covid-19 restart plan environment, operations, and physical … · 2020-05-28 · 3 draft executive...
TRANSCRIPT
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COVID-19 Restart Plan
Environment, Operations, and Physical Plant Committee
Submitted May 18, 2020
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary
COVID-19 Overview
WKU Response
Introduction
Scope
Planning Assumptions
Projected Timelines
Safeguarding the Campus Environment
Required Actions of All Persons While on Campus
Public Gatherings / Events
COVID-19 Testing
COVID-19 on Campus: Response and Case Management
Conclusion
References
Appendix
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Executive Summary
Inthecomingweeksandmonths,astheCOVID-19pandemicstabilizesandstay-at-homerestrictionsarelifted,WKUwillpreparethecampusforaplannedreturntofullmissionfunctionswiththescheduledFall2020semester.TherestorationofoperationswilloccurinphasesbasedondirectivesfromtheOfficeoftheGovernorandtheoperationalneedsoftheUniversity.TheEnvironment,Operations,andPhysicalPlantCommitteefocusesonthecampusenvironment,includingcampusfacilitiesandinfrastructure,andassociatedsupportandbusinessoperations.ThisreportprovidesrecommendationsforreducingtheriskofspreadingCOVID-19forWKUfaculty,staff,students,andvisitorsusingbothengineeringandadministrativecontrolmethodsinconjunctionwiththeuniversaluseofpersonalprotectiveequipment(PPE).
COVID-19 Overview
COVID-19isahighlycontagiouscoronavirusfirstidentifiedinWuhan,Chinainlate2019.Commonsymptomsofinfectionarelikethefluandincludehighfever,shortnessofbreathandgeneralfatigue.Complicationsfromthediseasecanbesevereincludingfataloutcomes,especiallytothosewithunderlyinghealthconditionsortheelderly.
Thevirusspreadseasilybetweenpeopleinclosecontacttoeachotherbydropletsformedandexhaledwhilebreathing.Aninfectedpersonmayspreadthevirusregardlessofiftheyexperiencesymptomsofthedisease.
WKU Response
InearlyJanuary2020,WKUstafffromStudyAbroadandGlobalLearning(SAGL)begantrackingareportedvirusaffectingaportionofChina.Twoimmediateconcernswereidentified:WKUstudentswhowereU.S.citizenswerestudyinginChina,andstudentswhoareChinesenationalswerereturningtoWKUtocontinuetheiracademicendeavors.
OnJanuary27,2020,aportionoftheEmergencyOperationsCenter(EOC)wasactivated.Acrossfunctionalteamwasassembledtoassessthepotentialthreatofthevirusanddevelopplansforneededactions.Intheweeksthatfollowed,SAGLsuccessfullyrepatriatedU.S.students,firstfromChinaandprogressivelyfromothercountriesasthevirusadvancedglobally.
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ByearlyMarch,aftertheviruscausedwidespreadillnessandfatalitiesonmultiplecontinents,theWorldHealthOrganizationdeclaredaglobalpandemic.CasesroserapidlyintheU.S.,particularlyalongtheeastandwestcoastsandindenselypopulatedcitiesandlong-termcarefacilities.KentuckyGovernorAndyBesheardeclaredastateofemergencyonMarch6th,whenthefirstconfirmedcaseappearedinnorthernKentucky.
Withevidenceoftherapidlyspreadingvirus,WKUPresidentTimothyCaboniactivatedtheEmergencyManagementPolicyGroupanddirectedafullactivationoftheEmergencyOperationsCenteronMarch11th.ThePlanningSection,includingmembersofthePolicyGroupandJointInformationCenter,developedresponseoptionswhichwerereviewedandactedonbythePolicyGroup.SpringBreakwasextendedbyoneweektoavoidtheriskofreturninginfectedstudentstocampusandallclassesweretransitionedtoalternative,onlineinstruction.UltimatelythePolicyGroupextendedalternativeteachingmethodsforthebalanceoftheSpring2020semester.
Theactionstakenwerenecessaryandprovedsuccessfulinreducingtherisktostudents,faculty,andstaff.Whiletheoverallimplicationsoftheseactionsarestillbeingassessed,theyappearconsistentwithotherhighereducationinstitutionsacrosstheglobe.
TheEOCandPolicyGroupremainfocusedontheresponsephaseofthiscrisisand,throughtheeffortsoffourstrategicplanningcommittees,aredevelopingacomprehensiveplantodrivetheuniversity’stransitionthroughtherecoveryphasetorestoreoperations.
Introduction
Committee Charge
TheEnvironment,Operations,andPhysicalPlantCommitteeisoneoffourstrategicplanningcommitteescommissionedbyPresidentTimothyCaboni.ChairedbyMr.BryanRussell,ChiefFacilitiesOfficer,thecommitteeiscomposedofselectedkeyleaders,professionalstaff,andmembersoftheWKUBoardofRegents.ThecommitteeischargedwithdevelopingacomprehensiveroadmapforthesaferesumptionofoperationsatWKU.Asthenameimplies,thecommitteeisfocusedonrequirementsforthereadinessoffacilitiesandtheestablishmentofoperationalelementstomaintainasafeandhealthycampusenvironment.
