Fall 2020 Planning

In order to limit the number of students on campus, the majority of classes will be offered via remote learning during the fall 2020 semester.

Classes that require an experiential component will be offered through a blend of in-person and online instruction to limit the number of students in the classroom at a given time. In-person classes will be scheduled in larger rooms, when possible, to ensure physical distancing. Students enrolled in face-to-face classes will be assigned a seat, and attendance will be taken regularly.

Information Technology Services will provide technical support and guidance for students, faculty and staff throughout the semester.

Clinical Experiences and Internships

Clinical experiences and internships will continue as usual and follow guidance provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Pennsylvania Department of Education and CDC.

Final Exams

Final exams will be administered online to mitigate the risk associated with holiday travel.

• Classes begin on Monday, Aug. 17.
• The last day to drop or add classes is Monday, Aug. 24.
• Labor Day - no classes on Monday, Sept. 7.
• Reading Day will not occur during the fall 2020 semester.
• The final day to withdraw from a course is Friday, Oct. 23.
• Classes will end on Friday, Nov. 20.
• Final exams will be administered online Tuesday, Dec. 1, through Friday, Dec. 4.
• The semester will end Friday, Dec. 4.
• Information regarding commencement will be shared at a later date.
  
  

Education and Training

The fall 2020 planning page on the University website will serve as a hub for official information regarding plans for the fall semester, including campus announcements, FAQs and social distancing guidance.

Along with a face mask and hand sanitizer, students, faculty and staff will receive printed information regarding face coverings, proper hygiene and updated campus protocols. Mitigation signage that addresses symptoms, face coverings and social distancing will also be installed across campus.

Athletics and Club Sports

University Athletics

The Board of Directors of the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference voted on Tuesday, July 14, to suspend all mandated conference athletic events and championships through the fall semester in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

PSAC has already undertaken a full review of its ability to shift fall sports competition and championships to the spring semester and fully intends to do so if a return to competition can be safely executed.

Club Sports

All club sport travel and competition has been suspended for the fall semester.

Student Activities and Events

A limited number of in-person events will be held for campus residents. All other face-to-face activities and events, both on and off campus, will be canceled. This also applies to events planned on campus by external organizations.

The Fitness Center in Frank G. Pogue Student Center will be open only to campus residents during reduced hours to minimize health risks to students and staff.

Residence Halls

Due to health and safety concerns, we will be limiting our on-campus housing capacity to 175. The housing cost for all residential students during the fall 2020 semester will be $3,000.

On-campus housing will be limited to the following students:

• International students
• Students who live more than 50 miles from campus and are enrolled in a course with an experiential learning component that is being taught in person and is required for their major

All current housing contracts will be canceled. Students interested in housing must complete the housing request form found on the myHousing page in SCOTS. Priority for on-campus housing will be given to students who live more than 50 miles from campus, and housing requests will be considered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Students that will be living on campus will be subject to a health screening and a temperature check prior to moving into their residence hall.

Modifications will be made to the residence halls to promote physical distancing as well as other health and safety measures in each building.

• Campus residence halls will be de-densified to limit crowding and minimize the spread of COVID-19.
• All students living on campus will be assigned their own bedroom and bathroom.
• Lounge furniture is being rearranged and/or reduced to limit gatherings.
• Elevator occupancy will be reduced to allow for social distancing, and signage will be installed to advise students of updated elevator capacities.
• Students are to maintain social distance while using the community kitchens and laundry rooms.
• Plexiglass barriers are being installed at lobby counters.
• Face coverings must be worn outside the student’s room at all times, including in restrooms, laundry rooms and hallways.

Move-in

A formal move-in plan has been developed to maximize social distancing by staggering the arrival of students and their families to campus. The Office of Residence Life and Housing provided move-in time slots for families so that they could choose a time that works with their schedules. Students will be limited to two guests to assist them with move-in. Face coverings must be worn outside the student’s room at all times.

The University requests that all students who are returning to campus reduce contact with others outside of their family and follow CDC guidelines, such as wearing face coverings outside of their home, reducing non-essential travel and increasing handwashing two weeks prior to move-in.

Students who have traveled to an area with high numbers of COVID-19 cases or internationally will be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days prior to attending classes.

Visitors

With the exception of designated move-in and move-out times, visitors will be restricted from entering the residence halls.

