Updates

FRANU CAMPUS UPDATE - LOOKING AHEAD

As the circumstances surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic continue to evolve, we are becoming increasingly hopeful about our prospects for returning to more normal campus operations.

• FranU anticipates and is planning for most instructional delivery and campus operations to be back to normal by the Fall 2021 semester. Summer Semester courses and activities are being planned in accordance with current Phase 3 safety protocols.
• FranU continues to place our highest priority on the health and safety of our campus community members – faculty, staff and students. FranU will continue to align our operations with guidance from local, state, and federal public health authorities as well as our own Medical Advisory Group.
• Our other priority will be to ensure that we provide the best educational and campus experience possible for our students, including structuring our course offerings to ensure as much face-to-face instruction as is safely possible.
• One of the most important factors for returning to “normalcy” will be the vaccination rate of our community. Widespread vaccination continues to be a critical tool to help stop the pandemic. Covid vaccines are now readily available, and we urge everyone who is eligible to receive a vaccine to do so as soon as possible. Click here for resources on scheduling a vaccine appointment.
• While the progress toward ending the pandemic is extremely promising, at present we should all continue to follow the safety protocols with which we have become so familiar.
  
  

Thank you for your resilience, flexibility, and commitment to FranU over the past year. This has been a challenging, stressful, often exhausting time for everyone, but we look forward to returning to a fully engaged FranU campus experience.

Key guidance concerning COVID-19 testing has been provided to us by the University's Medical Advisory Group comprised of experts in medicine and public health. As a result, FranU is requiring that every person returning to the physical campus for the Spring semester be tested for COVID-19 prior to their return– including all students, faculty, and staff.

An important part of a successful spring semester is helping to keep our FranU community safe by minimizing exposures to the COVID-19 virus. One way to do this is to identify those among us who have the infection, even without symptoms, as we all return to campus following the holidays.

Directions concerning how and when to obtain a COVID-19 test will be sent out in a separate communication via email and myportal no later than December 22^nd. Regardless of a negative test result, it will be imperative that individuals coming to campus continue to monitor their health and adhere to the public health mitigation strategies already in place including wearing a mask, socially distancing, practicing cough etiquette, washing hands frequently, etc.

At any time, if you develop symptoms of COVID-19 or think you may have been exposed to a positive case, contact your personal health care provider regarding care and testing. You must also follow up with the FranU Health & Safety Office by completing the COVID report form in Softdocs located in Portal> Softdocs Etrieve Central>Forms.

It is our hope that you will view this testing event not only as an opportunity to be well as an individual, but also as a chance to demonstrate your responsibility to the health of our entire community. If we are to be successful in welcoming more of our population back to campus this spring, all of us will have to do our part. This testing is an important step in the process.

Here are some tips for hosting a safe gathering of family & friends for the upcoming Labor Day Holiday. Will share more on attending such events later this week.

Hosting gatherings or cook-outs for family & friends

Remind guests to stay home if they are sick

• Remind invited guests to stay home if they have been exposed to COVID-19 in the last 14 days or are showing COVID-19 symptoms. Anyone who has had close contact with a person who has COVID-19 should also stay home and monitor their health. Invited guests who live with those at higher risk should also consider the potential risk to their loved ones.
• Consider keeping a list of guests who attended for potential future contact tracing needs.

Encourage social distancing

• Host your gathering outdoors, when possible. If this is not feasible, make sure the room or space is well-ventilated (for example, open a window).
• Arrange tables and chairs to allow for social distancing. People from the same household can be in groups together and don’t need to be 6 feet apart – just 6 feet away from other families.
• If planning activities for adults and/or kids, consider those where social distancing can be maintained, like sidewalk chalk art or frisbee.
• When guests arrive, minimize gestures that promote close contact. For example, don’t shake hands, do elbow bumps, or give hugs. Instead wave and verbally greet them.

Wear masks

• Wear masks when less than 6 feet apart from people or indoors.
• Consider providing masks for guests or asking them to bring their own.

Clean hands often

• Consider providing hand sanitizer in addition to clearly marked hand washing areas.
• Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds when entering and exiting social gatherings. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Make sure there is adequate soap or hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol available in the restrooms and encourage guests not to form a line at the door. Consider also providing cleaning supplies that allow guests to wipe down surfaces before they leave.
• Remind guests to wash their hands before serving or eating food.
• Use single-use hand towels or paper towels for drying hands so guests do not share a towel.