Committee Members
BryanRussell-ChiefFacilitiesOfficer/CommitteeChair
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GregArbuckle-InterimDean,OgdenCollegeofScienceandEngineering
KenBranch-DirectorofFacilitiesManagement
DavidBrinkley-StaffRegent,StaffSenate
LanaKunkel-AssociateDirector,HousingandResidenceLife
MikeLoftis-Chair,StaffSenate
JasonMcKinney-ViceChair,BoardofRegents
DavidOliver-Director,EnvironmentalHealthandSafety
MikeReagle-AssistantVicePresident,HousingandResidenceLife
BobSkipper-DirectorofMediaRelations
LauraTomlin-AssistantDirector,EnvironmentalHealthandSafety
JenniferTougas-InterimAssociateVicePresidentBusinessServices
Guiding Principles
TheoverridingpriorityofthisplanistoassurethattheUniversitycanoperateandfulfillitscriticalmissionofdeliveringanexceptionalhighereducationexperiencewhilesafeguardingthehealthandwell-beingofstudents,faculty,staff,andthecommunitiesinwhichwereside.
Theproposedsolutionspreparedandpresentedbythiscommitteearebasedonavarietyofapplicablepolicies,guidancedocuments,andbestpracticesfromacrosshighereducation,business,industry,andotherpublicsectoroperationalareas.Theselectionofsolutionsisbasedonthehierarchyofcontrolsprinciple,withanemphasisonfindingabalancebetweeneffectiveness,practicality,andsustainability.
ThiscommitteeischargedwithprovidingspecificrecommendationsrequiredtopreparetheUniversityforagraduatedreturntofulloperationalcapacityfortheFall2020semester.Whiletheprinciplesoutlinedinthisplanareapplicabletomultipleoperationallevels,thedynamicnatureoftheCOVID-19crisismayrequirechangestothisplanandassociatedpractices,procedures,orpolicies.
Scope
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ThisplanisapplicabletoalloperationalareasoftheUniversity,includingregionalcampuses,farmoperations,theCenterforResearchandDevelopment,andotherpropertyholdings.TheprinciplesdetailedinthisreportalsoapplytoUniversitycontrolledfunctionsconductedawayfromthemaincampus.
Exceptionstorequirementsoutlinedinthisdocumentrequireaspecificalternateoperationsplanthatmeetsallgovernmentalrequirementsinplaceatthetime,andapprovaloftheUniversity’sPresident’sCabinet.
Planning Assumptions
CompliancewiththespecificdirectivesorderedbytheGovernoroftheCommonwealthofKentuckyonMay11,2020forreopening,titled“HealthyatWork”,willserveasthebaselineforourrecommendations.TheremaybeadditionalmeasuresthatwillbeincludedthatareinthebestinterestoftheUniversityandgreatercommunity.Inallcasesrecommendationsmustmeetthreevalidationcriteria:
• Complywiththeapplicablegovernmentalmandates• Demonstrateprescribedmitigationmethodsforthedefinedrisks• Allowfortheoperationofcriticalfunctionsinlinewiththemissionofthe
universityItmustbenotedthattheCOVID-19Pandemicisrapidlyevolving,includingadvancesintheoverallknowledgeofthevirusitself,transmissioncharacteristics,symptoms,treatments,testing,andothereffectivecountermeasures.AllplansandproceduresrelatedtoCOVID-19mustbeperiodicallyrevisitedandmodifiedtoaddresssignificantshiftsinregulations,bestpractices,orlocalconditions.
Projected Timeline
Inthecomingweeksandmonths,astheCOVID-19pandemicstabilizesandstay-at-homerestrictionsarelifted,WKUwillpreparecampusforaplannedreturntofullmissionfunctionswiththescheduledfall2020semester.TherestorationofoperationswilloccurinphasesbasedondirectivesfromtheOfficeoftheGovernorandtheoperationalneedsoftheUniversity.
Thetimelineoutlinedbelowisbasedonthepremisethatvirusrelatedconditionsandregulatoryclimatewillallowareturntotheprescribedlevelofoperationsateach
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milestone.GiventhefluidityoftheCOVID-19spreadandgovernmentalresponse,thetimingofeachphasemayrequiremodification.
Current Conditions: Essential Operations
• Acquiringneededsupplies.• Essentialpersonnelandcontractorsmaintainminimaloperations,perform
maintenance,andrequiredrenovations.• Criticalinfrastructureandcapitalconstructionprojectscontinue• Mostemployeesareworkingfromhome,includingvulnerablepopulations.• Mostresidencehallsareclosed.Fewerthan50studentsremainoncampus.• Minimaldiningfacilitiesareavailabletosupportcampusresidents.Plansare
developedforadditionalcampusresidentsinJune.• Buildingsandofficesremainclosedtothepublic.Plansaredevelopedforadditional
supportofficestoopeninJune.• Instructionisdeliveredwhollyon-line.• Noeventsorathleticactivities.