Dining

The Absurd Bird, Scotland Road Subs and Salads, the Culinary Table (full meals) and grab-and-go options in the Frank G. Pogue Student Center will operate in accordance with Pennsylvania Department of Health requirements. All other dining locations will be closed during the fall 2020 semester in an effort to streamline operations and bolster mitigation efforts. Additional mitigation measures include:

• Tables and chairs will be rearranged for effective social distancing.
• Cash payments will be suspended and replaced with contactless card readers.
• Social distancing floor markers and signage will be installed.
• Physical barriers (e.g. Plexiglas) will be installed between workers and students where it is difficult to maintain social distancing.
• Entrance and exit areas will be designated for food service areas.
• Cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces at peak times will be increased.
• Utensils and dishes will be distributed.
• Catering will no longer offer buffet-style service.
  
  

Transportation

When using any type of transportation, follow these general principles:

• Practice hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. Before you leave, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Once you reach your destination, wash your hands again with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol as soon as possible upon arrival. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash and wash your hands immediately with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Practice social distancing. During travel, try to keep at least 6 feet (2 meters) from people who are not in your household — for example, when you are waiting at a bus station or selecting seats on a train.
• Wear face coverings. Face coverings are meant to protect other people in case the wearer is unknowingly infected but does not have symptoms.
• Stay home when appropriate. People who are sick or have recently had close contact (closer than 6 feet for at least 15 minutes) to a person with COVID-19 should not share rides or use public transportation.
• Have adequate supplies. Before traveling, pack sanitizing wipes and hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Bring your face covering.

Public Transit

Follow the general principles listed above, plus the following:

• Stay up-to-date. Check with local transit authorities for the latest information on changes to services and procedures, especially if you might need additional assistance.
• Avoid touching surfaces. Limit touching frequently touched surfaces such as kiosks, digital interfaces such as touchscreens and fingerprint scanners, ticket machines, turnstiles, handrails, restroom surfaces, elevator buttons and benches as much as possible. If you must touch these surfaces, as soon as you can, wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water or rub your hands with sanitizer containing 60% alcohol. Use touchless payment and no-touch trash cans and doors when available. Exchange cash or credit cards by placing them in a receipt tray or on the counter rather than by hand, if possible.
• Practice social distancing. When possible, consider traveling during non-peak hours when there are likely to be fewer people. Follow social distancing guidelines by staying at least 6 feet from people who are not from your household.
• Practice hand hygiene. After you leave the transit station or stop, use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol. When you arrive at your destination, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Personal Vehicles

Follow the general principles listed above, plus the following.

• If possible, avoid sharing rides with people outside of your household.
• If you must share a vehicle, limit the number of passengers and wear a face covering. Face coverings should be worn when two or more employees are riding together in a vehicle for the purpose of work-related travel.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces regularly (for example, the steering wheel, gear shift, door frame/handles, windows, radio/temperature dials, and seat belt buckles). When using parking meters and pay stations, consider using alcohol wipes to disinfect surfaces or use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol after use. Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds as soon as it is possible.
• Improve ventilation. Improve the ventilation in the vehicle if possible (for example, open the windows or set the air ventilation/air conditioning on non-recirculation mode).
  
  

Academic Support Services

Academic support services will be available during the fall semester. Virtual methods will be utilized when possible.

In addition, peer tutoring and fully online tutoring, through Smarthinking, will be available throughout the semester.

Baron-forness Library

The Baron-Forness Library will be open to visitors for the start of classes on August 17. Hours of operation will be as follows:

• Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Friday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Saturday: 9:15 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Sunday: 12:15 – 8 p.m.

In order to minimize use of elevators and reduce foot traffic in the stairwells and stacks, we are strongly encouraging library users to take advantage of the “Request” feature in the library catalog. This will allow library staff to retrieve requested items and prepare them for pickup at the circulation desk or at curbside.

Librarians will be available through Zoom, email, chat and telephone to provide research assistance.

Study rooms remain available (four on the first floor, two on the second) but are currently limited to single-person occupancy.

Computers remain available for general use in the lab, but numbers have been reduced to create social distancing

Other mitigation measures include:

• Tables, chairs, seating rearranged for effective social distancing.
• Social distancing floor markers installed at points of service.
• Reduced number of private study carrels on floors 4-6.
• Cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces.
• Physical barriers installed at points of service.

Additional information is available on the Library’s COVID-19 help guide at: libguides.edinboro.edu/covid19

Counseling Services

The University’s fall 2020 strategy employs preventative measure stacking in order to create the greatest possible protection against COVID-19 exposure.

