Campus Message - March 12, 2020 - Coronavirus Update

For the most recent campus messages, please visit our Coronavirus news center.

12 March 2020

Dear VSU Faculty, Staff, and Students:
 
Please see the update below from the University System of Georgia, which has been sent to presidents of all of the USG’s 26 institutions. Per the USG’s direction, Valdosta State University will temporarily suspend instruction for two weeks beginning March 16, 2020.
 
We are working right now to make the necessary arrangements with faculty, staff, and students, and more information will be shared as it becomes available at www.valdosta.edu/health-advisory, via email, and on our social media channels.

Please continue to take good care of yourselves and those around you. Practice good hygiene and wash your hands regularly. I thank every member of our community for doing your part in dealing with this health emergency.

Dr. Richard Carvajal
President, Valdosta State University

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The University System of Georgia (USG) is consulting constantly with the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) and the Governor’s Coronavirus Task Force. 

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp today announced state agencies, school systems and local communities have been given the flexibility to implement closures.

Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, all 26 USG institutions will temporarily suspend instruction for two weeks to allow time for USG institutions to test their business continuity plans and online instruction modules and for state officials to continue to assess the current situation regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) in Georgia.

Students who are currently on spring break are strongly encouraged not to return to campus. Students on campus are asked to depart campus by close of business Friday, March 13, 2020, and to remain away from campus until March 29, 2020. At this time, students are not being asked to move out of their dorms for the remainder of the semester. All institutions are being asked to work with students who are unable to leave campus.

We take very seriously the responsibility to make prudent and well-informed choices for the well-being of our campus communities and the public. We continue to prepare for all scenarios in this rapidly evolving situation. All USG institutions have plans to ensure academic continuity as operations are impacted. 

The USG is providing regular updates to all institutions and the public at its website, https://www.usg.edu/coronavirus.

In the interim, all students, faculty and staff who may be traveling in any capacity (either domestically or internationally) are being encouraged to register their travel information so we may provide relevant updates.

The CDC strongly advises against anyone traveling to a location subject to a Level 3 or higher Travel Health Notice, including most of Europe, South Korea, China and Iran. We also encourage community members to check with the U.S. Department of State website, and talk with family and travel companions to make a wise decision about travel plans, particularly related to travel in Europe.

We urge all community members to practice good preventive measures and to visit the USG resource guide for the latest information concerning travel advisories and other guidance. You can also find additional information from the CDC here. 

Prevention of COVID-19 is paramount, and we urge everyone to take appropriate measures such as: 

  • Wash hands regularly.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with tissues.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Be responsible and courteous to others and stay home if you are sick or experiencing symptoms.
  • Respect personal space when greeting others and during conversations.
  • Be mindful of those in high risk populations such as those with underlying health conditions and the elderly.
  • Follow CDC and DPH guidance on personal and business travel to avoid increasing your risk and that of others.

Guidance from DPH identifies those with the highest risk to contract COVID-19 are travelers to countries with widespread outbreaks, as well as those travelers’ close contacts. Additionally, those most likely to develop serious illness after contracting COVID-19 include persons who are older than 60, as well as persons with chronic health conditions.

Health officials advise that the incubation period of COVID-19 is 2-14 days, with an average period of 5 days. Symptoms include coughing, fever and shortness of breath. Most people experience mild to moderate symptoms. Those who experience flu-like symptoms are urged to contact the Department of Public Health at 1-866-PUB-HLTH.

The health of our students, faculty and staff is our highest priority. We will continue to work with USG leaders in collaboration with state officials and DPH to act on the most up-to-date guidance available.

Resources

Frequently Asked Questions (Links to CDC Website)

USG Coronavirus Information Page

https://www.usg.edu/coronavirus  

How is the virus transmitted?

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html 

What are the symptoms?

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html 

What precautions can be taken to reduce the risk of exposure? 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html  

What are the current travel advisories for countries outside the U.S.?

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES  

World Health Organization (WHO)

Coronavirus outbreak updates: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019  

Georgia Department of Public Health (GPH)

Coronavirus resource center: https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus 

Information for schools and universities: https://dph.georgia.gov/document/document/information-schools-and-universities/download 

Printable Resources for VSU Departments and Facilities

What is the Coronavirus? (PDF)

Correcting Misinformation about the Coronavirus (PDF)

What to do if you think you may have contracted coronavirus (PDF)

Stop the Spread of Germs (PDF)

Steps for Flu Prevention (PDF)

Stay Home When You're Sick (PDF)

REPORT HEALTH CONCERNS

Key term: Close Contact - this is defined as being within six (6) feet of an individual for more than 15 minutes regardless of whether a face covering is worn.  

EMPLOYEES DO NOT come on campus if you believe you have been in close contact with a person having COVID or yourself having symptoms or receiving a positive diagnosis. Instead, notify your supervisor of your absence, seek medical services from your primary care provider, and self-report your information by completing the online form or contacting HR directly at 229-333-5709. 

STUDENTS DO NOT come on campus nor go directly to the Student Health Center if you believe you have been exposed to COVID. Instead, call the Health Services at 229-333-5886 to speak with a triage nurse over the phone. Additional guidance will be provided on how to access the health center facility. The health center remains open for walk-in patients with non-COVID medical needs. 

Members of the campus community should report all instances of close contact with a person having COVID or themselves receiving a positive diagnosis of COVID.  To assist with reporting, a COVID Self Reporting link has been added within MyVSU.  

 

covid-self-reporting.png 

 

If you have been instructed to self-isolate or quarantine, you should do so at your permanent home for the period given unless it should be extended due to remaining symptoms. 

Report a Social Distance Concern