Limit the number of people handling or serving food

• Encourage guests to bring their own food and drinks.
• Limit people going in and out of the areas where food is being prepared or handled, such as in the kitchen or around the grill, if possible.
• If serving any food, consider identifying one person to serve all food so that multiple people are not handling the serving utensils.
• Use single-use options or identify one person to serve sharable items, like salad dressings, food containers, and condiments, so that multiple people are not handling the items.

Limit contact with commonly touched surfaces or shared items

• Use touchless garbage cans or pails.
• Use gloves when removing garbage bags or handling and disposing of trash. Wash hands after removing gloves.
• Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces and any shared items between use when feasible.
• If you choose to use any shared items that are reusable (e.g., seating covers, tablecloths, linen napkins), wash, clean, and sanitize them after the event.

If you choose to travel out of state, remember you must self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms for 14 days upon return. You do not have to quarantine unless you develop symptoms.
Contact the Director, Campus Health & Safety upon your return to report if you or anyone in your travel party or those you visited develop symptoms.

Mitigation measures for travelers:

• Bring disinfectant with you and wipe down surfaces at your destination before you unpack.
• Bring hand sanitizer in the event soap and water are not available at stops. After H1N1 many years back, studies showed that following handwashing with hand sanitizer reduced the amount of germs remaining on hands.
• Frequent handwashing, physical distancing, wearing masks when around others that are not part of your household.
• Avoid those who are sick
• Avoid large gatherings

COVID-19 symptoms include:

• Unexplained cough
• Shortness of breath
• Any two of the following: fever, sore throat, chills, shaking, headaches, muscle pain, new onset loss of taste and/or smell

Safe travels everyone!!

As you are probably aware, the Governor has extended Phase Two for 28 days. This came as a result of increased community spread of COVID-19 in many areas across the state. Bars in several areas are proving to be a particularly challenging environment. The recent Tigerland cases are proof that the virus is still circulating.

For the benefit of our FranU community and for the protection of our families and those we encounter who are more vulnerable to the virus, it is important for all of us to be vigilant in our daily interactions and in reporting potential exposures. Young people have an important role in preventing spread of the virus.

If we have individuals who test positive from COVID in the classrooms, it could create huge delays in your education. Therefore, please remember to practice the following:

• Limit exposure – Even though we are in Phase Two, you still must maintain vigilance in limiting your own exposure to COVID. Avoid situations where there are large gatherings of individuals, especially if those individuals are not wearing masks, washing hands, and maintaining physical distancing.
  

• Use precautions - Any time you go out into public where you may come in contact with other individuals, wear a mask, wash hands frequently, and maintain moderate physical distancing.
  

• Report symptoms, potential exposures and actual exposures - You should report symptoms and any potential or actual exposures to individuals with COVID-19 to the Director of Campus Health & Safety (Denise Gillespie), your program director and your faculty for face-to-face classes. Details of your case will be required for appropriate follow up and surveillance reporting, so communicate directly with the Health & Safety Director at denise.gillespie@franu.edu.
  

• Follow instructions - If you have emailed Denise Gillespie of any potential or actual exposures, you need to follow the instructions that she provides. She may request or require that you go to a family practitioner for testing and/or treatment. You may need documentation from a medical doctor to allow you to return. You may be required to show one or two negative tests for COVID. You may be asked to quarantine or self-isolate for 7-14 days. All of these are not to be considered recommendations, they are to be considered requirements as they are not only in your best interest but that of our campus constituents.

Dear Faculty, staff and students,

FranU continues to monitor developments related to COVID-19. We are learning new things almost daily about the COVID-19 virus including that there appear to be different strains and that it affects different populations in different ways. As a community, we continue to be vulnerable until there is a widespread effective treatment and/or vaccine. Therefore we must remain vigilant in our prevention measures in all settings including work, home, school, and any other community setting in order to protect ourselves, our family members, coworkers, campus members and other members of our community. Those prevention measures continue to be:

• Stay home if you are sick.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Wear a mask in public, especially when within 6 feet of others.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces including your cell phone.

