Part I: Overview

PARTI

PROTECTING THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF OUR COMMUNITY: AN OVERVIEW

The Brown School Public Health Protocol Plan will guide plans for moving forward with a Fall 2020 semester. Rooted in our professional values and ethics and driven by evidence, the plan takes into account a complex set of priorities as we navigate the evolving circumstances of a global public health crisis.

Protect | Protecting the health, safety and well-being of our community isparamount

Prevent | Preventing exposure, spread and incidence of COVID-19 takes precedence

Preserve | Preserving the excellence of our academic and research missions is vital

The Brown School Public Health Protocol Plan is a comprehensive guide for returning constituents to campus and maintaining Brown School facilities and operations, in the wake of the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Drawing from the best available current scientific evidence and public health guidance, the plan establishes new protocols that promote health and safety, while preserving the continuity of missioncritical operations in education, research, and community partnerships. As we learn more about COVID-19, we expect that the federal, state and local guidance and our Plan will evolve.

Our number one priority is to protect human health and life.

During the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, Washington University in St. Louis took significant steps to help slow down the spread of the virus and to reduce the risk to its community and the region at large. Plans for gradually restoring and maintaining operations at the Brown School will continue to apply evidenced-based knowledge to prioritize health and safety.

“Your commitment to protecting the health and safety of each other, supporting and connecting in times of challenge and uncertainty, and your willingness to be flexible, patient, calm and positive in a crisis demonstrate a set of shared values that is inspirational.”

–Mary McKay, Neidorff Family and Centene Corporation Dean of the Brown School, Statement of values, March 18, 2020

Brown School Public Health Protocol Plan

The Brown School Public Health Protocol Plan is a practical guide for a phased return to operations and scenario planning beginning in the summer of 2020 for the 2021 academic year. It was developed by a committee of faculty, staff, and students representing expertise from the School’s three disciplines: social work, public health, and social policy. Protocols within our plan align with the overall university plan and policies(per the WashU Together Plan for Fall 2020), and takes into account federal, state, and local public health leadership and guidance.

The Brown School Public Health Protocol Plan:

Provides science and value-based guidance for instituting public health measures that protect our constituents Prioritizes and implements protective health measures and protocols Establishes minimum safety standards and procedures for operation

Rooted in Values, Driven by Evidence

The cornerstone of the Brown School is a caring and engaged community driven by our commitment to justice and equity. The intersection of social work, public health, and social policy allows us to draw on the best practices and evidence to advance positive social change.

Plans for returning to campus reflect the values and ethicsthat guide our professions. Public health science and evidence-based practices will inform our decision-making, and we will draw on our strengths as changemakersto cultivate new behaviors and practices.

Guiding Principles

The health, safety and well-being of our community, and region, is paramount. Individual and group behaviors are key to ensuring the implementation of public health measures. The Brown School vision of social justice and equity will guide us and help ensure equitable access to health and safety across our community. Science and evidence-based practices will inform our decisions.

Evidence-based Practices

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), protecting the public's health depends on implementing proven strategies to improve health outcomes. Proven strategies, also known as best practices, are evidence-based, effective, and ethical. They are rooted in systemic research and have been evaluated for their replicability, feasibility and sustainability. Often, best practices reflect transdisciplinary collaboration, as well as community relevance and input. These practices are subject to change based on new evidence and information.

Sources of Information

The COVID-19 pandemic is a rapidly developing public health crisis. The urgency to combat this global threat has accelerated learning and the assimilation of research into practice and policymaking. The fastpaced response to the pandemic has also given rise to misinformation. It is critical that we rely on credible sources of research, data, and intelligence to inform our decision-making. As such, plansand protocols will be updated as needed to reflect the latest knowledge and best practices from the following agencies and organizations.

World Health Organization (WHO) | WHO's primary role is to direct international health within the United Missouri by working to improve the

Nations' system and to lead partners in global health responses

Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) | The nation’s leading science-based, data-driven, service education, research and patient care;

organization that protectsthe safety, health, and security of America

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) | The Federal agency responsible for conducting public health experts

research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related injury and illness (NIOSH is part of the CDC, in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services)

Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) | Congress created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to ensure safe working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance

American Public Health Association | A national organization for public health professionals working to improve the public's health and to achieve equity in health status for all

Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services | Serves the citizens of health and quality of life for Missourians of all ages

Washington University School of Medicine | Leaders in medical among the top medical schools in the nation

Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis| Top-ranked school of social work and programsof public health and social policy, facilitated by nationally recognized faulty, researchers, and and healthful working conditions for

State of Missouri’s Show Me Strong Recovery Plan | State authorized plan for reopening and economic recovery

St. Louis County Government and Department of Public Health | Local government agency issuing orders and information regarding COVID-19

City of St. Louis Government and Department of Public Health | Local government agency issuing orders and information regarding COVID-19

Public Health Measures

The virus that causes COVID-19 is transmitted mainly from person-to-person via respiratory droplets. Transmission is possible from individuals who have no symptoms or signs of illness, as well as from surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with COVID-19. The most effective method of prevention is to avoid exposure to the virus. Limiting contact with others is the best way to reduce the spread. The CDC and other public health officials have prescribed the following public health measures to reduce the risk of transmission.

Decreased density | Population density is a metric of physical distancing feasibility. The smaller the population, the less risk for exposure and potential spread of the virus.