Know how it spreads

According to the CDC, COVID-19 spreads primarily through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks or sings. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Research has suggested that the virus may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms. The risk of contracting the virus increases the more closely a person interacts with others and the longer that interaction.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Wash your hands often

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• 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. Hand sanitizer stations are located at various locations throughout University buildings. Facilities will continue to evaluate hand sanitizer locations.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, even inside your home or residence hall. If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household or suite members.
• Put distance between yourself and other people outside of your home or residence hall. Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread the virus. Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people. Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Cover your mouth and nose with a face covering when around others

• It is possible to spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
• It is possible to spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick. Face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
• The face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
• Facemasks meant for a healthcare worker should not be used.
• Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.

Cover coughs and sneezes

• Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Do not spit.
• Throw used tissues in the trash. Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Clean and disinfect

• Routine cleaning and disinfection have been increased across campus, focusing on high touch points in classrooms, common areas and public spaces.
• Students should frequently clean and disinfect their living and eating areas. If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection. Then, use a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants are sufficient.
• Everyone has a shared responsibility to keep campus safe. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.

Monitor Your Health

• Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath or other symptoms of COVID-19.
• Take your temperature if symptoms develop. Don’t take your temperature within 30 minutes of exercising or after taking medications that could lower your temperature, like acetaminophen.
  
  

Face Coverings

When used in conjunction with other preventative measures—including social distancing and proper hygiene—cloth face coverings can be an effective method of source control. Emerging evidence from clinical studies shows that cloth face coverings reduce the spray of respiratory droplets when worn over the nose and mouth. Face coverings help to protect those around you, including those who are at higher risk of severe illness.

Until further notice, students, faculty, staff and visitors to campus must wear a face covering to enter campus buildings and in hallways, meeting rooms, common spaces, elevators and all other areas where social distancing is not possible. Changes regarding face covering requirements will be made by the University’s Emergency Response Team based on guidance from local, state and national health experts.

Individuals who are unable to wear a face covering due to a documented health condition or disability must request an exception through the Office for Accessibility Services.

Face Covering Considerations

• Masks should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face, covering the nose and mouth.
• Face coverings should be laundered after each use in a washing machine or by hand using a bleach solution and must be completely dry before use.
• Disposable masks should be discarded after each use.
• Face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

Types of Face Coverings

• Face mask
• Neck gaiter
• Bandana
• Disposable face covering
• Face shield
• Surgical mask
• N95 respirator (reserved for first responders and medical professionals)

Students

Students are required to wear a face covering in all public spaces on campus, including classrooms, dining areas and outdoors when social distancing is not possible.

Residential students are not required to wear a face covering in their personal room; however, face coverings are mandatory while in community spaces such as hallways, stairways, elevators and laundry rooms.

Edinboro-branded cloth masks will be provided to residential students at the beginning of the fall semester. Students are permitted to wear their own face covering as long as it meets CDC guidelines.

Employees

All employees working on campus (regardless of frequency) are required to wear a mask while working, except when the employee is eating or drinking, driving alone in a vehicle or working alone in an office. Employees are not to ride together unless it is absolutely necessary and it is for a duration of less than 15 minutes. Face coverings are required to be worn for the entire duration of the trip.

Edinboro-branded cloth masks will be available to all employees at the beginning of the fall semester. Faculty members who are teaching in-person courses will also receive a clear face shield. Employees that do not have a face covering should contact Safety and  Risk Management to receive one at no cost to them. Shields are available to staff members upon request.

Employees are permitted to wear their own face covering, subject to approval by their supervisor.

Visitors

Contractors, vendors and other approved visitors to campus must wear a face covering at all times while on University property. Face coverings will be supplied by the visitor or service provider.

Social Distancing and Gatherings

• All employees, students and visitors are required to practice social distancing while on campus.
• Occupants are to stay to the right while navigating all stairs, hallways and entrances/exits. Try to maintain common traffic patterns as if they were roadways.
• Students with courses on campus should avoid arriving at their class too early to reduce congestion in the hallways. Classroom occupancies have also been lowered to help reduce this congestion and to maintain social distancing.
• Elevators capacities have been reduced to one or two passengers based on social distancing.
• Social distancing floor markers will be installed where appropriate.
• Physical barriers (e.g. plexiglass) will be installed at counters in areas where it is difficult to maintain 6-ft. social distancing, as deemed appropriate by Safety and Risk Management.
• All meetings should occur virtually when possible. If a meeting is to be conducted in-person the host must take attendance to assist with contact tracing.
• Occupants are expected to maintain social distancing when in a lounge/lobby/study room/conference room. The furniture will be reduced where possible or pre-distanced seating markers may be installed.
  
