The Monday Message: Coronavirus and NOVA Plans

Over the weekend, more US cases of the Coronavirus were reported, as was the first death associated with the virus (in King County, Washington). As luck would have it, I was in Seattle this weekend at a conference when that news broke and was struck that the local news outlets seemed to have adopted an approach to their reporting that would serve us all well at this moment. Recognizing the anxiety and even panic that might be occurring in the homes of their viewers, they ran a consistent header on their stories about the virus: “Facts Not Fear.”

Following this same, valuable guideline, I wanted to update you about the communication and planning in place at NOVA by giving you the facts.

Since early February, we have been placing information items in the Daily Flyer about the Coronavirus: preventative measures you can take and steps we’ve taken, such as adding more hand sanitizing stations and increasing cleaning in high traffic areas. We will be running an updated message in the Daily Flyer each week, and Vice President Villagran-Glover has been tasked with communicating to students. The most effective way to prevent catching the Coronavirus or any virus is simply by frequently washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol—and the most effective way to prevent spreading any virus is to stay home when you are sick.

In addition, we created a Coronavirus website that provides even more information, including links to validated, reliable sources of information from the Virginia Department of Health and the CDC. The website also links to NOVA’s Contagious Disease Policy.

As part of our proactive measures, we’re reviewing our college continuity plan. About a decade ago, in the lead up to the anticipated impacts of the H1N1 virus, colleges and universities—including NOVA—developed continuity plans to maintain operations should they be required to close temporarily or run reduced operations. As you might imagine, these plans cover everything from how to migrate classes online to how to maintain payroll. Our Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is reviewing this plan and updating it as needed. OEM is also in regular contact with partner agencies, including local and state departments of health, so that these channels of communication are open.

So, once more, the facts:

· NOVA has been preparing and planning for Coronavirus the past month and will continue to act on our plans.

· NOVA will continue to communicate with you on a weekly basis on this topic.

· We should all follow basic preventative steps to stay healthy:

• Wash our hands with soap and water or use 60% alcohol hand sanitizer
• Sneeze or cough into our bended elbow or a tissue that is discarded after use
• Avoid touching our nose, mouth, or eyes
• Stay home when we are sick

If you have questions or concerns, please email them to NOVA’s Safety Manager, David Cook, at OEM@nvcc.edu. And, always feel free to reach out to me.

All the best,

Anne