Moving Medical Students into Shared Housing During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated adaptations in medical education to maintain in-person learning.
• Safely relocating students to shared on-campus housing presented significant public health challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a behavior-based strategy for safely moving medical students into shared housing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• To share a successful model for preventing SARS-CoV-2 transmission in student residences.

Main Methods:

• Implemented a phased move-in process with 14-day quarantines for students from high-prevalence states.
• Required students to sign a COVID-agreement and utilize a daily phone-based risk assessment.
• Facilitated safe, in-person social activities with peer monitoring of behavior guidelines.

Main Results:

• No known transmission of SARS-CoV-2 occurred in student housing from July to October 2020.
• The strategy effectively managed risks associated with student relocation during the pandemic.

Conclusions:

• Behavior-based strategies can successfully mitigate SARS-CoV-2 transmission in shared student housing.
• This model offers a viable approach for medical schools to ensure student safety and educational continuity.