As we prepare to transition back to campus in a phased manner, here are some additional measures being put in place:

MASKS

• All FranU students, employees and FMOLHS or other contract employees coming to campus must wear a mask consistently when within 6 feet of others.
• You are encouraged to bring your own cloth mask. One non-medical washable cloth mask branded with the FranU logo will be issued to each faculty, staff and student.
• Students who must be on campus for summer will receive their mask from their program director.
• Faculty who must be on campus for summer will receive their mask from their Dean or designee.
• Surgical masks and N95 masks should be reserved for healthcare workers in specific patient care settings.

In addition, you will see flyers around campus that provide important reminders regarding face coverings and other important measures for preventing the spread of infection.

Disposable surgical masks may be used by our clinical students in their clinical agency settings.

All FranU students, employees and visitors will undergo a brief screening each day prior to being allowed access to the campus buildings. The health screenings will take place outside of select locations on campus. Follow instructions on entry door signage. Faculty & staff who are not required to but choose to come to campus must also be screened. If no one is available at your building to screen, you may go to the Student Services Building for your screening. Please maintain 6 foot distancing at the screening locations and don't crowd near the building entrance.

The health screening will consist of a temperature check and an inquiry about symptoms of respiratory illness and potential exposure to COVID-19. You will not be allowed on campus if you have:

• Unexplained Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Any two of the folllowing symptorms
  • Fever> 99.9°F
  • Sore Throat
  • Repeated shaking with chills
  • Headaches
  • Muscle Pain
  • New onset loss of taste and/or smell
• Contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 14 days
• Travel in the past 14 days to areas with widespread community transmission

When you have cleared your screening, you will be issued a colored paper wristband to wear for the remainder of the day. You will only need to screen at the beginning of each day. If not cleared, you will be sent home. Employees who are sent home must contact their immediate supervisor and the Director of Health & Safety. Students who are sent home after screening must inform their program director and the Director of Health & Safety. Contact the Health & Safety Director at denise.gillespie@franu.edu.

If sent home, you should monitor your symptoms and call a doctor or use telemedicine if your symptoms concern you*.

You can return to campus when:

• You have been without fever for at least three (3) days without taking medication to reduce fever during that time; AND
• There is improvement in respiratory symptoms (cough and shortness of breath) for three (3) days; AND
• At least ten (10) days have passed since symptoms began.

OR

• If tested, two negative tests in a row at least 24 hours apart. Documentation will be required.

OR

• If at any time a healthcare provider confirms the cause of the individual’s fever or other symptoms is not COVID-19 related and approves the individual to return to work/school, then the individual can return to campus. Documentation will be required.

YOU MUST

• Mask at all times until symptoms are completely resolved.

*Employees and students should follow up with their health care provider and follow the provider’s instructions. Employees also have the option to notify Lake Line Direct regarding testing for COVID-19. Students who do not have health insurance may contact Lake Urgent Care regarding a telemedicine evaluation and testing for COVID-19 or locate a federally qualified health center.

SOCIAL DISTANCING

Limit close contact with others outside your household in indoor and outdoor spaces. Since people can spread the virus before they know they are sick, it is important to stay away from others when possible, even if you—or they—have no symptoms. Social distancing is especially important for people who are at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. You will observe some places on campus are marked or blocked off to designate appropriate physical distance.

• Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people, adhere to the blocked off areas

• Do not gather in groups
• Do not congregate in common areas

CLEANING AND DISINFECTING

Housekeeping will continue to clean common areas with extra attention to high touch areas such as light switches, doorknobs, handrails, etc. Disinfecting supplies will be provided for each building, each room and office. A protocol and check list have been developed (see attachment) for regular ongoing disinfection after each use of classrooms and equipment.
Faculty, staff and students are tasked to clean their own workspace with available household cleaning supplies that do not require gloves. If the only available cleaning supplies are hospital grade, gloves will be necessary.

CONTACT TRACING

Everyone who comes to campus will need to sign in upon entry to each building. In the event a campus member tests positive, this information will be needed for contact tracing by the Office of Public Health. Contact tracing is a method used to trace and monitor contacts of infected people.

