University Health Service Executive Director, Dr. Robert Ernst, shares tips on staying safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, whether working from home, or reporting to work for essential functions.

For many during this challenging and uncertain time, the most important recommendations are to stay home and away from crowds, and to focus on developing creative ways to deliver our core academic and co-curricular offerings remotely. Even while maintaining social distancing there is an opportunity for innovation; the end result of this use of technology can not only help sustain the mission-critical functions of the university but can also maintain a sense of purpose and connection with others. I’ve also found that it is extremely important for supervisors and colleagues to communicate and check in frequently.

Besides social distancing strategies (avoiding crowds, isolating if coughing/sneezing, maintaining physical distance), the most important measures to keep from getting sick are strict hand-hygiene practices and careful environmental measures to keep high-touch areas clean.

There are a few things that I’ve heard promoted that are less certain right now. The idea of wearing masks in public is something that has been normalized, and as this pandemic progresses we may see more of this. However, the people who really need masks are the health care staff who work closely with symptomatic individuals. It is already becoming standard practice for all patients and staff to wear masks in hospitals and clinics, so the demand is high for masks in these important areas.

Because of the concern that the virus can live for some time on surfaces, there have been a number of preventive strategies promoted to reduce the likelihood of contact. From what I’ve seen in studies, hard surfaces like stainless steel and plastics are more worrisome than cardboard, paper, or clothing. For that reason, I do think it’s a good idea when grocery shopping to either wear disposable gloves or keep a supply of sanitizing wipes on hand for door handles, grocery carts, gas pump handles, and so on. I worry less about the goods on the shelves, but it may not be unreasonable to wipe off the larger items before bringing them into your home.

I think it is very important that everyone find ways to stay physically active during this time of social distancing. Again, there are opportunities to connect virtually through web-based yoga or exercise sessions. Our Wolverine Wellness colleagues, in partnership with Rec Sports and other Student Life units, have plans to reach out to students with a variety of offerings that promote relaxation, movement, and exercise.

It’s very important to remember that all student support resources and co-curricular learning opportunities remain available in creative and innovative ways. I would echo a quote by President Schlissel in an interview with the Michigan Daily last week when he said that we as a university have adapted ‘pretty darn fast’ to the fast-moving challenges associated with the COVID19 crisis. The student experience is now taking place on a virtual campus that offers remote learning, but also includes virtual visits to Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS), wellness coaching sessions, University Health Service (UHS) care for a wide range of physical and emotional concerns, and many other services. I would encourage students to connect with these important resources, just as they are doing with their coursework.