Leadership Update August 4

Dear MUSC Faculty, Staff and Students,

As most of you know, the number of positive COVID-19 cases in SC and specifically in Charleston County has risen dramatically and substantially in the past few weeks. The number of individuals hospitalized for COVID-19 in MUHA Charleston has doubled in just the last week. Much of this increase can be attributed to the Delta variant of the virus, which is significantly more transmissible than the original virus that sparked the pandemic. Vaccinated individuals are largely protected, although there are “breakthrough infections.” These cases are usually mild, but recent data have demonstrated that vaccinated individuals can shed the COVID-19 virus from their nose and/or mouth and spread the disease to others. Unvaccinated individuals are at very high risk for infection by the Delta variant – and these infections can be severe and/or deadly.

Actions

1. In alignment with the CDC and SC DHEC guidance to control viral spread as quickly as possible, MUSC is strongly encouraging every university staff, faculty, and student (vaccinated and unvaccinated) to wear masks when indoors in the company of other people. We owe it to ourselves and to our community to take these precautionary measures very seriously. Please note that mask-wearing will continue to be mandatory in our health care facilities and on-campus public transportation.
2. A reminder that if you have any symptoms, even if mild, you must stay away from work/school and get tested for Covid. Common symptoms of the Delta variant are sore throat and runny nose, so don’t mistake this for the flu or a cold. You must get tested.

We have been asked why we are not mandating mask-wearing. The SC General Assembly recently passed a proviso that prohibits SC public universities from requiring masks in their buildings. We respect our federal and state governments’ role in guiding our university. We must adhere to this proviso while remaining committed to encouraging our university community to wear face coverings when around others and to get vaccinated for the health and safety of our entire community.

Lisa K. Saladin, PT, PhD, FAPTA
Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost

Stewart Mixon
Chief Operations Officer and
Interim Executive Vice President for Finance and Operations