With Governor Brad Little’s recent unveiling of a staged plan for reopening Idaho, the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine (ICOM) plans to gradually resume normal operations, as well.
ICOM President Dr. Tracy Farnsworth commissioned the Reopen ICOM Task Force as an ad hoc committee to recommend a measured approach that would allow the college to return to full institutional operation over an appropriate period of time. Taking into consideration state and local guidelines, the committee has developed Phase 1 of ICOM’s re-entry plan.
“Governor Little’s plan commits to biweekly re-evaluation to determine whether it is safe to move from one stage to the next,” said President Farnsworth. “Likewise, ICOM will adjust its planning when necessary in order to follow guidance from the state’s evaluations.”
Gov. Little announced the state would reopen in four stages, with stage one beginning Friday, May 1. Based on this guidance, the majority of remote work arrangements will continue. ICOM’s Meridian-based campus will remain closed to the public.
Employees returning for on-campus work must adhere to to guidelines regarding physical distancing, personal protections, assurance of personal hygiene and in-person gatherings.
Non-essential travel is limited and 14-day isolation guidelines are still in effect after returning from out-of-state travel.
Students will continue learning remotely through June. In July, some students will return to physical learning spaces for courses that require hands-on learning.
The Reopen ICOM Task Force continues to meet and will release recommendations for Phase 2, which is anticipated to begin on Monday, May 18. In the interim, ICOM’s Day Porter continues to execute an intensified custodial plan to ensure employees return to a fully sanitized building.
Real-time updates and answers to frequently asked questions can be found online at idahocom.org/coronavirus.