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Seton Hall University

Federal Mandates and OSHA Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS)  

Despite the holidays and cooler weather, State and national health statistics continue to show very positive trends. The New Jersey transmission rate continues to hover around 1. We are monitoring public and University health statistics, and government guidance.

You can read more at: 

Department of Health Launches Traveler Website

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) launched a new Traveler’s Health website which contains travel alerts along with guidance for domestic and international travel. Currently, the website emphasizes COVID-19 and travel safety. NJDOH hopes to expand the website with information beyond COVID-19.

Federal Mandates and OSHA ETS

As reported last week, we received and analyzed the Federal Register release of an Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. This follows our analysis of the Biden Administration’s COVID-19 Workplace Safety: Guidance for Federal Contractors and Subcontractors.

The OSHA ETS only applies to organizations not already covered by the Guidance for Federal Contractors. As noted last week, we are implementing the requirements of the Guidance. For us, this means collecting additional vaccination verification, since we already have a vaccination requirement.

The OSHA ETS is being challenged in court. The Contractor Guidance received a challenge but the judge ruled in favor of the Guidance.

Additionally, the Biden Administration announced the implementation of the Guidance and ETS is being delayed a month until January 4, 2022.

We are finalizing a process for employees to upload vaccination information and expect to implement it the week of November 15. We will provide specific instructions next week.

In preparation, employees (including student employees) should take a photo or scan of their vaccination card. Employees will be required to upload an image of the front of the vaccination card for verification purposes. Employees may also use the Docket app by providing an image of their Docket vaccination information.

In addition to employees, we will require all others (primarily students) to have additional verification on file at a later date, but prior to returning for the spring 2022 semester. This University-wide verification exceeds the federal guidance.

Copying and Uploading Vaccine Information

All vaccinated members of the community should carry their vaccination card and/or take a picture of it with their mobile phone.

Students should upload their vaccination cards on the student Health Portal.

New Jersey residents can download and use the State-supported Docket app which provides digital access to COVID-19 immunization records.

University Update

  • There were 2 new cases since last week’s report.
  • As of November 10, the five-day moving average of positive cases is at 0.
  • 0 on campus quarantine and isolation beds are occupied.
  • There are 2 individuals in isolation.
  • The entire campus community has a vaccination rate of 90.5% with 98% of those fully vaccinated. We are particularly grateful to our students, faculty, and staff for doing their part; through their efforts, we have a highly vaccinated University community.

This is all good news; however, with the holidays and colder weather we remain vigilant and prepared should cases rise.

Testing Available Through Health Services

The University is following CDC and State of New Jersey testing guidance, and Health Services has an ample amount of testing supplies. Students (vaccinated and unvaccinated) may request to be tested for COVID-19 as frequently as once per week.

You can learn more about testing availability off campus at: How To Get Tested For COVID-19 In New Jersey

Your health and safety remain paramount in Seton Hall’s planning and actions. If you have questions, comments, or suggestions, please contact the HICT here.

Sincerely,

Matthew Borowick
Vice President of University Relations
Co-chair, Health Intervention and Communication Team

Monica N. Burnette, Ph.D.
Interim Vice President, Division of Student Services
Co-chair, Health Intervention and Communication Team

Categories: Campus Life, Health and Medicine, Nation and World

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