  

Campus Environment Modifications

Guidelines such as those published by the Pennsylvania Department of Education will be used as a basis for classroom design and capacity on physical distancing. Students and faculty should not enter a classroom until the room is completely vacant. Students and faculty should not arrive at the classroom early, and should wait at a reasonable distance away from the doors.

Buildings

• Occupancy will be reduced in elevators.
• Acrylic guards and partitions will be installed in high-traffic, student-service areas where social distancing is not possible.
• Hand sanitizer will be available throughout the buildings.

HVAC Operations

There are many types of HVAC systems located on the Edinboro campus. While these systems are numerous and varied, they were professionally designed to the standards in place at the time. Because of the variance in the systems and their modes of operation, the adjustments that can be made to the systems in response to COVID-19 will vary as well.

This operations plan was developed based upon the current guidance and recommendations available and will be adjusted as new information becomes available. Sources and guidance used in developing this plan:

• CDC “Considerations for Institutions of Higher Education”; updated May 30, 2020
• Pennsylvania Department of Education “Preliminary Guidance for Resuming In-Person Instruction at Postsecondary Education Institutions and Adult Education Programs”; June 3, 2020, Version 1
• OSHA “Guidance on Preparing workplaces for COVID-19” (OSHA 3990-03 2020);
• ASHRAE “Environmental Health Committee (EHC) Emerging Issue Brief: Pandemic COVID-19 and Airborne Transmission”

Edinboro University’s Facilities Department will take the following actions per the current guidance to reduce the risk of airborne transmission of COVID-19:

1. All HVAC systems will be adjusted to remove any occupied/unoccupied programming features and systems will run 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. This will provide continuous ventilation of buildings.
2. Where possible, minimum outside air ventilation rates will be increased to allow the introduction of the maximum amount of outside air without compromising building temperature and humidity conditions.
3. Where possible, filtration efficiency will be increased without compromising system design parameters or disrupting design air flows.

Facilities does not recommend opening windows, doors or other openings to the outside. Doing so could:

1. Adversely affect indoor air conditions and pose a health risk to employees in the building.
2. Promote mold growth inside the building.
3. Allow pests and insects to enter the building.

Classrooms

• Tables, chairs and desks in classrooms will be set up to comply with the recommended physical distancing guidelines.
• Student seating will be rotated by class to reduce the number of student contacts. Most seats will be equipped with colored dots to identify the seat corresponding to their class.
• Shared items should be reduced and users should frequently wash their hands or use hand sanitizer after using shared items.
• Classes will be scheduled in larger rooms, when possible, to ensure physical distancing.
• Whenever possible, faculty members are strongly encouraged to have all student assignments submitted, evaluated and returned electronically in order to minimize the handling of materials by multiple individuals.
• Labs/studios will be adapted as necessary to implement hazard controls.
• Final exams are scheduled to be offered remotely following Thanksgiving, and other exams or assessments should be designed in a way to be offered remotely.

Residence Halls

• Campus residence halls will be de-densified to limit crowding and minimize the spread of COVID-19.
• All students living on campus will be assigned their own bedroom and bathroom.
• Lounge furniture is being rearranged and/or reduced to limit gatherings.
• Elevator occupancy will be reduced to allow for social distancing, and signage will be installed to advise students of updated elevator capacities.
• Students are to maintain social distance while using the community kitchens and laundry rooms.
• Plexiglass barriers are being installed at lobby counters.
• Face coverings must be worn outside the student’s room at all times, including in restrooms, laundry rooms and hallways.

Baron-Forness Library

• The 24-hour computer lab will be closed due to social distancing concerns.
• Study rooms occupancy will be reduced to 1 person.
• Furniture will be reduced/rearranged in the library to allow for social distancing.
• Computers will be spaced based on social distancing guidelines.

Bookstore

Textbooks can ONLY be ordered online. At checkout, you will be offered the choice to have your textbooks shipped (off-campus) or to be picked up in the bookstore (during limited hours). No direct sales of textbooks will occur in the bookstore. All orders must be placed online. Please check the bookstore website for store hours.