_____________________________________________

All of the above information is subject to change depending on the federal and state guidance and the progression of the pandemic.

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,
FranU continues to monitor developments related to COVID-19. Specific details regarding community spread of the disease may be found by visiting the Louisiana Office of Public Health webpage.

LA Office of Public Health COVID-19 Webpage

IMPORTANT REMINDERS
Holy Week, Easter and the arrival of Spring are upon us but we must be vigilant. The only way to "flatten the curve" and protect ourselves and our loved ones against Covid-19 is to continue the best practices that have been all over the media. Remember Louisiana's stay-at-home order has been extended to April 30th and most other states have implemented stay-at-home orders as well.

• Avoid discretionary travel
• Avoid gathering in groups
• Wash your hands often
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Cover your cough and sneezes
• Maintain social distance

CDC updated guidelines on how to protect yourself and others

SOCIAL DISTANCING
Social distancing is a best practice recommendation of health professionals to prevent or slow the spread of a virus via human-to-human transmission. Social distancing is designed to limit the spread of a disease by reducing the opportunities for close contact between people.

Social distancing strategies include minimizing exposure to infected individuals by avoiding large public gathering venues, adhering to spacing requirements in public and in the workplace (generally considered 6 feet), and following proper personal hygiene practices.

You are advised to avoid group activities and other social events of more than 10 people.

STATEWIDE INFORMATION NETWORK
A statewide network has been launched to answer the public's questions related to COVID-19.

Anyone looking for information about the COVID-19 outbreak can dial 211 or text the keyword LACOVID to 898-211 for the most current information about the outbreak as it becomes available.

The statewide network is the first and "best source" to connect callers with critical information about Louisiana's health and human services.

The Louisiana Department of Health has provided Louisiana 211 with a comprehensive list of questions that have come into the original information telephone line. These include questions about testing for COVID-19, symptoms and treatment, and when to access medical help. Answers to all questions were provided by LDH’s medical leadership team.

Coronavirus FAQ's hosted by LDH

One Stop Shop for Local Impact and Resources hosted by WAFB

WHAT TO DO IF YOU BECOME SICK
With COVID-19 now spreading in Louisiana, the following general information is provided should you become sick. If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus that causes COVID-19, follow the steps below to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community.

Stay home except to get medical care
You should restrict activities outside your home, except for getting medical care. Do not go to work, school, or public areas. Avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.

Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home
People: As much as possible, you should stay in a specific room and away from other people in your home. Also, you should use a separate bathroom, if available.

Animals: You should restrict contact with pets and other animals while you are sick with COVID-19, just like you would around other people. Although there have not been reports of pets or other animals becoming sick with COVID-19, it is still recommended that people sick with COVID-19 limit contact with animals until more information is known about the virus. When possible, have another member of your household care for your animals while you are sick. If you are sick with COVID-19, avoid contact with your pet, including petting, snuggling, being kissed or licked, and sharing food. If you must care for your pet or be around animals while you are sick, wash your hands before and after you interact with pets and wear a facemask.

Call ahead before visiting your doctor
If you have a medical appointment, call the healthcare provider and tell them that you suspect you may have COVID-19. This will help the healthcare provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected or exposed.

Wear a facemask
You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) or pets and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If necessary, a mask should be provided to you by the healthcare provider’s staff. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then people who live with you should not stay in the same room with you, or they should wear a facemask if they enter your room.

Cover your coughs and sneezes
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissues in a lined trash can; immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60 to 95% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry. Soap and water should be used preferentially if hands are visibly dirty.

Clean your hands often
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60 to 95% alcohol, covering all surfaces of your hands and rubbing them together until they feel dry. Soap and water should be used preferentially if hands are visibly dirty. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid sharing personal household items
You should not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels, or bedding with other people or pets in your home. After using these items, they should be washed thoroughly with soap and water.

Clean all “high-touch” surfaces everyday
High touch surfaces include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables. Also, clean any surfaces that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them. Use a household cleaning spray or wipe, according to the label instructions. Labels contain instructions for safe and effective use of the cleaning product including precautions you should take when applying the product, such as wearing gloves and making sure you have good ventilation during use of the product.