June 2020: Limited Operations:
• Selectivereturnofstudents,suchasstudentathletesandothers,asapprovedbythePresident’scabinetforspecificacademicfunctionsorathletictraining.
• Residenceanddininghallsareopenforcriticalneedsonly.Athletesstayindesignatedresidencehallswithhotelstylehousing.
• Limitedreopeningofofficesasrequiredtosupportneedforexpandedstudentservices.
• InitialreturnofleadershippersonnelandexpandedstaffingtosupportadditionaloperationsandservicesavailablethatfallwithinStaterequirements.
• Mostbuildingsandofficesremainclosedtothepublic.Teleworkcontinuesformoststaff,facultyandvulnerablepopulations.
• Plansaredevelopedtomeet“HealthyatWork”requirementsforphysicalbarriersandroomoccupancylevelsacrosscampus,includingclassrooms,publicfacingofficesandcampusretailoperations.
• Instructioncontinuesonline.• Noevents
July 2020: Expanded Operations
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• Campuspreparationscontinueforinpersoninstruction.• COVID19safetyeducationalcampaignsforthecampuscommunityarefinalized.• “HealthyatWork”plansforphysicalbarriersandroomoccupancylevelsare
implementedacrosscampus.Physicalbarriersandsocialdistancingsignsandmarkersareinstalled.
• Instructioncontinuesonline.• Teleworkcontinuesformoststaffandvulnerablepopulations.• Selectpublicofficesandcampusretailoperationsopenforbusiness.
August 2020: Return to Full Operations
• Returnoffaculty,staffandstudentsandopeningofallresidencehallsforresumptionofface-to-faceinstruction.
• Instructionisprovidedinahigh-flexenvironmenttoallowforstudentsuccess.• Accommodationsaremadeforvulnerablepopulations,uptoandincludingremote
instructionortelework.
Safeguarding the Campus Environment
TheoverridingpriorityofboththiscommitteeanduniversityleadershipistoprovideadequatesafeguardsforthewholeofourcampuscommunityinthefaceoftheCOVID-19crisis.Indevelopingrecommendations,thecommitteeidentifiedpotentialareasofconcernforthespreadofthevirusacrossallfacetsofuniversityoperations.
Specificriskareaswereidentified,andpotentialsolutionsweighedutilizingtheprinciplesdefinedintheHierarchyofControlsasseeninFigure1.
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Figure 1. Emergency Management Hierarchy of Controls describe actions taken to minimize risk to a threat.
ThegoalinapplyingtheHierarchyofControlsisasystematic,topdownapproachtodecisionmakingthatfirstexaminesstepstoeliminatethehazardorsubstitutelesshazardousoptions,followedbyengineeringcontrolswhichalterthephysicalenvironmentinwhichpeoplework,administrativecontrolswhichchangehowpeoplework,andfinallytheuseofpersonalprotectiveequipment.
Thecommitteearrivedatrecommendedsolutionsthatwerealignedwithallfivecontrolcategories.Insituationswheremultiplesolutionoptionswereavailable,finalrecommendationswerebasedonthemosteffective,asillustratedinthehierarchy,aswellasconsiderationsforimplementationfeasibilityandpotentialimpactsonthecampuscommunity.
TherapidlyevolvingnatureoftheCOVID-19crisiswillrequiretheUniversitytooperatebasedonacontinualevaluationofrisksandpotentialsolutionsfortheforeseeablefuture.
Operations Modifications (Elimination of Hazard/Substitution)
TheactionsinstitutedbythePresident’sCabinet(PolicyGroup)inearlyMarcharedefinedwithinthehierarchyofcontrolsaseliminationand/orsubstitution.Thetransitionawayfromclassroominstructiontoalternativedeliverymethodsprovidedstudents,faculty,andstafftheabilitytoisolatethemselvesfromgroupsettingswhichcouldhaveresultedinarapidspreadandescalationofthevirus.Theseactionswereaccomplishedwhilemaintainingacontinuityofcoursedeliveryacrossallprograms.
Facilities Modifications (Engineering Controls)
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EngineeringcontrolssystematicallyalterthephysicalenvironmenttoreducethelikelihoodofspreadingoftheCOVID-19virus.Examplesmayincludesocialdistancingbychangingfurniturelayoutorinstallingphysicalbarriersincustomerserviceenvironmentsrequiringcloseface-to-faceinteractions.Thissectionprovidesspecificsituationalrecommendations.