The sales of art supplies will be done by appointment only.

Health Services

Student Health Services will conduct appointments through telehealth, Zoom health, as well as some limited in-person visits. For the safety of our students and staff, walk-in appointments will not be accepted. Students should call ahead to schedule an appointment at (814) 732-2743. Any medical concerns that cannot be addressed through a virtual visit will be scheduled for a face-to-face visit at Ghering Health Center.

Prescreening of all face-to-face visits will be completed in advance, and individuals with respiratory concerns will be separated from those requesting well visits such as TB tests and physicals.

Non-essential Travel

Only essential professional travel will be permitted during the 2020-2021 academic year. No other travel will be permitted nor financially supported by the University.

Essential travel must be (a) kept to a minimum, (b) be conducted in a way to protect traveler health and safety per CDC considerations and Pennsylvania Department of Health guidelines, and (c) occur only when remote participation/engagement is not possible. Following are examples of permitted essential travel:

• Travel for clinical or practicum supervisions, where remote supervision is not possible
• Travel to supervise student teaching and field experiences
• Travel to teach University courses at off-campus locations (e.g., RCI)
• Travel for student recruitment
• Travel for fundraising
• Travel for PASSHE administrative meetings where in-person attendance is required
• Travel for varsity athletic competitions

Travel that is not permitted (non-essential) includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Faculty supervision of student internships; these supervisions should be done remotely
• Faculty and student travel for University and department-affiliated organizations and units (e.g., Honors College, Mock Trial, Model NATO, Spring Urban Seminar)
• Study abroad travel experiences (to be reassessed in February 2021 for trips planned for May 2021 or later)
• Participation at professional conferences or training workshops; remote participation is encouraged where possible

Per the State System’s Fall Framework, all university-sponsored international or out-of-state travel for students, faculty, or staff should be curtailed unless approved by the university president (or designee).

The State System's Fall 2020 Framework recommends against all unnecessary travel. Employees who have traveled to an area with high numbers of COVID-19 cases should plan to telecommute for 14 days upon their return. Anyone traveling abroad -- employees or students -- should quarantine for 14 days upon their return.

Schedules/Telework

As a proactive measure to keep our campus community as healthy as possible, we are asking for your help to ensure the good health of all students and employees.

Please self-report for any one of the following situations:

• Quarantine - You have been asked to quarantine due to exposure to a person who is positive for COVID-19.
• Diagnosis - You have been diagnosed with or tested positive for COVID-19.

How to self report

Students

• Contact Student Health Services at (814) 732-2743.
• This information will be confidentially managed ensuring only those with a need to know are informed.
• This notification will allow the University to assist with valuable resources including, food delivery for on-campus housing residents, COVID-19 testing (when applicable) and course accommodations.

Employees

• Contact their supervisor/dean. The supervisor/dean will be responsible for notifying Student Health Services at (814) 732-2743.
• This information will be confidentially managed, ensuring only those with a need to know are informed.
• You can help by not engaging others who do not have a need to know, and by refraining from open dialogue or discussion about individual employee medical status.
• For employees, generally those with a need to know are an employee’s supervisor, certain members of the administration, and Human Resources.
• The university will take reasonable precautions to protect health information, pursuant to all applicable laws and statutes, including, but not limited to, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974.
  
  

Monitoring Student Health and Class Absenteeism

The University and all of its employees play an important role in controlling the spread of COVID-19. Their observations and reporting of student attendance and symptoms, consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) will be key. Everyone will be asked to observe student behavior and refer a student who appears symptomatic to Student Health Services. Faculty members are also asked to monitor student absenteeism in both online and face-to-face classes.

Testing

Tests are available at Ghering Health and Wellness Center to any student who is symptomatic, regardless of whether they live on or off campus. Students must contact Student Health Services at 814-732-2743 to schedule an appointment to pick up a test kit.

Students will perform their own specimen collection with remote guidance and observation by trained Student Health Services staff. Once complete, the specimen must be returned to Ghering Health and Wellness Center.

Specimens will be picked up at Ghering Health and Wellness Center twice daily by Associated Clinical Laboraties/Quest Diagnostics. The wait for results will vary depending on the volume of tests received by the testing facility.

The cost of the test, which is $100, is covered by most insurances for symptomatic students. If a student does not have health insurance, the cost of the test will be covered by CARES Act funds through ACL as long as funding is available.

