol)-2000]-N,N-ditetradecylacetamide, 1,2-Distearoyl-sn-glycero-3- phosphocholine, and cholesterol), potassium chloride, monobasic potassium phosphate, sodium chloride, dibasic sodium phosphate dihydrate, and sucrose.

Last Updated: 01-19-2021

• You should ask your healthcare provider if you should get a COVID-19 vaccine. Your healthcare provider will help you decide if it is safe for you to get vaccinated.

Last Updated: 01-19-2021

• The CDC recommends that you should not get and EVMS will not administer the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine if you:
  • Had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of this vaccine
  • Had a severe allergic reaction to any ingredient of this vaccine
• If you have had an immediate allergic reaction—even if the reaction was not severe—to a vaccine or injectable therapy for another disease, ask your doctor if you should get a COVID-19 vaccine. Your doctor will help you decide if it is safe for you to get vaccinated. At this time, EVMS will only offer the COVID-19 vaccine to those with a history of severe allergic reactions with written clearance from your healthcare provider.
• Read about the CDC’s information on COVID-19 vaccines and allergic reactions.

Last Updated: 01-19-2021

• Yes. Because re-infection is possible, the CDC and FDA believe people who were sick with COVID-19 may still benefit from the vaccine. Persons with documented acute infection in the preceding 90 days may delay vaccination until near the end of this period, if desired, because current evidence suggests reinfection is uncommon during this time.
• For more information, read the CDC’s frequently asked questions about COVID-19 vaccination.

Last Updated: 01-19-2021

• Read the Pfizer vaccine fact sheet.

Last Updated: 05-12-2021

• EVMS uses the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. Read the Pfizer vaccine fact sheet.

Last Updated: 01-19-2021

• The vaccine is injected into your arm, just like a flu shot.
• The Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine requires two doses: an initial dose and then repeat vaccination three weeks later.
• When you receive your first dose, you must schedule an appointment for your second dose.

Last updated: 07-15-2020

The Ramp-Up Task Force has been working on a protocol for gradually re-engaging the community, including some face-to-face activities. Due to increased number of COVID-19 cases in the community on July 15, the Ramp-Up Task Force decided to delay approval for face-to-face community activities for at least one month. We will continue to monitor the evolving pandemic environment and will move forward when we think risk can be appropriately mitigated.

Last updated: 03-31-2020.

There is no risk. EVMS has been accredited to offer online education since the late 1990s. We have provided updates to all accrediting bodies about the increase in on line education and have received approval to proceed for as long as necessary.

Last updated: 06-16-2020

Employees will be able to opt out through the end of the calendar year, 12/31/2020. The grace period to use funds in the account will run until 9/15/2020. We are not extending further because we have yet to get definitive guidance if this could lead to someone over-contributing, since the EVMS plan year does not coincide with the calendar year. If additional guidance is provided, we may extend the grace period and will notify those enrolled.

Last updated 05-17-2021

Symptoms are:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Updated information about symptoms can be found on CDC site. The CDC also provides a Self-Checker tool.

Last updated: 06-01-2020.

EVMS developed a Ramp-up Plan for employees and students to resume activities on campus. The plan focuses on critical procedures that each employee and student must follow and that are provided in the training modules.

Last updated: 03-17-2020

If you have questions or need assistance from Human Resources, please call ahead at 757.446.6043 prior to visiting as staffing is limited. Badging services are available for a limited number of hours.

Last Updated 03-31-2020 5:57 p.m.

EVMS has updated several policies to address multiple leave and related pay scenarios. In addition, new federal regulations are available to assist. Find detailed information regarding COVID-19-related Employee Benefits questions. If employees have questions regarding available leave and related pay issues or any other benefits-related questions, please have them contact Human Resources.

Last Updated 05-12-2021 9:03 a.m.

Richard V. Homan, MD, President and Provost, Dean of the School of Medicine, advised in a March 30, 2020, email that, with the exception of essential personnel, supervisors must require all eligible employees to work remotely.

Essential personnel are employees who are required to report to their designated work location.

A full transition back to working on campus will continue with the expectation that employees working remotely should begin to transition to on-campus activities no later than July 1. Remote work arrangements under the emergency plan (COOP) will end August 2. EVMS policy permits employees to request a telework arrangement through their supervisor. All telework arrangements must be approved by the appropriate supervisor and current telework agreements must be in place by August 2. 

The EVMS telework policy will be evaluated during the transition back to campus to determine if any changes are necessary.

Last Updated 05-21-2021

There is no plan to change the telework policy, which is not the policy we are currently operating under. The remote work policy is in effect as long as the COOP plan is activated, which is currently the case. While operating under the COOP plan, there is no need to change the telework policy. EVMS will consider changes to any policy if a need to do so is identified, but currently that is not the case.

The EVMS telework policy will be evaluated during the transition back to campus to determine if any changes are necessary.

Last updated: 06-16-2020

Essential personnel are employees who are required to report to their designated work location because they perform job duties that cannot be performed remotely and are necessary to ensure continued operations of the school and/or EVMS Medical Group, for example, healthcare workers. police and public safety, and housekeeping. Using this definition as a guide, it is the responsibility of the Department Head to designate positions as essential and document that in the job description for essential positions. If an employee has a concern about a decision regarding remote work, they can contact Human Resources to discuss the issue further.

Last updated 07-27-2020

Tips to prevent the spread of the illness:

• Adhere to EVMS universal masking and PPE policy.
• Wear a mask or face covering when in public spaces.
• Maintain distancing of 6 feet or more.
• Avoid travel.
• Avoid social gatherings outside of work.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Stay home when you are sick except to get medical care.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Last updated: 06-01-2020.

No. We will not be taping off urinals, stalls or sinks.  Our clinical experts indicate that if you wear a mask, you are at low risk in the restroom. Additionally, taping would increase the number of people waiting in line, which could increase risk, and taping off sinks would make it more difficult to practice frequent hand washing.

Last updated: 06-01-2020.

Yes. This assumes that the users of the refrigerator practice common sense cleaning and storage protocols. See this link to the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/newsletter/food-safety-and-Coronavirus.html

Last updated 04-29-2021

EVMS is limiting all travel to both domestic and international conferences.  If your travel was canceled, please request a refund directly from the airline or other vendors as soon as possible. Find additional information on the Travel page.

Last updated: 07-01-2020.

That is correct. There is no further guidance at this time.

Last Updated: 08-05-2021

• It is not known how long immunity from the COVID-19 vaccine will last.

Last Updated: 08-13-2021

New data recently motivated the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to change its stance and encourage pregnant and breastfeeding women to get the COVID-19 vaccine.  The new data showed the risk of complications after receiving the vaccine was very low, but the danger of not being vaccinated was very high. Researchers found COVID-19 increased a number of complications for pregnant women including preterm birth.

The agency also stated that COVID-19 increased the risk of severe illness among pregnant women. That translates to a higher chance of hospitalization, intensive care and use of ventilators.

If you have questions about whether the vaccine is right for you, please speak with your healthcare provider. While a conversation with a healthcare provider may be helpful, it is not required prior to vaccination.

Read the recommendation from the CDC. See the Pulse article on the new recommendation. 

Updated 01-06-2022

The Continuity of Operations Task Force strongly urges all employees, residents, fellows and students to get a booster shot now, and to enter that information on the VAX portal (EVMS login required).

As the pandemic progresses, it is likely that all employees, residents, fellows and students will be required to get a booster shot sometime in the near future.