We know that this is traditionally a time of year to enjoy potlucks and fellowship with colleagues, but with cases increasing in our community and more staff out sick than at the height of our summer surge, it’s crucial that we remain diligent in our practices of masking, physical distancing and hand washing. To safeguard your health and the health of your colleagues, do not host any gatherings, potlucks or holiday celebrations in your department this holiday season.

With at least two COVID-19 vaccines on the horizon, Trinity Health has developed new guidance for colleagues in regards to the distribution of the vaccine when it is made available. Please take a few minutes to read this important communication from Trinity Health Leadership.

COVID-19 cases in the U.S. have hit an all-time high, and it’s likely we will experience a second wave, locally. We need your help to blunt the curve, especially with the holidays upon us. Now more than ever, please be diligent about wearing your mask, washing your hands and staying physically distanced from others. To help keep you and your loved ones safe this holiday season, Trinity Health has made Microsoft Teams available to colleagues for personal use through Jan. 4, 2021.

Thanks to your successful participation, at the end of last week we were able to deploy additional screening stations across the Medical Center to make daily screening more convenient. We hope these additional locations make it even easier for you to “scan for safety” before starting work. Your support of this initiative is greatly appreciated and is one more way we are collectively demonstrating our Pledge to Protect.

As a result of the tremendous response from colleagues, more spots have opened for serology testing. Testing is FREE to ALL colleagues (even if you don’t purchase your health insurance through Saint Agnes) now through December 31. Testing – which involves a simple blood draw – is available in our Outpatient Lab, Wednesdays and Thursdays. You won’t need a physician order, but an appointment is required.

There have been a lot of questions and concerns from colleagues and from those in our communities about a COVID-19 vaccine – which we know will be important in saving lives and reducing the transmission of the virus. We are listening and want to assure you that we are closely monitoring vaccine development in five of the clinical trials that are further along in the U.S. We are also engaging in distribution planning and supporting related supply chain preparations. However, there is not yet enough information about any specific vaccine to make decisions surrounding use.

Yesterday, our new online touchless screening process went live, kicking off our two-week go-live period! Please remember, screening is mandatory, and you must screen using the new system or the manual log (found in Outpatient Center) before the start of each shift. If you haven’t had a chance to register yet, please visit https://app.certify.me/samc to complete your registration.