Coronavirus Update

This document contains updates on several aspects of WCSU’s approach to Coronavirus issues as of Saturday, March 7. The university administration is communicating with health officials locally and at the state level to gather up-to-date information regarding the safety of everyone at WCSU.

Student safety
The first report of Coronavirus in Connecticut came from Danbury, Norwalk and Bridgeport hospitals, where an employee became ill. WCSU Nursing students work in both Danbury and Norwalk hospitals to complete academically required training. While hospital and health officials have assured us that no WCSU students work in the same areas as the infected employee and they have not had contact with the individual, our Nursing students will not work at the hospitals at least through Spring Break, with a reassessment at that time.

We have also been in contact with local school administrators regarding WCSU students working in classroom assignments. No Coronavirus has been reported in those schools as of this date.

Similar discussions are taking place regarding student athletes who may have games scheduled out of state.

Campus forums
In-person forums to provide updates are scheduled on campus for the coming week. All forums will be held at noon. On Monday, March 9, the forum will be held in the South Ballroom of the Campus Center on the university’s Westside campus. On Tuesday, March 10, the forum will be in the Student Center Theater on the university’s Midtown campus. On Friday, March 13, the forum will be held at the Student Center Theater on the university’s Midtown campus.

Ensuring continuing operations
Training will be held in the coming week to ensure professors can continue the semester by teaching courses online if required.

We will communicate to all audiences via all available platforms to convey information that is as timely and accurate as possible regarding university operations and steps that individuals should consider.

Alternative arrangements
Any member of the campus community who has flu-like symptoms should stay home. Students should notify their professors and arrange a plan to keep up with their assignments. Likewise, faculty members should contact their department chairperson and/or dean in order to make arrangements for instruction to continue. Staff members are requested to take similar steps by contacting their immediate supervisor and/or the Human Resources department.

Students, faculty and staff who require accommodations should also communicate with the appropriate academic and administrative leadership.

Staying healthy
Facilities staff will continue to distribute sanitizer and cleaning materials at central locations. The university is working with suppliers to ensure continuing supplies of these increasingly scarce resources.

A clinic for anyone who has not already gotten a flu shot will be held from 1 to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, at the offices of Health Services on the Midtown campus.

And we will repeat the best advice for everyday preventative actions that help stop the spread of germs:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.