The medical school is following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines on how to control spread of respiratory infectious diseases during outbreaks. Social distancing involves “remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance” whenever possible, to limit the ability of a virus to spread. This is not the same as self-quarantine or isolation.

To do our part, we are limiting on-site gatherings to smaller groups (<50 at the current time, though this can change). Some group sessions will be required to be delivered via zoom (for example student interest group meetings, OEEs). Additionally, we are asking members of our community to sit a bit farther away from each other in the library or in meetings; 6 feet apart is the standard.

The library will remain open for now, but please spread apart at tables (consider no more than 2 people per table, one at each end) and restrict group gatherings. Use of individual carrels is fine.

Follow good hand hygiene (wash hands for at least 20 seconds frequently, use hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available, do not shake hands or hug etc. We realize that this can feel isolating for some, and we encourage you to support each other and acknowledge the difficulty of this situation, while recognizing that we are doing our part to protect those who are most vulnerable if they develop COVID-19.