Reconfiguration of areas to limit capacity and maintain social distancing
Inallareasacrossuniversityproperties,andforuniversity-ledactivitiesconductedoff-campus,provisionsshallbemadetolimitthenumbersofpersonsinagivenareatocomplywitha6-footseparationbetweenpersons,referredtoassocialdistancing.Thefollowingprovidesguidanceonsomecommonsituationsbutshouldnotbeviewedasallinclusive:
• Relocateorisolatechairs,benches,couches,orotherseating,bothinsidebuildings,outdoors,andonvehiclestransportingstudents,tolimitavailableseats.
• Temporarilyclosepotentialgatheringspaces,excludingentrancelobbiesorotherbuildingaccesspoints,todiscouragepeoplefromcongregating.Iftheareasorpartofthetravelpathtoanexit,approvalmustbeobtainedfromtheUniversityFireMarshalpriortoinstallationofanybarriers.
• Reconfigurationofclassrooms,laboratories,andotherteaching/learningspacestopromotesocialdistancing.
• Reduceoccupancyofdining,retail,andeventspacetocorrespondtocurrentstateguidelines.
Installation of Separation Barriers
Insituationswhereface-to-faceinteractionisrequiredtoconductbusinesstransactions,foodservice,orotheruniversityfunctions,installbarriersorphysicalcontrolmeasurestoreducetheriskofdirectexposurefromdirectdropletexchange.
Torequestabarrier,departmentsshouldcompleteaProjectRequestFormlocatedonthePlanningDesignandConstructionWebsite:
https://www.wku.edu/pdc/forms/project_request_form.pdf
Modification of Pedestrian Traffic Patterns
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EnvironmentalHealth&SafetywillconductasurveyofallpedestriantrafficpathwaysbyJune30,2020toidentifyandassessareaswherepedestrianscannotmaintainsocialdistancing(6FT).Whereappropriate,physicalbarriersorothercontrols,suchastransitiontoone-waytrafficpatternsorclosures,tolimitpotentialexposureswillbedeployed.
Cleaning and Disinfection by Area Type
OperationalrequirementsdictateminimumprescribedmeasuresforcleaninganddisinfectingareastoreducethepotentialforspreadingtheCOVID19virus.Thefollowingprovidestherecommendedactionsforcommoncategoriesofspaces.
Athletic Facilities
Athletictraining,recreational,andfitnessrelatedfacilitiesunderthedirectionoftheAthleticsDepartment,DepartmentofCampusRecreationandWellness,orAcademicDepartmentswillfollowrequirementsoftheapplicablegoverningbodies,includingNCAA,ConferenceUSA,ortheCommonwealthofKentuckyrelatedtothespecificfacilitytype.
Bus Operations
TheDepartmentofParkingandTransportationwilldevelopandimplementaplantoregularlycleananddisinfectcommonlytouchedareasoftheirbusesduringnormaloperations.Interimproceduresarecurrentlyinplacetoaddressthecurrentlimitedoperatingschedules.
Classrooms
Cleaninganddisinfectionofclassroomswillbeincludedintheuniversitywidecleaninganddisinfectingplan.
Conference Services
ConferenceServiceswilldevelopacleaninganddisinfectingplanforthespacesthattheyscheduleandmanagepriortotheresumptionofsuchservices.
Food Service Operations Areas
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FoodandvendingserviceareasprovidedundertheuniversityAramarkcontractwillbeoperatedandmaintainedinaccordancewithprescribedfoodservicegeneralandCOVID-19specificrequirementsbyAramarkpersonnel.AramarkwillprovidedetailedCOVID-19complianceplansforfoodserviceandcleaningtotheAssistantVicePresident,HousingandResidenceLifebyJune15thfortheSummeroperationalperiod,andbyJuly15thfortheFallsemesteroperationalperiod.
Laboratories
DuetothevarietyoflaboratoryoperationsatWKU,developmentoflaboratoryspecificwrittencleaninganddisinfectionplanswillbetheresponsibilityofassignedteachingfacultyand/orPrincipalInvestigators(PI).
Interimrequirementsforcleaninganddisinfectionoflimitedlaboratoriescurrentlyoperatingaretheresponsibilityoftheassignedlaboratorymanagers.
ApplicableproceduresassignedrolesandresponsibilitiesandappropriatesuppliesmustbeinplacepriortotheresumptionoftheFall2020semester.
Private Offices and Other Individually Assigned Work Spaces
Cleaninganddisinfectionofprivateofficesandindividuallyassignedworkspaceswillbetheresponsibilityoftheemployeeassignedtothespace.Cleaninganddisinfectingsupplieswillbeavailableinthevariousdepartmentstoaidincompletingbasiccleaninganddisinfectionofsurfaces.
Public Operational Spaces
InallbuildingsservicedbytheDepartmentofFacilitiesManagement,staffwillcleananddisinfectcommonlytouchedsurfacesincommonareasincludingprimaryentrances,hallways,primaryrestrooms,etc.,twicedaily.