Physical distancing(also known as social distancing) | Maintaining at least 6 feet between yourself and other people (about two adult arms’ length) is one of the most effective tools in reducing exposure.

Screening for symptoms | Regularly monitoring for signs and symptoms of COVID-19 is key to early detection and minimizing transmission.

Hand washing| Frequently washing hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds is one of the most important precautions available.

Respiratory etiquette | Hygienic practices that include covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze and not touching your mouth, nose, and eyes must be maintained.

Masks and face coverings | CDC recommends the use of simple cloth face coverings to slow the spread of the virus and help people who may have the virus and do not know it from transmitting it to others.

Cleaning and disinfection | Cleaning and disinfectingfrequently touched objects and surfaces, with strict adherence to manufacturer instructions and safety precautions, can help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Staying home | Avoiding close contact with people who are sick and remaining home if you feel ill helps to reduce exposureand spread. Familiarity with symptoms and access to medical attention might be necessary. Testing positive for COVID-19 requires specific protocols.

There are currently no drugs licensed for the treatment or prevention of COVID-19, and until a vaccine is available, the above public health measures are our best defense against the disease. For more information about the virus, symptoms, and transmission, see Appendix A: About COVID-19. A list of key terms is available in Appendix B.

Key Considerations for Campus Operations

The Brown School’s community of changemakers–faculty, staff, students, alumni and community partners –has always had far-reaching impacts, well beyond the boundaries of our remarkable campus facilities. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, our goals have not changed, but our ways of operating have. Creating a healthy and safe learning and working environment has taken on a new meaning, one that consists of unprecedented complexity. Resumption of campus operations will involve careful consideration of many factors including public health conditions and institutional capacity.

Monitoring and surveillance | Systems that detect the emergence and spread of infection is standard protocol for reopening. In alignment with university guidance, all faculty, staff and students will have to participate in regular self-screening and follow explicit quarantine and isolation protocols if they become ill or are exposed to someone else who is symptomatic or tests positive for COVID-19.

Public health metrics| Testing, healthcare system capacity, and local incidence criterion will have substantial influence on determining the selection and timing of mitigation strategies.

University and government guidance | Managing the safe return of employees and students to campus will occur in accordance with university guidance and resources. The University will continue to coordinate with local public health departments, healthcare systems, and will adhere to state and local public health orders.

Workforce | Authorized staff and faculty will be permitted on campus for specific tasks. Individuals recalled to campus must fully comply with new health and safety protocols. Scheduling will depend on capacity to maintain physical distancing. Most of our workforce will remain under remote work conditions; HRpolicies have been adjusted to encourage telecommuting and flexible work hours. However, departments should consider contingency plans in the event of employee absenteeism.

Academic instruction | To create an environment that is as safe as possible, a significant portion of graduate instruction will occur through virtual platforms during the Fall 2020 semester, with select courses held on campus. The Office of Field Education will coordinate guidance on practicum activi ties for students (which we expect to be a combination of remote and in-person field activities).

Supplies & equipment| New safety protocols and changes in operations require use of specific supplies and equipment (e.g. personal protective equipment, hand sanitizer, and disinfecting products). Availability of and access to these resources will affect our capacity to resume and maintain on-site operations.

Vulnerable populations| Some members of our community, or members of their household, are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Additional precautions may be available to further enhance their safety and consideration will be given to how they might engage in learning and working activities remotely. Managers will refer to the Human Resources Management Guidance for Employees Returning to Danforth Campus for detailed guidance.

Compliance | The success and effectiveness of this plan is reliant upon our personal and unified commitment to protect one another. Each individual is responsible for helping to uphold our standards and expectations of safety and public health. All faculty, staff, and students will be required to complete training and a community pledge.

As Washington University ramps up for the 2020-2021 academic year, the Brown School’s fall semester is set to begin on August 24, 2020. Plans for reactivating campus operations will be executed according to two phasing frameworks: one driven by the academic calendar; the other based on public health conditions. This means that campus-based activity iscontingent upon health metrics that determine that the prevalence of disease is low enough to operate safely.

University Alert Levels

The university will operate under an alert system that uses four levels to indicate the severity of COVID19 transmission in the St. Louis region and/or on campus. These levels will determine the nature of campus operations.

Very High Alert (Red): Stay at home orders are in place

High Alert (Orange): Limited activities occur on campus

Moderate Alert (Yellow): Open with many protective measures still actively in place

Low Alert (Green): New Normal

Factors that could raise or lower the alert level include: Transmission rates, accessibility to testing, availability of personal protective equipment, contact tracing capabilities, capacity of health care systems, and rate of compliance with public health requirements, both on-and off-campus.

A shift to Very High Alert (Red) indicates the need to limit activity on campus and potentially to significantly reduce campus density. If this were to occur, the Brown School would attempt toprovide as much advance notice as possible to its students, faculty, and staff.

University COVID Monitoring Team

A COVID Monitoring Team has been established to oversee the implementation of the alert level system. The team, which includes campus experts in medicine, public health, emergency management and logistics, will coordinate the collection and review of data related to COVID-19 prevalence in the university and St. Louis communities and recommend the appropriate level of campus operations based on current conditions.

More information about monitoring and containment is available in the third part of this protocol.