Updated Guidance Regarding LSUHSC-NO and COVID-19

March 16, 2020 (6pm)

As the cases of presumptive COVID-19 continue to increase across the region, LSU Health New Orleans is taking additional steps to reduce transmission of this viral pandemic.  Effective immediately, we are transitioning to a modified work and learning environment to protect the health of our community while continuing to fulfill our critical mission of educating the healthcare workforce for Louisiana.

It is important to note that our campus is NOT closing but many of our regular operations will change.

Work from Home

Essential services will continue.  Effective immediately, we are beginning to transition to a work-from-home model for as many employees as is practical.  To ensure continuity of operations, supervisors in each division are required to implement plans for (1) remote work for employees who can work effectively from home and (2) modified work assignments for those who must remain on site.  If you have clinical responsibilities, please follow the instructions of your Dean and/or healthcare facility.

Supervisors will monitor and communicate regularly with employees working remotely; those employees working on campus will practice social distancing and take other preventive measures.  Supervisors and employees should contact the Office of Human Resource Management for guidance on all questions related to requesting leave.

Student Clinical Education

LSU Health New Orleans will remove students from clinical rotations and institute alternative approaches to learning, except where needed to support the local healthcare enterprise or to satisfy accreditation requirements.  This strategy will remain in place for the next two weeks while we monitor the situation in our hospitals and clinics, allowing us time to devise clinical education plans for the remainder of the academic year.  This strategy also will provide our clinical partners sufficient time to consider alternative modalities of care in which our students can safely participate.  LSU Health New Orleans will remain in compliance with all accreditation requirements, and we are confident that this temporary measure will not negatively impact the education of our future graduates.

Student Remote Learning Education

As previously noted, student learning has already begun the transition to remote delivery wherever possible.  LSU Health New Orleans will remain in compliance with all accreditation requirements, and we are confident that these temporary measures will not negatively impact the education of our students in our six Schools.

Student Services

Student residence halls and the library will remain open. The bursar’s and registrar’s offices will remain open with reduced hours. Food services will remain operational.

Travel Guidelines

All non-essential travel on university business is suspended. Personal travel should be seriously reconsidered, especially if planning to travel to a region that has been designated by the CDC as a high-risk area for COVID-19 contact.  Prior to any personal travel, the online prior and return registration forms must be submitted.  Based upon potential exposure, you may be required to self-isolate before returning to campus.

How to Protect Yourself

CDC guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html

  • Clean your hands often
  • Avoid close contact
  • Cover coughs and sneezes
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly
  • Stay home if you’re sick

Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available, and resources as well as forms and helpful information are posted here: https://911.lsuhsc.edu/coronavirus/   This guidance will be re-evaluated on or before April 13.  Thank you for all you do to support LSU Health New Orleans and each other.