If you had close contact, meaning you were within 6 feet of a person with COVID-19 for more than 15 minutes, or if you are experiencing a fever, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, new loss of taste/smell, headache, muscle or body aches, chills, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, congestion or runny nose, please call SHS at (814) 732-2743 to speak with a medical staff member.

Contact Tracing

Edinboro University is partnering with members of the Erie County Department of Health to establish contact tracing procedures for our campus. Contact tracing will be utilized to identify and inform members of the Edinboro community who may have had close contact with someone on campus who has been diagnosed with COVID-19. University personnel have undergone contact tracing training to prepare them to assist the DOH with contract tracing if needed.

The State System is also working with both the Pennsylvania Department of Education and the Pennsylvania Department of Health on the issue of contact tracing. We will adapt contact tracing protocols as necessary.

Identified Case

The Erie County Department of Health has protocols for confirmed cases. Information will be shared in accordance with the Erie County Department of Health’s guidance. Each situation will be unique and will be evaluated on what notifications will be necessary based on the current situation to ensure the confidentiality of the student or employee.

Quarantine/Isolation

Quarantine and isolation measures are critical to mitigating further spread of the virus on our campus. Individuals who are feeling unwell or are experiencing the following symptoms should stay home and seek medical attention.

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Quarantine

Quarantine is used to keep an individual who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others.

Based on CDC guidance, individuals who have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19 will be directed to stay home for 14 days after their last exposure, separate themselves from others, monitor their health, and follow directions from their state or local health department.

What counts as close contact?

• You were within 6 feet of someone who has COVID-19 for at least 15 minutes
• You provided care at home to someone who is sick with COVID-19
• You had direct physical contact with the person (touched, hugged, or kissed them)
• You shared eating or drinking utensils
• They sneezed, coughed, or somehow got respiratory droplets on you

Residential students should remain in their residence hall room and separate themselves from others. Students in quarantine should contact Student Health Services to arrange meal delivery, receive academic accommodations, and to be monitored.

Isolation

Isolation is used to separate people infected with the virus (with or without symptoms) from people who are not infected.

Residential students should remain in their residence hall room and separate themselves from others. Students in isolation should contact Student Health Services to arrange meal delivery, receive academic accommodations and to be monitored.

Non-residential students should isolate themselves in their current housing location, separate themselves from others, monitor their symptoms and follow directions from the Erie County Department of Health.

County Status Change

• The fall 2020 planning page on the University website will serve as a hub for official information regarding plans for the fall semester, including campus announcements, FAQs and social distancing guidance.
• Campus-wide email will serve as the primary mode of communication to students, parents and employees. There will be some redundancy between information shared via email and that shared on the fall planning webpage, but repetition is important to ensure our campus community “hears” our messages.
• Throughout the fall semester, reminders about proper hygiene and updates to campus protocols will be disseminated via internal channels (Boro Weekly, myEdinboro, campus televisions, emergency text messages via EU Shield) and external channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, alumni communications).
  
  

Employee/Student Return to Campus

Communications with students, employees and parents will be ongoing and clear to ensure that these key stakeholders understand what is expected of them and what they can expect from the University as they return to campus. Questions posed directly to the president’s office, Marketing and Communications and other University offices will be answered as soon as possible. We will emphasize the fluidity of the situation as we work to manage expectations.

Identified Case

Communications to the campus community regarding COVID-19 cases will be done in accordance with Erie County Department of Health’s protocols, as the authority having jurisdiction. We also will ensure compliance with FERPA, while at the same time ensuring that we are as transparent as possible with the campus and broader communities.

The Clery Act and its implementing regulations require institutions to notify the campus community upon the confirmation of a significant emergency or dangerous situation involving an immediate threat to the health or safety of students or staff occurring on campus. The DOE does not interpret the statutory language as requiring institutions to give regular, on-going updates on COVID-19 or to proactively identify positive COVID-19 cases within the campus community. The department also does not interpret the statutory language to apply to positive COVID-19 cases among individuals who are not attending classes, working or residing on campus or to require notifications to such individuals.

An institution may satisfy the emergency notification requirements of the Clery Act as follows: (1) provide students and employees a single notification through the regular means of communicating emergency notifications informing them about COVID-19 and necessary health and safety precautions, as well as encouraging them to obtain information from health care providers, state health authorities and the CDC’s COVID-19 website; or (2) create a banner at the top of the institution’s homepage containing that same information, including a statement about the global pandemic and a link to the CDC’s website.

Media Inquiries