Updated COVID-19 Prevention Policies and Procedures June 17th, 2020

Updated COVID-19 Prevention Policies and Procedures
June 17^th, 2020

While we have not yet had a COVID-19 case, and while Webber International University has followed and will continue to follow CDC guidance, there exists an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 and other diseases, including those which could be life threatening especially for those with underlying medical conditions, in any public place where people are present.  Simply put, being in public, anywhere, anytime, and doing anything, brings with it the risk of exposure to diseases.

Webber was designated an essential critical infrastructure facility by the Director of Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency of the US Department of Homeland Security in his March 28, 2020 guidance and has continued to operate within social distancing guidelines.

On June 3^rd, 2020 in executive order 20-139 the Honorable Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida “encouraged” people to “avoid congregating in groups larger than 50 persons” This same order “encouraged” people “to follow appropriate social distancing and safety protocols issued by the CDC and OSHA”.

Continuing to follow CDC guidelines and make decisions based on science rather than fear, Webber expects to welcome youth summer camps soon and unless prohibited from doing so will deliver face-to-face classes and offer sports in the fall.  The following policies and procedures are currently in place but are subject to change as guidance evolves and students’ return to campus nears.

Ongoing Procedures

• We are continuing to limit access to the campus.  In addition to strictly restricting access after-hours, a person will NOT be allowed on campus if:
  • He or she does not have a legitimate reason to be on campus, evidenced by a current and valid Webber ID card or a verified appointment;
  • Within the last 14-days, he or she has experienced a new cough that he or she cannot attribute to a health condition other than an infectious disease including COVID-19;
  • Within the last 14-days, he or she has experienced new shortness of breath that he or she cannot attribute to a health condition other than an infectious disease including COVID-19;
  • Within the last 14-days, he or she has experienced a new sore throat that he or she cannot attribute to a health condition other than an infectious disease including COVID-19;
  • Within the last 14-days, he or she has experienced new muscle aches that he or she cannot attribute to a health condition other than an infectious disease including COVID-19 or a specific activity such as physical exercise;
  • Within the last 14-days, he or she has had a temperature at or above CDC’s established fever threshold of 100.4° or the sense of having a fever;
  • Within the last 14 days, he or she has had close contact (within 6 feet for more than 10 consecutive minutes), without the use of appropriate PPE, with someone who is currently sick with suspected or confirmed COVID-19; or
  • He or she, at the point of entry to the campus, registers a temperature at or above 100.4º.
    • An employee registering a temperature at or above 100.4º will be sent home and may not return to work until he or she has been fever free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications or produces a physician’s note authorizing return to school or work activities.
• As a critical infrastructure facility, we are continuing to follow CDC guidance with respect to our essential workforce:
  • Employees who have symptoms should notify their supervisor and stay home.
  • Sick employees should follow CDC-recommended steps. Employees should not return to work until the criteria to discontinue home isolation are met, in consultation with healthcare providers.
  • Employees with increased risk factors should continue to coordinate with their supervisors regarding telecommuting and other options.
  • If applicable, informing employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19 in the workplace while maintaining confidentiality as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) .
  • Practicing social distancing by avoiding large gatherings, maintaining distance (at least 6 feet) from others when possible, and wearing face coverings when the possibility of breaking social distancing exists.
  • Conducting meetings electronically when possible.
  • Limiting business travel.
• As a critical infrastructure facility, we are continuing to follow CDC cleaning and disinfection recommendations
  • Practicing routine cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched objects and surfaces such as workstations, keyboards, telephones, handrails, and doorknobs including the use of products that meet EPA’s criteria and are appropriate for the surface.
  • Avoiding use of other employees’ phones, desks, offices, or other work tools and equipment, when possible. Cleaning and disinfect them before and after use.
  • Canceling, adjusting, or postponing large work-related meetings or gatherings that can only occur in-person in accordance with state and local regulations and guidance.

Summer Camps

On May 22^nd, 2020 the Honorable Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida, in Executive Order 20-131 removed ALL restrictions on youth activities including youth summer camps.  This blanket removal of restrictions regarding limiting of group size, social distancing, and face covering does not yet apply to adults (i.e., college students and employees).

Webber International University does not conduct youth summer camps but rather rents its facilities to independent operators of youth summer camps who run camps with their own personnel and –  consistent with rules, regulations, laws and statutes (some of which, it bears repeating, create an affirmative duty for us to report suspected child abuse) – under their own guidelines.

Nevertheless, with respect to youth summer camps, Webber will continue to practice the procedures listed above with respect to its employees and its visitors and will deny access to the campus to anyone, including employees, facilitators, volunteers, parents, and campers who exhibit any of the signs or symptoms, including an active fever as defined by the CDC, listed above.  Adherence to state and CDC guidelines is a condition of rental of facilities, entrance to, and remaining on the campus.

Posted date, time, by, and authority of:  June 17th,  2020 10:00am EDT by the President of the University of his own authority.

Message ID: 2020-9

 

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