January 4, 2022 CDC Isolation and Quarantine Updates As of Monday, December 27, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is shortening the recommended time for isolation for the public. People with COVID-19 should isolate for 5 days and if they are asymptomatic or their symptoms are resolving (without fever for 24 hours), follow that by 5 days of wearing a mask when around others to minimize the risk of infecting people they encounter. The change is motivated by science demonstrating that the majority of SARS-CoV-2 transmission occurs early in the course of illness, generally in the 1-2 days prior to onset of symptoms and the 2-3 days after. COVID-19 Exposure The CDC has updated the recommended quarantine period for anyone in the general public who is exposed to COVID-19. For people who are unvaccinated or are more than six months out from their second mRNA dose (or more than 2 months after the J&J vaccine) and not yet boosted, CDC now recommends quarantine for 5 days followed by strict mask use for an additional 5 days. Alternatively, if a 5-day quarantine is not feasible, it is imperative that an exposed person wear a well-fitting mask at all times when around others for 10 days after exposure. Individuals who have received their booster shot do not need to quarantine following an exposure, but should wear a mask for 10 days after the exposure. For all those exposed, best practice would also include a test for SARS-CoV-2 at day 5 after exposure. If symptoms occur, individuals should immediately quarantine until a negative test confirms symptoms are not attributable to COVID-19. Additional Information Individuals should refer to the CDC website for updated information on protocols following a COVID-19 exposure or positive test.
August 21, 2020 Building a Pipeline for African American Students in Technology Join the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans (WHIEEAA) on August 25 for their webinar, “Building a Pipeline for African American Students in Technology.” About WHIEEAA established the African American Education (AfAmEd) Connector Roundtable Series in June 2020 to address gaps and opportunities for African Americans students and families, and to highlight programs, policies, and practices that accelerate the learning and development of Black students of all ages. This discussion, moderated by newly appointed Executive Director Terris Todd, will enable participants to have access to information, resources, best and promising practices from ED, other federal agencies, and the field. WHIEEAA will highlight ways to successfully engage and systematically support Black students through access to technology and exposure to career opportunities. Registration To register, visit the event webpage. Share this flyer with your network.
October 16, 2018 Making the Connection: Manganese Exposure and Children’s IQ Manganese is an essential additive in the steel making process, with as much as 90% of manganese consumption worldwide being used by the steel industry alone. This presentation will highlight the links between manganese in air pollution to neurodevelopmental consequences, including lowered IQ in children. Keynote speaker, Dr. Erin Haynes, will present her work studying two Appalachian communities in rural Ohio, followed by speakers from UPMC and GASP who will relate the subject to what’s happening in relation to Pittsburgh’s current steel industry. This event is part of GASP’s Making the Connection series, intended for medical professionals as well as community members interested in learning more about the links between air pollution and various health problems. It will begin with an hour of networking and refreshments from 5pm-6pm outside of the Hutchinson and Hayashi Auditorium, before moving into the auditorium for the main program. Walk-in registration is welcomed. Online registration available. Share this flyer with your networks.
