Pacific Updates Coronavirus Situation Update | March 10

By 
Jenni Luckett

Pacific University continues to carefully monitor the COVID-19 outbreak and recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as well as the Oregon Health Authority. Updates will be communicated by email and online at pacificu.edu/coronavirus.

Updates in this email include:

Travel Recommendations

Pacific is immediately updating its recommendations for international and domestic travel, effective through May 31.

Complete details are available at our online Information for Travelers page. In summary:

  • Pacific will prohibit university-sponsored international travel, including all College of Arts & Sciences short term travel courses.
  • Upcoming long-term study abroad travel to countries with Level 2 or Level 3 advisories will be restricted.
  • Students currently studying abroad in Japan will be required to return to Pacific.
  • Students in other study abroad placements will be allowed to stay, unless the area is under a Level 3 advisory. 
  • There are no current restrictions on university-sponsored domestic travel, though non-essential travel is discouraged.
  • Personal international travel is strongly discouraged.
  • Employees and students should carefully consider their own health status and current travel conditions before traveling domestically.
  • Students with current campus residential contracts are welcome to stay on campus during spring break. Dining will be limited, but campus markets will be open.
  • Employees and students who plan to travel must register their travel plans so that the university can contact you in the event of an emergency or changing conditions.

Students and employees who choose to travel should carefully monitor changing conditions. Non-essential travel is discouraged to help prevent the potential spread of infection to other areas and to protect those most at risk, especially those who are 60+ or who experience other health-compromising conditions. Travelers also should be aware that conditions are changing rapidly and they may be subject to travel disruptions or self-isolation requirements. Students and employees will be responsible for missed work or class time in such events.

Campus Cleaning

Pacific University Facilities Department staff members are taking extra measures to clean university spaces. The facilities department is focusing frequent sanitation of high-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, handles and tabletops. 

Hand sanitizer stations also are available throughout our campuses. Individual departments also are encouraged to consider their hand sanitizer and cleaning wipe supplies, as bulk purchases are being limited.

Inclusion & Respect

Pacific University is an welcoming community committed to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion. We embrace facts and reject stigma and discrimination. It is important to know that:

  • COVID-19 does not recognize race, nationality or ethnicity.
  • Wearing a mask does not mean a person is ill.
  • You can interrupt stigma by sharing accurate information.
  • Speak up if you hear, see or read misinformation or witness or experience harassment or discrimination.
  • As always, you may report concerns of discrimination to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at 503-352-1457, nrodrigu@pacificu.edu or online.

Stay Healthy or Stay Home

The best way to stay healthy and avoid the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory infections, such as cold and flu, include:

  • 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 percent alcohol.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the garbage. Wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

The CDC reports that certain populations are at greater risk of serious illness as a result of COVID-19, including older adults and those with chronic health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease or diabetes. These individuals are encouraged to take additional precautions to avoid crowds and limit close contact with others. 

If you are ill, please stay home. If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, please contact Human Resources.

Conditions Under Consideration

A response team is meeting on a daily basis to consider changes in circumstance and prepare for possible future consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak. Our university is preparing tools for remote teaching, if such conditions become necessary. We also are reviewing public health recommendations in regard to upcoming events on campus.

Please continue to watch your email and the pacificu.edu/coronavirus website for updates as they become available. If you have questions that are not answered online, reach out via our contact form.

Tuesday, March 10, 2020