Monitor your symptoms
Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening (e.g., difficulty breathing). Before seeking care, call your healthcare provider and tell them that you have, or are being evaluated for, COVID-19. Put on a facemask before you enter the facility. These steps will help the healthcare provider’s office to keep other people in the office or waiting room from getting infected or exposed. Ask your healthcare provider to call the local or state health department. Persons who are placed under active monitoring or facilitated self-monitoring should follow instructions provided by their local health department or occupational health professionals, as appropriate.

If you have a medical emergency and need to call 911, notify the dispatch personnel that you have, or are being evaluated for COVID-19. If possible, put on a facemask before emergency medical services arrive.

Discontinuing home isolation
Patients with confirmed COVID-19 should remain under home isolation precautions until the risk of secondary transmission to others is thought to be low. The decision to discontinue home isolation precautions should be made on a case-by-case basis, in consultation with healthcare providers and state and local health departments.

FranU will continue to follow all developments related to COVID-19 carefully and will keep the campus community apprised of any significant changes.

CDC Information about COVID-19 (updated)

IMPORTANT UPDATE FROM PRESIDENT DR. HOLLAND:

In response to Governor John Bel Edwards’ Stay at Home Order, Proclamation Number 33 JBE 2020:

- FranU’s physical campus will be closed to all faculty, staff and students effective 5:00 PM on Monday, March 23 and extending at least through April 13.

- University personnel should complete any essential on campus tasks before 5:00 PM on Monday, March 23.

- All University operations will continue to be conducted remotely, and only Information Systems (IS) personnel will remain on campus to ensure the integrity of our network. (In accordance with Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) guidelines)

- Anyone who has not yet arranged for off-campus work capability will consult with their respective supervisor to establish off-site work plans and to set up schedules for regular communication.

- Please contact your supervisor directly with questions.

Thank you all for your great cooperation during these challenging times. Thanks also for your herculean efforts to ensure that students are able to continue to progress. Our community needs them to successfully graduate and join their fellow professionals, thus alleviating some of the heavy pressure being placed on all of healthcare.

You are to be congratulated for your hard work in preparing for remote instruction and student support while ensuring the continuity of university services and operations.

Stay well.

Blessings,

TSH

Hello Frans,

Given the increasing number of cases of the COVID-19, FranU is taking additional steps to reduce the chances for transmission of the virus.

Effective 8:00 am, Friday, March 20, ALL FranU offices will be operating remotely until further notice. A web-based, student friendly resource has been developed to help you navigate the University during this time of transition. We encourage you to visit franu.edu/onlinestudentsupport.

This is a rapidly evolving situation, and we recognize the burden this may place on some of you. Please know that your academic and administrative staff will continue to provide the same level of excellent support you are accustomed to receiving. Do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have questions or need additional guidance!

We appreciate your patience and understanding!

With love,

Rebecca

Due to the rapidly changing nature of the COVID-19 situation and its impact on our clinical and internship partners, all communication related to clinical rotations/internships/community rotations will be communicated via your program directors or course instructors. Please stay in close contact with them through email and Moodle for updates.

Continue to know that your well-being and education are of paramount concern to us. Your faculty, staff and administration are available to help.

We continue to communicate closely with our health system partners and higher education colleagues to coordinate our responses to this rapidly evolving situation.

Due to the rapidly changing nature of the COVID-19 situation, the University has made the following adjustments to our previously published schedule of operations.

Please note the following important update:

Spring Break has been rescheduled. Spring Break will be observed this coming week, March 16 through March 20. All university offices will remain open and will conduct operations that would normally take place during Spring Break. Classes will resume on Monday, March 23, at which time all face-to-face classes will be delivered via distance/online mode.

Special considerations such as clinical rotations, service learning and simulations will be addressed as noted in our last communique, sent Friday afternoon.

In summary

• March 16-20, 2020: Spring Break
• March 23, 2020: All face-to-face classes switch to distance/online deliver

Special considerations unique to the mission of FranU

• Students, stay in close communication with your specific program director and faculty as the details of your particular arrangements may change. Ask questions and remain flexible!
• Clinical Rotations/Internships/community rotations will continue but adapt to new protocols defined by the site.
• Labs continue with modifications to enhance social distancing.
• Simulations will continue with modifications to enhance social distancing
• Service Learning in the School of Arts and Sciences: Special arrangements will be made for those who have not completed their service hours;
• Special testing [e.g. HESI, ATI, OSCE, Check-offs, etc.] will be modified to enhance social distancing;

Upon return from Spring Break on March 23

As of now, the University expects to remain open and will continue to conduct business. All academic and student services will be available online and via one-on-one appointments. The library will remain open for individual study and research. Library staff and services will be available online and via one-on-one appointment.

