To create simplified contact tracing to support schools, the Higher Education Contact Tracing module within the Disease and Outbreak Management System is designed to help schools track and evaluate faculty and student health and coronavirus (COVID-19) related symptoms in a secure web-based interface. The system is based on the Microsoft Dynamics 365 platform.
Individuals complete daily screenings using a mobile or web-based application based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and screening results are used to immediately identify at risk individuals based on symptoms or exposures.
Automated workflows send real-time notifications and create follow-up tasks and alert lists when an infected individual has been identified. If an individual is confirmed to have COVID-19, schools inform contacts of their possible exposure while maintaining confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act. Close monitoring of these individuals through a web-based portal after exposure helps the contacts to get care and treatment if needed.
Safety measures for educational institutions
In this new environment amid COVID-19, individuals require conditions that promote responsible social distancing and present the lowest potential risk for exposure. Schools must strategically think about how they can create safe facilities for their faculty, students, and staff. As many schools introduce health safety measures - such as temperature checks - when entering campuses and building, maintaining social distancing at points of entry will be critical. Providing a safe location starts with the previously simple task of safely getting individuals through the door.
Integrated tools to promote safety measures in schools
The Higher Education Contact Tracing module provides educational institutions the tools required to safely reopen and operate while maintaining COVID-19 prevention and control measures.
Social Distancing Measures:
Capacity management
Safely and efficiently schedule arrival and departures, and assign workspaces to reduce wait times, eliminate queuing and practice social distancing
Faculty, students, employees and visitors receive email confirmations containing screening results
Ability to adjust measures in real-time adapting to evolving guidelines
Daily Health Checks:
Mobile or web-based application to complete daily symptom and temperature screening Regularly scheduled push notifications to mobile devices and daily emails are sent as reminders to complete screenings each day individuals plan to be on campus
Screening results are used to immediately assess whether individuals can safely enter a building and to identify individuals who are at risk based on symptoms or exposure
Automated workflow sends email confirmations with date and time stamp and add individuals to clearance/alert lists
Web-based portal keeps faculty and students safe through continuous remote monitoring
Contact Tracing
Screening alert triggers workflow which generates a contact tracing map and assigns risk level for individuals using integrated course and extracurricular activity enrollment details
Known contacts and exposures manually reported by infected individuals are flagged for follow up
Communication Systems:
Daily screening reminders, real-time notifications and follow-up tasks are sent out using existing communication channels
Peace of Mind:
Ability to selectively close only the affected portion of the school while keeping other campus courses and activities open
Hot and cold spots can be maintained separately
Integrated Screening Process
Schools ask individuals to complete daily screenings using a mobile or web-based application. Regularly scheduled push notifications to mobile devices and daily emails are sent to Individuals as a reminder to complete the screenings prior to entering any campus building or facility. Screening results are used to immediately assess whether individuals can safely enter facilities and to identify individuals who are at risk based on symptoms or exposures. Once cleared, individuals are sent automated email confirmations with a date and time stamp and are added to daily clearance lists.
Integrated scheduling and check-ins
Built on Microsoft Power Apps, this application is lightweight and cloud-based. Individuals access the app via any browser on any device to make, modify or cancel an arrival or departure reservation Individuals receive an email confirmation of their reservation which they can show to confirm they have a reservation to enter or leave the office . Administrators can modify the number of individuals allowed to enter or exit the facility during any block of time Administrators can modify the length and capacity of any arrival or departure block.
