Updated Coronavirus Advisory – February 27, 2020
I am sure you have read with increasing concern the varying reports about the coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading throughout the world. Earlier today, Holmes Murphy, a leading insurance broker for sororities and fraternities, including Sigma Nu, released guidance on the coronavirus that you may find helpful:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring the novel coronavirus outbreak. This is an emerging, rapidly developing situation and the CDC will provide updated information as soon as it becomes available, in addition to updated guidance.
- Per the CDC, there is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. Additionally, the CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- 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 using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- If a member feels they have been in contact with someone with coronavirus or has symptoms of having coronavirus, they need to go to the hospital immediately for testing.
- Should the member test positive for the coronavirus, the CDC and the local health department will conduct contact tracing which will likely lead back to the fraternity/sorority facility (if applicable). Please also make your Leadership Consultant aware as soon as possible.
- It will be under the control of the CDC and the local health department to determine the next steps.
- Individuals should not be quarantined in a fraternity/sorority facility, nor would it be allowed if there was a known case of the coronavirus.
- Should the coronavirus be present in any facility, the facility needs to be properly decontaminated prior to approved reentry. For information on certified decontamination specialists, please consult the Global Biorisk Advisory Council.
As with any infectious disease, prevention and early recognition are keys to proper treatment and preventing further infection.
We will provide additional updates and resources as appropriate. If you should have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me at (540) 784-1502.
Fraternally,
Fred Dobry (Indiana State)
Director of Health and Safety