5 p.m. Tuesday, March 10 Update:
5 p.m. March 10, 2020
President Larry Robinson has sent thefollowing message to students, faculty and staff:
To Florida A&M University (FAMU) students, faculty and staff as you prepare to leave campus for the upcoming Spring Break in light of the threat of the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19).
Continuing Academic Instruction
As a precaution, all faculty must be prepared to conduct online or non-face-to-face instruction, wherever possible. Online course materials should be prepared by Sunday, March 22, 2020.
The Office of Instructional Technology (OIT) has made preparations to extend the utilization of the learning management resources to deliver coursework online in the event that the decision is made to transition to online and/or alternative methods of delivery for any of our campus locations.
OIT will work with faculty members who need assistance in loading course content, developing quizzes and exams, utilizing web-conference tools, and using the grade book in the learning management system (LMS). Additionally, OIT will provide a self-guided resource portal that includes online tutorials and quick start guides to assist faculty in utilizing the LMS to deliver their courses online.
For instructional support, please contact the Office of Instructional Technology from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. OIT can be contacted by phone at (850) 599-3460 and by email at OIT@famu.edu.
Travel Restrictions
FAMU is suspending all university-related international travel for the foreseeable future, effective immediately. We strongly urge all students, faculty and staff to reconsider plans for personal international travel.
Effective immediately, all university-related domestic travel is prohibited unless approved by the divisional vice president or President Robinson.
Students, staff and faculty involved in Study Abroad programs should contact the Office of International Education and Development (OIED) at 850-599-3295 immediately for more information.
Self-Isolation Protocols
The University requires that all faculty, staff and students who return from international travel to self-isolate and not return to campus for 14 days after their return.
Those who have been in close contact with anyone who has travelled internationally should self-monitor for symptoms and should contact their physicians for further instructions.
Failure to comply would violate section 9.5 of the Student Code of Conduct or, in the case of faculty and staff may result in disciplinary action.
University residence halls will remain open.
Students who need to self-isolate and /or monitor for symptoms should do the following:
- Notify Student Health Services by emailing www.studenthealthcenter@famu.eduthat you are to self-isolate or monitor for symptoms. You will need to provide your name, student ID number, and a phone number where you can be reached.
- We will email instructions and a symptom monitoring form.
- Contact your professors for alternate assignments and accommodations during this 14-day period.
Faculty and staff who need to self-isolate or monitor should follow the instructions below:
- Notify supervisor of your need to self-isolate or monitor for symptoms. Supervisors will be asked to notify Human Resources’ Time and Attendance Department regarding leave.
- Human Resources will be able to answer your questions regarding leave time and how absences will be handled.
- Human Resources will communicate with your supervisor on steps to take to return to work.
Gatherings & Events
All on-campus gatherings and events that require community participation have been canceled. Affected events include Spring Preview, Sound the Alarm, Be Out Day, and STEM Day. The Orange & Green Game will proceed without fans in attendance, while other athletic events will be held as scheduled.
All other events are under review. The University will continue to use CDC guidance to evaluate our ability to prevent the spread of the coronavirus at events.
However, please be aware of CDC guidance, which recommends that the elderly, anyone with a compromised immune system and anyone who is sick should avoid such events. If this applies to you, please reconsider your plans.
General Support for Public Health
On Monday, March 9, Gov. Ron DeSantis, announced a State of Emergency for COVID-19. There have been two reported coronavirus related deaths and 14 cases of the viral illness in Florida as of Tuesday, March 10.
So far, there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus on the FAMU campus, in Leon County or in Tallahassee. FAMU administration is continuing to follow developments in the coronavirus outbreak closely and will follow guidance from the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of Homeland Security, the Florida Department of Health and the Leon County Health Department as the situation changes.
FAMU is taking the following actions to protect our community and to carry on our business of educating students
The University’s Emergency Management Team began meeting in January to plan and prepare the university to meet the challenges presented by the coronavirus outbreak. The Coronavirus Incident Management Team continues to meet to address public health concerns, continuity of academic and business operations. We have made a commitment to communicate regularly with members of the university community on the status of the coronavirus outbreak, its impact on FAMU, university mitigation and response efforts, and, most importantly, preventative measures and self-care information.
FAMU will continue to monitor the situation and will reassess these decisions based on information from WHO, CDC, and International SOS.