Watch for updates!

We continue to communicate closely with our health system partners and higher education colleagues to coordinate our responses to this rapidly evolving situation. We will continue to update you as the situation unfolds and as we develop new plans of action.

Blessings,
TSH

Dear Students,

Based on the advice of our FMOL Health System and public health officials as well as the emergency declaration for the State by our Governor, we have decided to transition all face-to-face classes to distance and online delivery, effective Monday, March 23, until the end of the spring semester. This transition will allow the University to support the effort to stem the spread of the virus through a more protracted social distancing. At the same time this course of action will allow us to continue to maintain what is mission-critical to us: the education and formation of you, our students.

The timeline for this transition is as follows:

• March 14-18, 2020: Normal Class Schedule (face-to-face and online)
• March 19-20, 2020: Face-to Face classes cancelled to allow faculty to prepare. (Normal Schedule for labs/internships/clinical rotations and Online Classes)
• March 21, 2020: Normal Saturday Classes
• March 23, 2020 All face-to-face classes switch to distance/online delivery. (Normal Schedule for labs/internships/clinical rotations)

Because of the unique nature of our University, there are special considerations as we transition the face-to-face classes to distance/online delivery. Generally, the special considerations include:

• Clinical Rotations/Internships/community rotations will continue but adapt to new protocols defined by the site.
• Labs continue with modifications to enhance social distancing;
• Simulations will continue with modifications to enhance social distancing;
• Service Learning in the School of Arts and Sciences: Special arrangements will be made for those who have not completed their service hours; and
• Specialized testing [e.g., HESI, ATI, OSCE, Check-offs, etc.] will be modified to enhance social distancing

At this time the campus is not closing. University offices will remain open and will continue to conduct business. All academic and student services will be available online and via a one-on-one appointment. Library and library commons will remain open for individual study and research. Library staff and services will be available online and via a one-on-one appointment.

Continue to know that your well-being and education are of paramount concern to us. Your faculty, staff and administration are available to help.

In peace and good,

Bro. Ed

Bro. Edward Violett, SM, PhD

Provost

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,
FranU continues to monitor developments related to COVID-19. As of 3/13/2020, there are 36 presumptive positive cases of the disease in Louisiana. Presumptive cases remain classified as such until confirmed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta. Specific details regarding location of these cases may be found by visiting the Louisiana Office of Public Health webpage.

LA Office of Public Health COVID-19 Webpage

Interactive Map of COVID-19 Global Cases by Johns Hopkins

SPRING BREAK AND SOCIAL DISTANCING
Before going on spring break trips, please be sure you are aware of the risks of travel during this time. Even a country not currently experiencing an outbreak could suddenly be declared a high-risk area, resulting in heightened exposure to the virus, difficulty with departure, immigration barriers in returning to the U.S., and possible quarantine or self-isolation upon arriving in the U.S.

After returning from spring break, students should monitor their health. You are also advised to avoid group activities and large gatherings such as conferences, festivals, sporting, theater, music and other large social events.

Social distancing is encouraged for all faculty, staff and students. Social distancing is a best practice recommendation of health professionals to prevent or slow the spread of a virus via human-to-human transmission. Social distancing suspends public gatherings and limits on-campus business to help prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Social distancing is designed to limit the spread of a disease by reducing the opportunities for close contact between people.

Watch for a separate communication regarding the management of classes and campus events moving forward.

