Emergency Notification: COVID-19 Resources, Protocols for Fall 2020

Published Aug 10, 2020 by
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The following email was sent via ECU Alert on Monday, Aug. 10.

Emergency Notification Email:

We are sending you this Emergency Notification as a requirement of the U.S. Department of Education Clery Act, which guides what health and safety information universities share with their campus.

As the fall semester begins, we want to remind you that COVID-19 is still present in Greenville and the surrounding areas. We all must take steps to slow the spread of the disease. The intent of this message is to share information about ECU COVID-19 resources and protocols for the fall semester. The Return of Pirate Nation website outlines all the safety precautions the University is taking to minimize the spread of the virus.

Protecting our Pirates

Faculty, staff, students and visitors on campus are expected to wear a face covering when in public places and face-to-face meetings, including classrooms and labs. It is important that all Pirates know their Ws

  • Wear a cloth face covering if you will be with other people
  • Wait 6 feet apart. Avoid close contact
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer

It’s important we do all we can to protect the health and safety of ourselves and those around us. This includes avoiding in-person social gatherings off campus of more than 10 people if indoors and 25 people if outdoors. Your actions and choices this year will have an enormous impact on your life and education and the health and welfare of every person with whom you come into contact. 

Communication

A website to update the community on confirmed cases of COVID-19 reported to the university is available. This website is updated weekly and includes information on how to report a positive diagnosis and more information regarding ECU’s response. 

As a reminder, the University will not communicate broadly about individual positive cases, consistent with the State Human Resources Act and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, as well as other privacy considerations. Individuals who have been potentially exposed to the positive case will be notified through the University’s contact tracing procedures. The University will determine the release of non-identifying communications about clusters of positive results based on approved guidelines.

Health and Wellness

It is our collective responsibility to keep campus as safe as possible, so it is critical that you conduct a daily self-screening for COVID-19-related symptoms prior to reporting to campus. The screening link will be sent to you in a text message each morning and will also be displayed on signs throughout campus. The screening process is quick and can be completed on a computer, tablet, or smartphone with Internet access.

To ensure you receive the daily text message that contains the link to the self-screening website, please log into PiratePort now and enter your cell phone information via the “Mobile Device Registration.”

If you plan to come to campus, we suggest you register your mobile number. It is important to know that everyone will receive messages reminding them to complete the daily self-assessment. If you register your mobile device, you will receive the text reminder, not an email reminder.

If you are experiencing symptoms, you should not report to work or class and should contact your health care provider.

Students with a confirmed case of the COVID-19 infection, suspected infection or exposure are required to report status on a self-reporting form through Student Health Services, found on PiratePort. Employees should notify their supervisor by email or phone if they are feeling ill.

Stay active, get outside, exercise and take breaks regularly, and connect appropriately with family or friends. Reach out for support if you or someone you know needs help coping with or navigating concerns around mental health and well-being. You can contact the Center for Counseling and Student Development.

Physical distancing should not mean social isolation. Seek opportunities to connect appropriately with small groups and student organizations and take advantage of the virtual programs and services that can keep you engaged as a proud Pirate.

The Return of Pirate Nation website will be updated regularly so we encourage community members to reference the resource frequently.

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