Dear Temple employees, 

We hope you are enjoying the winter break and some well-earned down time.

Due to the rise in COVID-19 cases and the predicted surge, the university announced today that the opening of university residence halls will be delayed until Jan. 21, to coincide with the start of in-person classes.

1. As announced prior to the break, essential employees will be required to report to campus as scheduled on Jan. 3. Essential employees are those designated by their supervisors as necessary to provide in-person services and support during this period. If you are unsure of whether you should report to campus, please consult with your supervisor. Nonessential staff should coordinate with their supervisors to make arrangements to work virtually between Monday, Jan. 3, and Friday, Jan. 21. Faculty scheduled to teach in-person courses for the spring semester that are not designated as essential will teach virtually during this period as well.
    
2. All employees are urged to obtain a booster prior to the return to campus, whether essential or nonessential. If it has been six months or more since your last dose of the Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine or two months since you received the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine, you are eligible for a booster shot. Health Services will resume appointment-only clinics to offer vaccines and boosters beginning the week of Jan. 10. Appointments can be scheduled online. Temple Health System is also offering COVID-19 boosters.
   
   Please upload your booster shot information at temple.edu/vaxupload. 

Any employee who is scheduled to work on campus and is experiencing symptoms or has been exposed to an individual who is positive for COVID-19 should not come to campus and should get tested as soon as it is appropriate. Tests are available through local pharmacies, urgent cares and Employee Health.

Vaccines and practicing healthy behaviors are the best way to minimize infection and avoid transmission. Keep wearing your mask, ensuring your nose and mouth are covered. Maintain a safe distance. Avoid crowds. Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.

More information about spring semester operations, including answers to frequently asked questions, can be found on our website, temple.edu/coronavirus.

I appreciate your continued patience as we monitor and respond to these evolving circumstances. Like many of you, I am hopeful for a return from winter break that will bring with it a sense of normalcy. If we all do our part in the next few weeks, we have a much better chance of making that hope a reality. Have a safe and healthy new year. 

Sincerely, 

Ken Kaiser
Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer