February 29, 2020
Dear NCCU Students, Faculty and Staff:
North Carolina Central University administrators continue to monitor the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak closely, both globally and within the United States. At this time, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in North Carolina, and exposure risk at NCCU is considered very low.
The NCCU COVID-19 Team is an interdisciplinary panel that includes members from Student Health, Police Department, Environmental Safety, Facilities Operations, Academic Affairs, International Affairs, departments within Student Affairs, and other essential units. A plan has been developed and the team is meeting weekly to review updates and developments from the University of North Carolina System and local and state health officials, as well as guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and U.S. State Department.
North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services officials have convened a statewide COVID-19 Task Force to ensure a coordinated response to the disease by individuals, families, communities, businesses, employers, health care providers, hospitals, colleges, universities, K-12 schools and child care facilities. More information is available here.
In addition, the university has established a website to provide ongoing updates specifically for the NCCU community at https://www.nccu.edu/coronavirus.
Travel and Updates
Effective today, February 29, 2020, NCCU is banning university-sponsored travel to and any nation or country for which a Level 3 or Level 2 Travel Health Notice is issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC list on February 29: China, Iran, Italy, Japan and South Korea.) This covers any voluntary and personal travel by students in undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs — including students in the health professions—and faculty and staff.
There otherwise are no special travel directives for individuals who are healthy. Anyone who is ill or immuno-compromised or has other risk factors should also refrain from non-essential travel to any Level 3 or Level 2 country or nation as noted above. Please remember that this situation is evolving rapidly and precautions and restrictions surrounding international travel may change from day to day. More information on travel advisories is available on the U.S. State Department’s website.
As a reminder, it is always best to obtain information regarding personal health from reputable, up-to-date sources, such as the CDC or NC Communicable Diseases groups.
Essential Tips
The CDC recommends the same guidelines as for flu prevention:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, if soap and water are not available.
- 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.
Faculty and Staff
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- EAP resource information is available for employees who may have family that either live in high impact areas or who may have contracted the virus.
- The NCCU Office of Human Resources will provide guidance on what to do and whom to contact for assistance if department managers are interested in establishing a temporary remote work location for any staff or faculty member who may have been exposed to the virus. Please contact Mr. Linc Butler, interim chief Human Resources officer, or Ms. Gena Carter, interim deputy chief Human Resources officer, for assistance.
- Please refer to the Flexible Work Arrangements Policy (POL - 80.02.1).
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Anyone who returns from travel abroad and develops a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing should seek medical care immediately. Patients are advised to call ahead to the medical provider to inform them of recent travel and symptoms. Students with symptoms should call Student Health, and faculty or staff members should seek care from their personal providers.
General Information About Novel Coronavirus
For updates and information about COVID-19, please visit the CDC website here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
In Truth and Service,
Johnson O. Akinleye, Ph.D.