TRAVEL, POTENTIAL EXPOSURE AND MONITORING PROCEDURE (NEW)
Before traveling, check the CDC’s travel recommendations as well as restrictions on travel to the US related to COVID-19

CDC Travel Recommendations and Restrictions

Because the number of countries severely impacted by COVID-19 is increasing, the FMOL Health System has issued temporary organizational travel standards that applies to team members, physicians, contractors, vendors, students and volunteers:

• All University sponsored international travel for faculty, staff or students is suspended until further notice.
• University sponsored domestic travel is highly discouraged at the present time, unless it is considered mission-critical to the University. Conference/meeting travel is mission critical when it is for continuing accreditation of University programs and is expressly required for such; all other work/official travel should be postponed or cancelled or where possible, conducted through a distance modality (zoom, tele-conference, etc.). Please discuss case by case with your manager.
• Faculty, staff and students should report to their supervisor or faculty and the Health & Safety Director any personal travel to/from countries identified as a Level 2 or 3 by the CDC.
• Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to evaluate personal travel plans for both domestic and international locations as situations are changing rapidly.

Faculty, staff and students who choose to personally travel to any high-risk areas will follow these requirements:

• If an employee or student travels to areas that are experiencing high transmission of COVID-19 or to a Level 2 or 3 location as identified by the CDC, that employee or student may be subjected to self-quarantine for a 14 day period from the last possible day of exposure.
• Employees and students will be provided a tracking form to document signs and symptoms during this 14-day period. See attachments for appropriate forms. These forms are also available on myPortal.
  • The employee may be allowed to work from home, if available, or will use available benefit time. If benefit time is not available, then the time during the monitoring period will be an excused absence. Please continue to discuss individual circumstances with your manager.
  • Students must contact their faculty remotely (by phone or email) and discuss their individual situations to keep up or make up missed course work.
• Upon the completion of the 14-day self-monitoring period:
  • Employees will return to work through the Employee Health Office and provide the completed self-monitoring documentation. Employee Health will notify managers by email of the employee’s medical clearance.
  • Students will return to campus through the Health & Safety Office and provide the completed self-monitoring documentation. The Health & Safety Office will notify faculty by email of the student’s medical clearance.

OTHER POTENTIAL EXPOSURE
Even if they do not have symptoms, faculty, staff and students who may have been potentially exposed to COVID-19 in any setting (travel, other employment, etc.) will communicate that potential to their supervisor or faculty and the University Health & Safety Director and will also follow 14 day monitoring requirements using documents noted above. This means you may be doing monitoring for your employer and the University.

FACULTY, STAFF AND STUDENTS: DO NOT REPORT TO WORK OR COME TO CAMPUS IF SYMPTOMS DEVELOP.

• Notify your supervisor or faculty and the University Health & Safety Director immediately. Faculty & staff must also contact Jennifer Strickland, our HR Business Partner at (225) 490-1679 or jennifer.strickland@franU.edu
• Call your primary care physician for evaluation and let them know you may have been exposed to COVID-19. Follow the physician office’s instructions.
• If the health care provider rules out COVID-19,
  • The employee should get a return to work clearance and report to Employee Health before returning to work.
  • The student should get a return to class clearance and report to Health & Safety Office before returning to class.

We are aware that employees’ and students’ personal travel may have been previously planned and ask that you work with your supervisor or faculty to determine the best course in keeping with the individual situation and the safety of the institution.

For any travel related questions, please contact Denise Gillespie in the Health & Safety Office at (225) 768-1755 or denise.gillespie@franu.edu

TRANSMISSION & SYMPTOMS (expanded)
This virus spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms are thought to appear within two to 14 days after exposure and can include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Body Aches

If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, contact your healthcare provider, and tell them about your symptoms and your travel or exposure to a COVID-19 patient. Be sure to call ahead so they can be prepared for your arrival and minimize exposure to others.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF (expanded)
It is currently flu and respiratory disease season, and flu activity is still high and expected to continue for a number of weeks. Take steps to avoid spreading germs from any respiratory diseases by:

• Get a flu vaccine and take flu antivirals if prescribed.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing. (Covering with your hands will then spread the germs to anything you touch.)
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Also sanitize your cell phone frequently.

Healthy Habits to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses

FranU will continue to follow all developments related to COVID-19 carefully and will keep the campus community apprised of any significant changes.

For More Information about COVID-19

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,

Information about the coronavirus outbreak is spreading fast, but what do we actually know about the illness? CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation) News medical contributor and family physician Dr. Peter Lin breaks down the facts about what it is, where it came from, how it spreads and what you can do to protect yourself.