Some of the steps we have taken that support public health include the following:
- Installation of additional hand sanitizer dispensers throughout campus, to be placed at strategic locations such as building entryways and high-traffic locations;
- Increased disinfection of high touch areas: doorknobs, handrails, light switches, bathrooms, water fountains, etc.
- Areas are being disinfected with products recommended by the EPA and the Center for Biocide Chemistries (CBC).
- A location has been identified for use in the event students who live on campus need to self-isolate.
FAMU officials are asking students, faculty and staff to be vigilant in observing the following health protocols to protect themselves and help prevent the spread of the coronavirus in our community:
- 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.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
For further updates visit FAMUnews.com.
Campus CoronavirusAdvisory
President Larry Robinson has sent the following message to students, faculty and staff:
Florida A&M University is asking students, faculty and staff to be vigilant in observing health protocols to protect themselves and prevent the spread of the Coronavirus.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend that you wash your hands frequently 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 available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home when you are sick.
On Sunday, March 1, 2020, Gov. Ron DeSantis announced a state of emergency after two cases of coronavirus were reported in Florida. The Florida Department of Health said the individuals affected by the respiratory illness are in Manatee and Hillsborough counties.
The Florida Department of Health reported late Friday, March 6, that two individuals have died and two new presumptive positive cases have been identified in Broward County. The FDOH said there are six positive cases of coronavirus in the state.
Florida A&M University (FAMU) continues to monitor the spread of the coronavirus. FAMU has suspended all University-related travel to China, South Korea, Italy, Iran and Japan for students, faculty, administration and staff, effective immediately.
The University requests that all faculty, staff and students who return from travel to China, Iran, Italy, Japan and South Korea self-quarantine and not return to campus for 14 days after their return.
Those who have been in close contact with anyone who has travelled to those areas should self-monitor for symptoms and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
This outbreak appears to have started in Wuhan, Hubei Province of China in December and has spread to 64 countries, including the United States, where there have been 11 reported deaths.
The U.S. Department of State has placed a Level 4 Travel Advisory – Do Not Travel to China and Iran.
Levels 3 alerts exist for South Korea and Italy.
Level 2 alerts exist for Japan.
We will continue to monitor this outbreak and provide updates to the campus community as needed. There are no FAMU students or faculty currently studying or teaching in China, South Korea, Italy, Iran, and Japan.
Students and faculty involved in Study Abroad programs should contact the Office of International Education and Development (OIED) immediately for more information.
Students, faculty and staff who are planning trips for Spring Break should consult with the OIED for more advisory information at 850-599-3295.
University sponsored travel to countries with a CDC Warning Level 3 or a U.S. Department of State Advisory Level 3 or 4 will not be approved.
If you are suffering from a respiratory illness, or fever, please stay home. We will work with supervisors, deans and faculty to accommodate individuals who are ill.
If experiencing symptoms, call the Leon County Health Department at 866-779-6211.
For further updates visit FAMUnews.com.
Frequently asked questions
What is novel coronavirus
The novel coronavirus 2019 (SARS-CoV-2) is a newly identified coronavirus that is causing an outbreak of respiratory illness.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), human coronaviruses are common throughout the world and usually cause mild to moderate illness in people.
Why is this new virus a public health concern?
- It is newly identified, so much is still unknown about it.
- Two other human coronaviruses, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV, have caused severe illness.
What is the risk?
The immediate health risk to the general U.S. public is considered low at this time, according to the CDC. The CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) are closely monitoring the situation and providing ongoing guidance.
What are the Symptoms?
Symptoms may be flu-like, ranging from mild to serious, and include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.
What is the mode of transmission?
- Person-to-person spread is occurring, although it’s unclear exactly how it is transmitted and how easily the virus spreads between people.
What treatment is available?
People infected with coronavirus should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for the novel coronavirus infection.
Can people be inoculated to prevent this illness?
There is no vaccine to prevent this virus. The CDC advises that the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
What are the recommendations for people who have been to China and other affected countries since the outbreak or suspect contact with someone with illness and have respiratory symptoms suspected to be novel Coronavirus?
- Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
- Avoid contact with others.
- Do not travel while sick. Please do not get on public transportation or just arrive at the student clinic. You should call ahead to the clinic, hospital or emergency room where you plan to seek care.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Students should seek care if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms (fever greater than 100.3, cough, body aches, severe sore throat, runny nose), especially if symptoms worsen. Contact Student Health Services at 850-599-3777 and identify yourself as having flu-like symptoms.
- Faculty and staff who are ill with flu-like symptoms should contact their personal physician and follow their instructions.
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