News

Lakeland University Coronavirus Update

Mar. 11, 2020

Lakeland University has been monitoring closely the coronavirus outbreak (COVID-19). During our spring break, a leadership team has met to review Lakeland’s preparations and response. There are no campus-associated cases of COVID-19 at any Lakeland locations.

As we welcome back our students and some employees from spring break and return to our classrooms on Monday, we continue to align our recommendations with and follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention, the World Health Organization and other city, state and federal agencies.

Many of our peer institutions have decided to take their instruction entirely online after their spring break. We have decided against that option at this time in large part because our students and faculty are already on spring break and need to return to campus to get the materials needed to continue coursework. Additionally, we feel fully prepared to handle the current situation with the plan we have in place, which we will detail below.

We are requiring you to self-isolate for the recommended period of 14 days prior to returning to campus if you meet one of the following conditions:

• If you traveled to a Level Three or Two area or you were recently on a cruise ship, You can find the most updated CDC travel health notices here. Employees should notify human resources. Students should report to David Simon at SimonDR@lakeland.edu.

• If you believe that you may have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus. Again, employees should notify human resources. Students should report to David Simon at SimonDR@lakeland.edu.

If a student who is required to self-isolate cannot return home, you must email David Simon at SimonDR@lakeland.edu and he will assist you with finding accommodations.

Anyone with a respiratory or other health condition should take all necessary precautions and seek medical advice from their family practitioner/a medical professional. Employees should communicate with HR any special health circumstances. Students who plan to take an extended absence for precautionary reasons should contact Meg Albrinck at albrinckm@lakeland.edu.

Our housekeeping and maintenance staffs at all locations are using a multitude of disinfectants that are approved for use by the CDC in an effort to keep all locations sanitized.

Our goals are first and foremost to keep our students, faculty and staff safe, including those most vulnerable in this situation. We ask that all students and employees practice the following precautions:

• Stay home if you appear or feel sick
  • If a residential student is ill, they must see the on-campus nurse practitioner, no exceptions.
  • The university has made telecommuting available, where appropriate, for employees during this time. Supervisors are expected to be flexible in allowing those employees who are able to do so to work from home.
• Practice safe social distances: 6 feet or 2 meters
• Avoid shaking hands or hugs
  • Use other universal acknowledgements: wave, head nod, etc.
• Wash your hands …
  • After blowing nose, coughing, or sneezing
    • When you cough or sneeze, please cover mouth with a flexed elbow or tissue
• After using the restroom
• Before eating or preparing food
• After contact with animals or pets

All university-sponsored travel to Level Three or Two areas is suspended until further notice. Again, you can find the most updated CDC travel health notices here. We are discouraging university-sponsored domestic travel and travel between our locations. We ask that employees use technology to conduct meetings as much as possible.

All campus events, including athletics, will continue as scheduled at this time.

This situation is evolving daily, and these guidelines are subject to change as emerging events warrant. Our leadership team will monitor conditions regularly and make adjustments as needed with the well-being of our university community top of mind, and we will communicate those changes to all of you.

Any questions should be sent to gallianettidd@lakeland.edu.

The safety of our students, faculty and staff is always our top priority. Your cooperation and collaboration will help to ensure an appropriate response across our institution to this rapidly changing matter.

We thank you in advance for understanding and cooperating.