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Coronavirus Campus Communication

Coronavirus Email from Health Services 3/6/20

Mar 6, 2020

Spring Break travel precautions

Valley City State University students, faculty, and staff:

As Spring Break approaches, we want to provide you with information regarding precautionary health measures to take for Coronavirus COVID-19. While the risk of coronavirus COVID-19 in the United States remains low at this time and there are no confirmed cases at VCSU or in North Dakota, we continue to prepare for a potential outbreak or pandemic.

This is a global situation which is rapidly evolving. It is highly recommended that if you are planning to travel outside of North America you follow CDC and State Department updates and be mindful of potential associated risks of disruptions to your reentry to the United States. Travel within the United States in areas with no COVID-19 cases is considered low risk at this time. This risk assessment will be updated as needed.

VCSU strongly encourages our students, faculty, and staff to consider these recommendations when making decisions to continue on or schedule travel to any of the affected countries.

VCSU cannot restrict the travel of individuals traveling on personal business or affiliate, exchange, direct enroll, or non-VCSU affiliated study abroad programs (travel that is not university sponsored but related to academic or business pursuits, for example travel through another institution or program).

Travel related to family and other personal obligations is considered personal travel. It will be subject to any regulations and advisories of the U.S. government and other relevant agencies. Personal travelers will be required to comply with all U.S. re-entry and quarantine requirements in place and must verify to the university that they have done so prior to returning to the university community. Employees and students taking personal trips to an impacted country (including layovers through an impacted country) must be prepared to comply with self-isolation requirements upon their return.

If you are returning from a CDC COVID-19 Level 2 or Level 3 country, please contact the North Dakota Department of Health at 701-328-2372 before you return to receive further information and instruction. All travelers should be aware of CDC Travel Health Notices, observe CDC travel precautions for COVID-19 and avoid travel if sick.

As you make your plans for travel, please keep these recommendations and safety measures in mind. We recognize the significance of these measures to members of our campus community and are committed to providing support. Our top priority is the health and safety of our campus and community.

While it is unlikely that anyone will be diagnosed with COVID-19 at this time unless they have traveled to affected countries or had contact with someone who has, the CDC reports increased concerns of possible spread in the United States and potential disruptions to daily life. Health officials encourage individuals and businesses to be vigilant and plan ahead. The symptoms are similar to the flu and can cause mild illness or, in limited cases, become life threatening.

VCSU and the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDOH) are prepared and have procedures in place for contagious illness outbreaks. Healthcare professionals are trained to safely care for patients, and emergency management professionals are coordinating preparedness activities and plans with leaders across the NDUS campuses to maintain necessary operations and services in the event of local disruptions. The VCSU Student Health office is in regular communication with public health officials regarding the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19). There are NO known cases of COVID-19 in North Dakota.

Practice everyday preventive actions now.

Practicing everyday preventive actions can help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects daily (e.g., tables, countertops, light switches, doorknobs, and cabinet handles) using a regular household detergent and water.
    • If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent and water prior to disinfection. For disinfection, a list of products with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved emerging viral pathogens claims, maintained by the American Chemistry Council Center for Biocide Chemistries (CBC), is available at Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Fighting Products. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Always wash your hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
  • If you experience flu-like symptoms, it is appropriate to seek medical evaluation by calling ahead before visiting your medical provider and placing a mask on your face upon arrival.
    • Students should call the Student Health Center at 701- 845-7305.
    • Faculty and staff should call their medical provider.

Students feeling stressed/concerned about the situation abroad or other high-risk areas that affect family members are reminded that Student Counseling Services is available to help by calling 701-845-7424.
Should the VCSU community experience a COVID-19 outbreak, further personal protective and community measure recommendations will follow. VCSU continues to monitor the situation frequently and will provide updates as indicated.

Additional resources for information can be found at the following:

Betty Tykwinski, MSN, RN