Dr. Peter Lin video “Get the facts on coronavirus”

Currently, there have been no cases of the disease in Louisiana. As of 3/6/20 affected geographic areas with widespread or sustained community transmission include China, Iran, Italy, Japan, and South Korea. Level 3 travel warnings have been issued for China, Iran, Italy and South Korea- avoid nonessential travel to these areas.

In order to protect and ensure the safety of our entire community university-sponsored travel to or through countries with a CDC Level 3 Travel Warning is currently cancelled. We also strongly discourage personal travel to or through countries with current CDC Level 3 Travel Warnings. In the event of personal travel to or through these countries, University community members trying to re-enter the United States will not be provided re-entry assistance by the University, and travelers returning from CDC Level 3 countries will be restricted from coming to campus for 14 days. Exceptions to this restriction will not be granted. Prior to returning to the University, medical clearance must be submitted to the Health & Safety Office.

Please notify the Office of Health & Safety if you have recently returned from or traveled through any of the affected areas listed above and about any planned international travel.

For any travel related questions, please contact Denise Gillespie at (225) 768-1755 or denise.gillespie@franu.edu

Interactive map of COVID-19 Global Cases by Johns Hopkins

TRANSMISSION & SYMPTOMS
This virus spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms are thought to appear within two to 14 days after exposure and can include:
• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing

If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, contact your healthcare provider, and tell them about your symptoms and your travel or exposure to a COVID-19 patient. Be sure to call ahead so they can be prepared for your arrival and minimize exposure to others.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
It is currently flu and respiratory disease season, and flu activity is still high and expected to continue for a number of weeks. Take steps to avoid spreading germs from any respiratory diseases by:

• Get a flu vaccine and take flu antivirals if prescribed.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing. (Covering with your hands will then spread the germs to anything you touch.)
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home if you are sick.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Healthy habits to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses

TRAVEL
Before traveling, check CDC’s travel recommendations related to COVID-19

CDC Travel Recommendations

FranU will continue to follow all developments related to COVID-19 carefully and will inform the campus community of any significant changes.

For More information about COVID-19

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,

FranU is closely monitoring developments related to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), which was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Currently, there have been no cases of the disease in Louisiana or the Southeast region of the United States. As of 2/28/2020, affected geographic areas with widespread or sustained community transmission include China, Iran, Italy, Japan, and South Korea. Other destinations with risk of community spread include Singapore, Taiwan, and Thailand.

Please notify the Office of Health & Safety about any planned international travel.

While the immediate risk of the virus to the American public is believed to be low, everyone can do their part to reduce risk.

TRANSMISSION & SYMPTOMS
This virus spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms are thought to appear within two to 14 days after exposure and can include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath/difficulty breathing

If you develop COVID-19 symptoms, contact your healthcare provider, and tell them about your symptoms and your travel or exposure to a COVID-19 patient. Be sure to call ahead so they can be prepared for your arrival and minimize exposure to others.

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
It is currently flu and respiratory disease season, and flu activity is still high and expected to continue for a number of weeks. Take steps to avoid spreading germs from any respiratory diseases by:

• Getting a flu vaccine and taking flu antivirals if prescribed.
• Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when
coughing or sneezing. (Covering with your hands will then spread
the germs to anything you touch.)
• Staying home if you are sick.
• Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand
sanitizer.

For healthier habits to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses visit: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/actions-prevent-flu.htm

TRAVEL
Before traveling, check the CDC’s travel recommendations related to COVID-19: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Visit the CDC’s website to learn more about this virus: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
FranU will continue to follow all developments related to COVID-19 carefully and will keep the campus community apprised of any significant changes.

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Louisiana Office of Public Health continue to closely monitor this outbreak. There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Louisiana. You are far more likely to get the flu than COVID-19.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common throughout the world. These viruses, at times, can evolve and infect people, then spread through human-to-human contact. Human coronaviruses spread just like the flu or a cold.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES to protect yourself from illnesses such as the cold, flu, and also the coronavirus:

• Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow. Do not use your hands!
• Clean surfaces frequently, such as countertops, light switches, cell phones and other frequently touched areas.
• Contain – if you are sick, stay home until you are feeling better.