TheUniversitywillcoordinateacquisitionofsuppliesofcleaningmaterialsforeachoperatingdepartmentfortheiruseincleaninganddisinfectingofcommonlytouchedsurfacesintheircommonareasandoffices.
Auniversity-widecleaninganddisinfectingplanwillbedevelopedtoaddressspecificareatypes,recommendedprocedures,andresponsibilitiesbyJune30,2020.
Residence Halls
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HousingandResidenceLife(HRL),inconjunctionwiththeDepartmentofFacilitiesManagement,willdevelopandcommunicateanoperationalplanforthecleaninganddisinfectingofallcommonareasofResidenceHallsandHRLApartments.
TheplanwillalsoaddressanyexpectationsofstudentsorothersresidinginHRLbuildingsrelativetoindividuallivingspaces,restrooms,andotherareasasdefined.
Retail Operations
RetailoperationssuchastheWKUStore,AthleticTicketOffice,WKUFarmCommodities,etc.willdevelopaplantoassurecleaninganddisinfectionofequipment,supplies,andifapplicable,merchandise.Theseplansmustbeinplacepriortoresumptionofpublicaccessretailoperations.
Other Areas not Specified
OperationalareasnotspecifiedinthisdocumentthathaveregularoccupancybypeoplewillfollowtheguidanceforPublicOperationalSpaces.SpecificquestionsorconcernsaroundcleaninganddisinfectionproceduresandpracticesshouldbedirectedtotheDepartmentofEnvironmentalHealthandSafety.
Other Preventive and Protective Measures
Additionalmeasureswillbeintroducedpriortotherestartofoperationsinaccordancewithregulatoryrequirementsandotheridentifiedhealthandsafetypractices.Thesewillinclude:
• Placehandsanitizerstationsatprimaryentrancestoalluniversitybuildings• Promotefrequenthandwashingbyallpersonsoncampus• Reducepassengerloadsontransitbuses.Prioritizecampusaccessovercampus
circulationservices.
Operational Adjustments (Administrative Controls):
Administrativecontrolsrelatetochangesinbusinessandoperationalpracticestominimizeapotentialrisk.InthecaseofCOVID-19,examplesalreadyundertakenincludeemployeesworkingremotelyandtransitiontoinstructiondeliveredinalternativeformatstoeliminateface-to-facesettings.Additionalexamplesincludelimitingthenumberofentrancestobuildings,changingpedestriantrafficflow,limitedthenumberofpeopleallowedineachspace,etc.
ExamplesofPotentialApplicationofAdministrativeControls:
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• Usetechnologicalsolutionstoprocessbusinessandacademictransactionsordeliverremotecustomerservicetoeliminatetheneedforface-to-faceinteractionsorthedirecthandlingofpaperwork.
• Increaseduseofremotemeetingandconferencesystemstoreduceface-to-facegatheringsforbothmeetingsandeducationaldeliveryapplications.
• Reasonableaccommodationsforvulnerablepopulations.• Wherepossible,applicationoftelework,sickleave,andfamilyleavepoliciesfor
thoseemployeeswhoarenotabletocomeintoworkduetoillness,takingcareofafamilymember(s),orlackofchildcareoptions.
COVID-19 procedures for Specific Department Operations
WKUtakesgreatprideinofferingawidevarietyofeducationandappliedlearningopportunities.Thereareoverthreehundredlaboratoriesofferingstudentengagementrangingfromfineartstoagriculturetomedicinetoengineering.Insomecases,theselearningareascanutilizethegeneralstandardsofsocialdistancingandfacecoveringsasoutlinedtosafelyaccomplishtheirrequiredtasks.
Duetoconditionsthatmayprecludethewearingoffacecoveringsand/ormaintainingsocialdistance,somelaboratoriesandothercampusoperationswillneedtodevelopalternateoperatingplansandprocedurestoaccomplishtheinterestsoflearningorothercriticaltaskswhilemaintainingprotectionforparticipants.DepartmentleadersandtheDepartmentofEnvironmentalHealthandSafetywillworkwithfacultyandstafftofindappropriatemethodsformeetingtheserequirements.
Training and Communications for Employees, Students, and Visitors
ThelackofclarityregardingthecharacteristicofNovelCoronaVirus,COVID-19,inadditiontoitsrapidemergence,hasresultedinunprecedentedactionsatallorganizationallevelsonaglobalbasis.Asadditionalinformationsurfaces,theregulationsandguidanceforintuitionalactionsfocusedonprotectingpeopleareevolvingrapidly.
Withtheadditionalrequirementsofsocialdistancing,requiredpersonalprotection,limitsonpublicgathering,etc.neededtofightthespreadofCOVID-19,asubstantialchangeinoperationalcultureacrossallfacetsofWKUwillberequired.Thesechangescanonlybeinstitutionalizedthroughthepositiveengagementofpeopleinallareasofcampuslifeincludingfaculty,staff,students,contractors,andmembersofthecommunitiesthatweserve.
