March 27, 2020
Dear Valued Employees,
It’s been two weeks and counting since we adjusted to a new normal of working remotely and of working with a very reduced workforce on our campuses. Some of our employees are also adjusting to a new normal of not being able to do their jobs while at home. Your health and well-being are incredibly important to the university, and we are committed to following the guidance of national and local experts to protect you during this pandemic.
Maintaining a healthy work environment, especially for our faculty and staff who must work on our campuses, is critical to limiting the risk of exposure to COVID-19. Please read this new update from Dr. Sarah Van Orman, Chief Health Officer for USC Student Health, with important information about COVID-19 and workplace health and safety.
We are focused on ensuring as many employees work from home as possible while maintaining critical services, such as health care, for our community. Given our concern for your health and the health of all in our community, the only employees who should be working on site at this time are those who have express clearance from their managers to be on site to perform critical functions. USC Environmental Health & Safety and Keck Medicine of USC have ensured the proper measures are in place to protect our employees who must continue to work on our campuses. Employees who are sick must stay home, for your health as well as that of others. As always, if you have any concerns, please reach out to your HR Partner to discuss.
We are extremely appreciative of your dedication to the university and your flexibility in adapting to our new normal. You are an essential part of the Trojan Family and we encourage you to continue to practice social distancing and good handwashing regardless of where you are working, and as you care for your loved ones.
Please take great care of yourselves.
Sincerely,
Felicia A. Washington
Senior Vice President of Human Resources