May 9, 2020 UPDATE
To the community,
Beginning Monday, May 11, all Dartmouth employees who will be on campus must be screened daily for COVID-19 symptoms before they start work.
The new rules are included in the state of New Hampshire's guidance from the Governor's Economic Reopening Task Force and apply to all New Hampshire employers. They also apply to all authorized visitors to Dartmouth's campus, including those making deliveries and working for outside contractors. They do not apply to students who are not employed by Dartmouth.
This directive affects employees who are currently performing essential on-campus work and does not constitute a call-back for other employees to return to campus. Employees whose job enables them to work from home, and who have the necessary technology to do so, should continue to work remotely.
Starting Monday, all faculty and staff working on campus will need to answer five questions and confirm that they don't have a fever before they can begin work. This can be done from home by logging into a new website, https://dartgo.org/tsa, using your Dartmouth NetID. Those employees without a thermometer at home, or who don't have home internet access, should report to one of two sites that will be set up to check temperatures and record answers to the questions:
* Class of 1953 Commons, North Dining Room, from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
* Hopkins Center, from 5:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., use the rear door by the Hinman Mail Center
Dick's House is also available for assistance in checking temperatures but are not able to assist in answering the online questionnaire. Only staff and faculty who have access to the internet or a smartphone (to answer the questionnaire) should use the Dick's House location. Those visiting Dick's House should enter the building through the Rope Ferry Road/Dewey Field Road parking lot.
An employee's temperature must not exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Those with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees or answering yes to any of the questions should remain at home, or return home immediately if being checked on campus, and notify their supervisor and contact their primary care provider.
The five questions are:
1. Have you been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 within the past 14 days?
2. Have you had a fever or felt feverish in the last 72 hours?
3. Are you experiencing any new respiratory symptoms including a runny nose, sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath?
4. Are you experiencing any new muscle aches or chills?
5. Have you experienced any new change in your sense of taste or smell?
Temperatures will be checked on campus using non-touch thermometers. Answers to the questions will be recorded by an individual using a tablet. The sites will be marked to keep those waiting in line 6 feet apart.
Employees entering the centers should wear a mask or other face covering while waiting to be checked. Masks will be available for those who don't have them. Employees are also advised to wear masks while working if they cannot maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from others.
Signs will be posted on all building entrances informing those on campus of the new procedures. Signage can also be downloaded from the Dartmouth COVID-19 website at https://news.dartmouth.edu/covid-19/communications-resources.
A set of frequently asked questions regarding the new policy is available on the COVID-19 website. For all other questions, contact human.resources@dartmouth.edu or call 603-646-3411.
Thank you for your cooperation in the rapid implementation of this screening process. We will consider suggested changes in the procedures to improve the process. We are grateful for your assistance in helping us maintain a healthy work environment.
Sincerely,
Dr. Lisa Adams
Joshua Keniston
Co-chairs, Dartmouth COVID-19 Task Force