Integrated Training and Communications Concept
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Asaleadingeducationalinstitution,itisessentialthatWKUdevelopcomprehensivetrainingtoprovidethecampuscommunitywithessentialknowledgetopreparefaculty,staff,students,contractors,andvisitorstosafelymaneuveracampusre-startwithCOVID-19prevalentinourcommunity.
Key topics to include in training:
• OverviewandCharacteristicsoftheCOVID-19Virus• MechanismsofTransmission• Symptoms• StrategiesforSafeguardingWKU• PersonalProtectiveEquipmentRequirementsandProperUsage• PrinciplesofPersonalResponsibilities• ReportingRequirements/ProtectiveActions
TheDepartmentofEnvironmentalHealthandSafety(EH&S)willengageacross-functional,integratedtrainingdevelopmentcommitteetodesignanddevelopappropriateCOVID-19trainingprogramtoeducatethecampuscommunityontheirrespectiverolesandresponsibilitiesforsafelyreturningtocampus.AcommunicationsstrategywilldisseminatethetrainingacrossthevarioussegmentsoftheWKUcommunity.
InadditiontoEH&S,thecommitteewillincluderepresentativesfromthefollowing:
• CenterforInnovativeTeachingandLearning• StudyAbroadandGlobalLearning• CommunicationsandMarketing• WKUPublicBroadcasting• FacultyRepresentative• StaffRepresentative• StudentRepresentative
AtrainingandcommunicationsplanwillbecompletedbyJune30,2020,whichwillspecifycompletiongoalsfortrainingandcommunicationsmaterialsalongwithadisseminationstrategy.
Personal Protective Measures
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Requirementsforpersonalprotectivemeasuresarefoundinthe Universal Personal Protective Measures subsection underRequiredActionsforAllPersonsonCampus.
Theultimatesuccessoftheseeffortsdependsoneachindividualtakingresponsibilitytocontinuallyfollowtherequirementssetforthinthisplan,alongwithotherpracticesprescribedbypublichealthandotherauthorities.
Signage
AppropriatesignagetoremindpersonsoftheenhancedoperationalnormsassociatedwithavoidingtheCOVID-19viruswillbeinstalledatentrancestobuildingsandfacilitiesandotherappropriatelocations.AcomprehensiveCOVID-19signageplanwillbedevelopedandapprovedbytheCommunicationsandMarketingStaffbyJune30,2020.SignageinstallationwillbecompletebyAugust15,2020.
Required Actions of All Persons on Campus
AllpersonswhoenteranyWKUcampus,otherWKUproperty,orattendaWKUsponsoredeventoractivityregardlessoflocationisexpectedtofollowthefollowingrequiredactions:
• Washyourhandsfrequentlyusingsoapandwater• Practicesocialdistancing(maintain6footdistancefromothers)atalltimeswhere
feasible• Wearclothfacecoveringorappropriatemaskthatcoversbothnoseandmouthas
prescribedintheUniversalProtectiveMeasuresSection• Avoidgroupsthatexceedlimitationsenforcedatthetime• Followallprescribedrulesandinstructionsprovidedaspartoftheresponseto
COVID-19• DonotcometocampusifyouhaveafeveroranyoftheCOVID-19Symptoms
outlinedintheHealthChecksectionofthisdocument• Immediatelyreportanypotentialexposureofindividualstopersonswitha
confirmedcaseofCOVID-19
Revised Operational Norms
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Social Distancing
ThecurrentdefinitionofSocialDistancingregardingCOVID-19isaminimumdistanceof6feetinalldirections.Ifyoucannotalwaysmaintainthatdistance,youarerequiredtowearaclothfacecovering.
Universal Personal Protective Measures
Face Coverings Usage:
Appropriatefacecoveringsincludeaclothfacecoveringorappropriatepapermaskthatcoversbothnoseandmouth.Thefollowingguidelinesrelatetotherequirementtowearfacecoverings:
• Atalltimeswheninpublicareasorsharedspaceswithinbuildings• Outdoorswhennearotherswheresocialdistancingofatleast6feetcannot
beaccomplished• Wheninavehiclewithotherpersonsincludecars,vans,andbuses
Face Coverings Usage (Exceptions):
Therearesituationswhereafacecoveringisnotrequiredorcannotbewornduetothetypeofactivityorfactorsrelatedtotheenvironment.Examplesinclude:
• Whileeatingordrinking• Inenvironmentswherehazardsexistthatcreateagreaterriskbywearinga
mask(Weldingareas,HazardousMaterialsOperations,etc.)• Performingphysicalexertionsuchasmanuallabor,running,athletics
training• Outdoorswithmorethan6feetcontinuousseparationbetweenallpeople• Otherphysicallimitationsorconditionsthatprecludeanindividualfrom
wearingamaskorfacecovering
Inallcaseswhereamaskcannotbeworn,andsocialdistancingcannotbemaintained,alternativemethodsmustbeutilizedtolimitpotentialtransmissionoftheCOVID19virus.
