As you have no doubt noticed, there are LOTS of opinions out there, ranging from wonderful, to uninformed by the facts, to downright dangerous. Webber has followed, and will continue to follow, the guidance of the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the acknowledged experts in infectious disease prevention and control. This guidance informs our actions and this FAQ.
Q: Does Webber have any suspected or confirmed cases of corona virus (COVID-19)?A: No.
Q: Has Webber suspended face to face classes?
A: No.
Q: Why hasn’t Webber suspended face to face classes?
A: We run on facts, not fear. The current guidance from the CDC for colleges and universities without identified cases of COVID-19 does NOT include suspending face to face classes.
Q: Is Webber prepared to go on-line if necessary?
A: Yes.
Q: Does Webber currently have any plans to go on-line?
A: No. But things change rapidly, so if you’re heading out on spring break, you might want to consider taking your books.
Q: Why did the Florida public university system suspend face to face classes?
A: We don’t know. The current guidance from the CDC for colleges and universities without identified cases of COVID-19 does NOT include suspending face to face classes.
Q: Why didn’t the Florida public community college system suspend face to face classes?
A: We don’t know. The current guidance from the CDC for colleges and universities without identified cases of COVID-19 does NOT include suspending face to face classes.
Q: What’s your advice for spring break?
A: If you’re going somewhere consider taking your books “just in case” and please watch out for each other… scary as coronavirus is, it’s not your biggest danger. Please stick together, watch out for each other, and have each other’s back’s. Here are some more tips.
We strongly discourage traveling abroad. You will recall that on Wednesday night travel from most of Europe was banned effective on Friday (i.e., about 72 hours’ notice), stranding lots of people in airports abroad. Things can happen that quickly.
If you travel to or through a country with a level 3 health warning, you must self-quarantine upon your return to the US and will not be allowed on campus for 14 days after your return.
If you want to stay on campus, we are waiving our usual per-day spring break but you MUST register with Student Life.
Remember to check your @webber.edu email address and www.WebberEmergency.com for the most recent information.
Q: What should I do if I’m sick?
A: First and foremost stay home. Seek medical attention (if you need help, we can assist). If we have to find a way for you to finish up the semester without going to classes, we can do that (but note that you’ve got to work with us to get your work done… if you just stop going to classes without letting us know and without working out a plan, there’s not going to be much we can do for you).
Q: What is the status of athletics?
A: All events are currently canceled until March 27th. All practices are currently cancelled until March 23rd. Here is the official statement from The Sun Conference:
“TAMPA, Fla.—In conjunction with the conference’s Athletic Directors and Presidents, Sun Conference Commissioner Dustin Wilke announced that all Sun Conference competition will be suspended through Friday, March 27.
This suspension goes into effect immediately for all sports and includes both conference and non-conference competition. The situation will be re-evaluated at the conclusion of the suspension. At that time, conference leaders will work to determine strategies and contingencies for the potential resumption of play and postseason schedules.
“The health and wellness of our student-athletes, coaches, administrators, fans, and media will always be the highest priority in The Sun Conference,” said Wilke. “This pause in competition gives us a chance to more thoroughly evaluate the crisis at hand and ensure we are minimizing the safety risk for all parties.”
The Sun Conference advises all athletes, fans, and officials to follow the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control. More information can be found at www.CDC.gov.”
Q: What about Graduation?
A: Webber has followed, and will continue to follow, the guidance of the US Centers for Disease Control.
At this time there has been no change in plans and it is our intention to make graduation as spectacular as ever. But, if the last few weeks taught us nothing else, we should have all learned that things can change rapidly. If I were currently planning an expensive trip anywhere, I’d consider trip insurance (there are a bunch of providers out there; this one has usually been the least expensive for me).
Q: What are the current best practices for infection prevention?
A: From the CDC website:
Steps to Prevent Illness
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
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Older adults and people who have severe underlying chronic medical conditions like heart or lung disease or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing more serious complications from COVID-19 illness. Please consult with your health care provider about additional steps you may be able to take to protect yourself.
Take steps to protect yourself
Clean your hands often
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Take steps to protect others
Stay home if you’re sick
- Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.
Cover coughs and sneezes
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Wear a facemask if you are sick
- If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
- If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
Clean and disinfect
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
Posted date, time, by, and authority of: March 12, 2020 9:30pm EST by the President of the University of his own authority.
Message ID: 2020-3
www.WebberEmergency.com 