The University of Olivet continues to closely monitor the outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus). It has been announced by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and state health organizations that Michigan has two confirmed cases of COVID-19.
The University of Olivet task force continues to work directly with Eaton County health and wellness partners on proactive steps to maintain a safe and healthy campus. At this time, all classes and activities will take place as scheduled.
While the College continues to believe the risk to the campus is low, the president is asking that students, faculty and staff continue best practices for maintaining a safe and healthy campus environment.
Travel Outside of the US Over Spring Break
At the time of the College’s Spring Break, March 9 – 13, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) had identified China, South Korea, Italy and Iran as Level 3 countries (widespread transmission). Students, faculty or staff that traveled to any of these countries during Spring Break are required to self-isolate for 14 days after returning to the U.S., even if symptom-free.
What to do if you are not feeling well
Students, faculty or staff should contact their health care provider or an urgent care center if they experience any of the symptoms listed below to determine if they need to be seen in the office. The health care provider will also provide special instructions to prevent exposing others.
- Feel sick or have a fever
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Have been in contact with someone with confirmed COVID-19
Best practices for maintaining a safe campus environment
The facilities staff are paying particular attention to monitoring and regularly disinfecting shared surfaces. Also, these simple steps go a long way in helping to avoid the spread of any virus:
- If you are sick, stay home – whether you have a cold, flu or other virus.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (two verses of Happy Birthday).
- Keep a container of hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol) at the ready for when you do not have immediate access to soap and water.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm or cover your mouth/nose with a tissue (and dispose of the tissue immediately).
- Use your arm or foot to push open doors. If you have to pull a door open, use a paper towel (or any paper) or pull your sleeve down to cover your hand to open the door.
- At mealtimes, always use the serving utensils provided – even if just grabbing a cookie.
- Do not share beverage containers.
- Avoid shaking hands; use a fist or elbow bump.
- Clean your computer keyboard, phone, doorknobs, light switches and other commonly touched areas with disinfectant frequently.
- Avoid large crowds in areas where viruses are prevalent, such as event venues.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
Combating stigma associated with COVID-19
Viruses cannot target specific populations, ethnicities or racial backgrounds. Also, people who have returned from an area with the ongoing spread of COVID-19 more than 14 days ago and do not have symptoms are not infected with the virus and contact with them will not give you the virus.
Next Steps
The University of Olivet task force will continue to work with our local, state and federal partners to address the impacts of COVID-19 on the state of Michigan, our local community and our campus.
The University of Olivet will continue to monitor coronavirus and provide updates as needed. For more information on COVID-19, visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.