SpecificguidanceforthepersonalprotectiveactionsnotedinthissectionwillbeincludedinaformalproceduredocumentWKUEHS-20-002PersonalProtectiveMeasureforCOVID19whichwillbepublishedbyMay29th,2020.
Health Checks:
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Allemployeesarerequiredtoconfirmcompletionofdailyhealthcheckpriortoreportingtocampus.ThehealthcheckwillcomplywiththeestablishedprocedureWKUEHS-20-001COVID-19HealthCheckswhichisavailableontheWKUEH&SandCOVID-19webpagesandisincludedasAppendixCofthisreport.
Public Gatherings / Events
AlluniversitysponsoredpubliceventshavebeencancelledthroughthemonthofJune2020.Therestartingofuniversityevents,aswellasthereturntooperationoftheWKUConferenceSpacesand/ortheutilizationofUniversityspacesbyoutsideorganizations,remainstobedetermined.
Theabilitytohosteventswillbedeterminedbyseveralfactors:
• Stateregulationsineffectatthetime• Sizeoftheevent• EventVenue:indoorvsoutdoor• Abilitytomaintainsocialdistancingrequirements• Levelofcommunitydiseasetransmission
Whentheresumptionofpublicgatheringsandeventsoccurs,allsuchactivitiesMUSTbecoordinatedthroughtheOfficeofEventsortheAthleticsDepartment.SpecificeventplanswillbedevelopedtoassurethatCOVID-19preventionrequirementsareinplaceatthetimewillbefollowed.
COVID-19 Testing
TestingforbothactivecasesofCOVID-19,aswellasantibodytestsforpersonswhomayhavecontractedandrecoveredfromthevirus,arebecomingmorereadilyavailableandshowingincreasedlevelsofreliability.
WKUwillworkwithlocalhealthcareproviders,BarrenRiverDistrictHeathDepartment,EmergencyManagement,cityandcountygovernmentsandtheGovernor’sOfficetodevelopaccesstoappropriatetesting.Astestingprogramsareapprovedandspecificimplementationplansdeveloped,theywillbecommunicatedtotheWKUcommunity.
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COVID-19 on Campus: Response and Case Management
WKUpridesitselfinbeingfullyintegratedwiththecommunitiesweserve.StafffromtheDepartmentofEnvironmentalHealthandSafetyandEmergencyManagementserveasactivemembersofWarrenCountyEmergencyManagementandtheBarrenRiverDistrictHealthDepartmentHealthcareEmergencyArea4ResponseTeam(HEART).
TheseconnectionsprovideastrongpartnershipforboththeimplementationofproactivepreventioninitiativesaswellasrapidmobilizationtomanagepotentialorconfirmedCOVID19casesthatmayaffectourcampuses.
Healthy at Work Officers
WKUhasdesignatedHealthyatWorkOfficers(HWO)asprescribedbytheKentuckyGovernor’sOffice.Theseindividualshaveawealthofexperienceandwillprovidestrongtechnicalexpertiseandleadershipinoverseeingtheuniversity’stacticalresponsetotheCOVID19pandemic.Theofficersaredesignatedandassignedasfollow:
• LauraTomlin,AssistantDirectorEH&S:LeadHWOProgramCoordinator• BrandonHiggins,ManagerWorkerComp&Safety:Employees,RegionalCampuses• MichaelGaddie,AssociateAD/SportsMedicine:AthleticsStaffandStudentAthletes
TheHealthyatWorkOfficerswillcoordinatetoimplementstrategiesandtacticalplanstosupportthecampusresponsetoCOVID-19.
Designated COVID-19 Response Team
InadditiontothedesignatedHealthyatWorkOfficers,additionalpersonnelwillsupportthecampuscommunityrelatedtooperationalrequirementsaroundCOVID-19.Thesewillinclude:
• DavidOliver,DirectorEH&S/EM:EmergencyManagementandEOCOperations• MelnaWilson,CoordinatorEH&S/EM:CampusCaseResponseCoordinator • JohnSunnygard,AssociateProvostGlobalLearningandInternationalAffairs:
InternationalOperationsInterface• KenBranch,DirectorFacilitiesManagement:FacilitiesReadinessandOperations
Additionalrolesandresourceswillbeincludedasgovernmentalrequirementsandsituationalchangesdictate.
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Reporting Mechanisms / Procedures
Effectiveresponsetoacommunicablediseaserequiresearlyreporting,rapidassessment,andimplementationofquarantinemeasuresasdirectedbyqualifiedhealthofficials.WKUhasimplementedadedicatedreportingandsupportsystemtofacilitatethisprocess.Thecontacttelephonenumber,270-745-2019,isansweredbydesignated,qualifiedstaffona24-hourbasis.
