March 2, 2020 – EOU Coronavirus Communications from Vice President Lara Moore

March 2, 2020 – EOU Coronavirus Communications from Vice President Lara Moore

Over the past few days, media coverage of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has increased nationwide, and now locally with a confirmed case in eastern Oregon. At this time, we are not aware of any cases directly connected with the EOU community, and the risk to students and employees appears to be relatively low. 

We are actively monitoring developments at the local, state and national levels. EOU has activated its own Crisis Management Team to manage the university’s response. We are inventorying supplies and placing hand sanitizer dispensing stations in all campus buildings. EOU is also working with the public health department and is engaged with the statewide Coronavirus Response Team. 

The coronavirus (COVID-19) appears to be spread from person to person. It can take up to two weeks to develop symptoms, which include fever with a cough and/or shortness of breath. During the cold and flu season, and especially now, it is critically important to take precautions against any communicable diseases. 

We are encouraging everyone in the university community to follow these basic guidelines every day:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty. 
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home when you first notice you are sick.
• Cough into your elbow or use a tissue and then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
• Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others, as well as by healthcare workers or those taking care of someone with COVID-19.
• If you believe you might be infected with COVID-19, please contact your healthcare provider, the Student Health Center or the Union County Center for Human Development. It is best to call in advance of your visit to ensure precautions may be taken so others are not infected. 

We have created a website for the university community regarding the COVID-19 outbreak. Visit EOU’s coronavirus webpage for information and important guidance for campus. 

The Oregon Health Authority website and the Center for Disease Control website provide additional details on state and national developments. 

EOU will continue to provide updates as this situation develops. In the event of an emergency, you will receive information from the EOU Alert Emergency Notification System. 

Please make sure your emergency contact information is up-to-date by visiting eou.edu/emergency. Click on the “Contact Information Update” button, then log in and complete the form. 

Students with questions should contact Student Affairs at 541-962-3635. Employees with questions should contact Human Resources at 541-962-3548. 

Sincerely,

Lara Moore

Vice President for Finance and Administration