The safety of the University of Idaho community is top of mind as we weigh the impacts of the worldwide coronavirus outbreak. No current Vandal has been diagnosed with the respiratory disease, formally known as COVID-19, but it’s important we remain vigilant should the virus be detected at U of I, on the Palouse or anywhere in the state of Idaho. U of I’s Infectious Disease Response Team has been meeting regularly since late January to monitor and plan. The team, made up of six subcommittees and a core group of campus leaders, also includes Moscow and Latah County representatives. It is monitoring the entire state for impacts to any of our many locations, and coordinating with Gritman Medical Center and Public Health – Idaho North Central District. We care about the health and safety of everyone in our community and are working hard on plans to mitigate and limit any potential outbreak. We’ve created a website with U of I-specific resources and answers to frequently asked questions about the coronavirus. Our custodial staff, with extra help from Environmental Health and Safety, has taken special care to increase disinfection efforts in high-traffic areas in response to the potential for an outbreak. While the coronavirus is not directly impacting any of our statewide locations, campus leaders are encouraging anyone who may feel sick to self-isolate and call their doctor’s office if symptoms warrant. Faculty members have been encouraged to be creative and flexible as we work through our options for course delivery. To that end, the university has decided to test putting all classes online the Monday and Tuesday following Spring Break, March 23-24. It is possible that classes could remain online after March 24 and we have asked our faculty and students to be prepared should that occur. A trial run will better prepare us should altering university operations be necessary. Campus will remain open and all offices, labs and classrooms will be accessible. We will continue to monitor and prepare to implement procedures to protect our students, staff and faculty as the situation on campus and at our centers across the state evolves. The impact this virus could have on our community is changing rapidly, so it’s important we are both prepared and vigilant for every possible scenario. |