Mitchelson: Spring semester updates, reminders for faculty/staff
I realize that you may have questions about what campus life will look like for our offices and classrooms now that students have returned to campus. Much remains the same: Pirates must continue to protect Pirates.
In addition to dramatically reducing campus density, increasing testing (saliva tests will begin soon) and increasing isolation/quarantine capacities, we have had a concerted communications campaign to emphasize the important responsibility that everyone has in securing a safe spring semester.
We continue to maximize the use of remote work for employees who can do so to reduce the number of individuals on campus and the potential spread of COVID-19. Only employees who have been designated as Required On-Site Employees (ROSE) should be reporting to campus at this time. Supervisors should continue to communicate with employees regarding their ROSE status as the spring semester progresses and we continue a phased reopening of campus.
We must all continue to follow the public health guidelines to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19. The university has developed and implemented policies and procedures to lessen the spread of COVID-19 in our campus community. Visit the Policy & Procedures section of the Return of Pirate Nation website to review these.
SlowCOVIDNC app
If you have not already done so, you’re encouraged to download the free SlowCOVIDNC app, the official exposure notification app of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. And yes, I have it downloaded on my phone.
SlowCOVIDNC works by proactively and anonymously notifying users of potential exposure to COVID-19. It provides a way for app users to protect their privacy and identity, while also slowing the spread of COVID-19. Slow COVIDNC does not collect or share personally identifying or location information. The more people who participate, the more effective the app is at slowing the spread of COVID-19.
COVID-19 vaccines & testing
Both ECU Physicians and Student Health Services have been approved as vaccine distribution sites by NCDHHS. The university is coordinating with the Pitt County Health Department, NCDHHS, and the Centers for Disease Control to develop a safe, efficient and equitable plan for vaccine distribution to faculty, staff, students and the community.
As vaccine becomes more available, the campus community will use the website go.ecu.edu/vaccine to register for a time to receive the vaccine. This website also includes vaccine FAQs. A dedicated email address has also been established for questions: covidvaccine@ecu.edu. Note: Student Health Services will contact campus departments regarding employees who are considered essential under Phase 1B on the NCDHHS website.
The COVID-19 vaccine will be available to ECU faculty, staff and students at no cost. Employees can use work time, within reason, to receive the COVID-19 vaccine either on or off campus depending on where and when it is being offered. Employees should be prepared to provide documentation that the vaccine was received. Employees must notify their supervisor of their need to be absent to receive the vaccination with as much notice as possible so that the work unit can prepare for the employee’s absence from the workplace.
Everyone on campus is encouraged to participate in Testing Thursdays through Student Health Services beginning in early February. This is open to faculty, staff, and students living on and off campus. More information will be released as dates are finalized.
ECU Community Expectations
The University has established community standards to promote the health of our students, faculty, staff and visitors. Need to review in detail? Visit this webpage.
Wash your hands often. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Practice physical distancing. Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus.
Wear a face covering. In accordance with the University’s Regulation on Face Coverings- Interim, face coverings must be worn in all settings, including classrooms and common areas and hallways, by students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
Protect the ECU community. Individuals with COVID-19 symptoms or knowledge of exposure should contact their medical provider and not report to work sites, classes or come to campus (unless your primary residence is on-campus).
Engage in smaller group and virtual settings. Individuals and groups, including student and community organizations, should limit in-person programs, events and social gatherings to the number of individuals specified by national, state and local guidance.
Maintain clean spaces. Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched, such as your mobile phone, with CDC approved disinfectants.
Follow immunization recommendations. Individuals are encouraged (and may be required in certain circumstances) to remain current on their recommended immunizations that are covered by most health plans, including the annual flu shot.
Our first and preferred approach to assure compliance with these standards will be through public health education and communication. If necessary, however, the University will institute applicable enforcement measures (including disciplinary, legal or other appropriate actions) to address certain violations.
We have taken important steps, such as single-occupancy rooms in the residence halls and increased isolation and quarantine space, to better position us for a successful semester. That is my goal and I’m confident it is yours as well.
—RonM
Dr. Ron Mitchelson
Interim ECU Chancellor