Astandardizedreportingprocessassuresthatappropriateinformationisrequestedandgathered.AlldatagatheredwillbeconfidentialpertherequirementsoftheHealthInsurancePortabilityandAccountabilityActof1996(HIPAA).
Case Management
AllcontactsreceivedbytheUniversitythatindicateapotentialexposuretoCOVID-19willbeimmediatelyreferredtotheapplicablepublichealthagenciesfordirectionorassumptionofcasemanagement.
ImmediateactionstoisolateindividualswillbeimplementedeitherthroughtheUniversityforpersonsresidinginHousingandResidenceLife(HRL)residencehallsorapartments,orbypublichealthforallpersonsresidingoffcampus.
FormalcasemanagementplansandoperatingproceduresareunderdevelopmentinconsultationwiththeBarrenRiverDistrictHealthDepartment.Theseplanswilldetailthecasemanagementprocess,rolesandresponsibilities,contacttracingprocess,medicalsupport,andquarantineplanforpersonsresidinginHRLhallsandapartments,communicationsprotocols,andcasespecificcleaninganddisinfectionplan.(CompletionDateJune30,2020).
Contact Tracing
AsprescribedbytheKentuckyHealthyatWorkrequirements,WKUwilldevelopandimplementaContactTracingProgramunderthedirectionoftheBarrenRiverDistrictHealthDepartment.TheprogramwillbeacriticalcomponentoftheUniversity’sCOVID-19casemanagementplanasdescribedintheprevioussection.
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Conclusion
TheimpactsofCOVID-19,bothdirectandindirect,willbemajorandlongfeltbytheUniversity,ourcommunities,andtheworld.Thisplanistheframeworkforoneaspectofanongoingresponsethatwillinevitablyrequiremanychangesdrivenbynumerousinfluences.
Ourresponsefromthestarthasbeen,andwillcontinuetobe,focusedonthewellbeingofstudents,faculty,staff,andcommunities.Ourcommitteeanditsindividualmembersstandreadytoengageasneededtoassistinaddressingthisunprecedentedchallenge.
AsHilltoppers,wemustcareforeachotherbybeingvigilantintakingthesestepstopreventthespreadofthevirus.Collectively,theseactionsarenecessarytoensureoursuccess.
References -
Guidance Documents
AmericanCollegeHealthAssociation–ConsiderationsforReopeningInstitutionsofHigherEducationintheCOVID-19Era(5/7/2020)
OccupationalSafetyandHealthAdministration(OSHA)guidanceonPreparingWorkplacesforCOVID-19(3/2020)
Commonwealth of Kentucky – Healthy at Work- Reopening Kentucky (5/2020):
https://govsite-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/34CVrepQ8KClctVAQEDH_5-11-2020%20CHFS%20Order%20Minimum%20Requirements%20for%20All%20Entities.pdf
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Appendices
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WKU COVID-19 Daily Health Check Procedure Description:
This procedure is designed to comply with recommendations of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the requirements set forth by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky by Executive Order in the publication Healthy at Work – Reopening Kentucky for Daily Temperature and Health Checks.
Scope:
This procedure is applicable to all WKU employees, including student workers, contractors, or vendors who work or conduct business on WKU properties.
In addition, it applies to visitors who enter WKU property indoors or outside where they have the potential for close contact (less than 6 feet) to WKU Faculty, Staff, Students, or others.
Application/ Administration:
The health check provisions including temperature check may be conducted prior to employees or others reporting to campus. In certain situations, leaders may require the completion of the checks at an on campus setting. In these cases a touchless thermometer, certified for human medical use, should be maintained for those purposes.
Documentation of Findings:
As a rule, the validation of temperature and health check questions should be used as a point in time evaluation for persons prior to their reporting for work or other activities on WKU Properties.
The documentation and retention of personal medical information may require compliance with privacy and communication provisions of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). If retention of data for specific operations is required, each affected person should be asked to maintain a personal log to safeguard their privacy.
If planning to collect data for a group of employees or others the WKU Office of the General Council should be contacted to provide direction on compliance with applicable requirements.
COVID 19 Health Checklist:
The checklist document included with this procedure is designed to comply with regulations and guidelines in place as of May 11, 2020. It is subject to change based on the evolving nature of the COVID 19 Pandemic.
It should be used as a guide for individuals to assess the presence of potential symptoms of the COVID- 19 Virus in employees and others.
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WKU COVID-19 Daily Health Checklist
Please review the checklist every day before reporting to campus. If you have any of the following conditions,
STAY HOME and contact your supervisor.
WKUEHS-20-001COVID19HealthChecks
A fever (a temperature above 100.3 F)
A cough
Shortness of breath
Muscle aches or chills
Sore Throat
Diarrhea/vomiting
Loss of taste or smell
You or anyone you have been in close contact with has been diagnosed as having COVID-19 or placed on quarantine
You have been asked to self-isolate or quarantine by a medical professional or local public health official