Effective Tuesday (May 26), an initial set of new safe health protocols, including the required wearing of face coverings, will be in place to help those who must be on campus protect others and themselves as work continues to create the safest possible campus. These protocols should be considered preliminary and must be ratified by the Board of Trustees, which is expected Tuesday; additional information will be shared as more decisions are made over the coming weeks.

President Mitch Daniels announced today (May 20) the appointment of the Protect Purdue implementation team, which will work to develop the policies, procedures, guidelines, strategies, and tactics that will enable the University to further its discovery and learning missions in the safest possible ways during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Three medical doctors with expertise in infectious disease and pathology have been chosen to advise and assist as Purdue University continues to prepare for a return to on-campus instruction while placing the protection of its people at the top of the priority list.

Last week, the Purdue Board of Trustees approved the first of many substantial changes that must be made to open Purdue’s West Lafayette campus while protecting those most vulnerable in the community. One of the measures approved is this: “To add the annual influenza vaccination to the immunization requirements for enrolled students, faculty and staff as a condition to being on campus.” Human Resources is expanding on that measure to inform faculty, staff and students that the influenza immunization requirements are for the upcoming flu season, once serum and vaccines are available.

Purdue research operations will return in a phased manner building-by-building. Three elements must be in place before additional researchers or supporting personnel return to campus: Safe Buildings, Safe Research Spaces, and Safe People.

Information about building access, safe health practices, instruction, research activities, support work, travel and events for May through July.