I know many of you have been following the news in recent weeks as we learn about the spread of the novel coronavirus, or COVID–19. We all certainly wish for a speedy end to this respiratory illness and a quick recovery for the thousands who have been or will be affected around the world.
Please be assured that here at DCCC we stay in regular contact with local, state, and national officials who give guidance at times like these, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Right now, the message from health officials is to increase our prevention procedures, in a similar way as we do for the seasonal flu and other respiratory illnesses that affect millions of Americans. These strategies may also help slow the spread of COVID–19.
Here on our campuses, our custodial and maintenance staff work diligently to keep our physical spaces clean and safe every day. Even as they increase their cleaning to combat flu, COVID–19, and other respiratory illnesses, they cannot do it alone. I encourage each of you to be especially diligent in cleaning and disinfecting your workspaces, office areas, and classroom spaces as needed. If you identify cleaning needs that are not being met, please bring those needs to the attention of your supervisor.
Please also keep a special eye on our students during this time. They also see the headlines and may have concerns about the impact on themselves, family, and friends. Remind them to do all they can to stay healthy, and to stay home if they’re sick.
We will be posting the guidelines below around campus. This advice comes from the CDC to avoid respiratory diseases like COVID–19:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
I know you share my hope that growing awareness and heightened prevention procedures are going to slow the spread of COVID–19. If we need to take additional steps to keep our campuses safe, please know that I will share that information with you as soon as it becomes available.
In the meantime, thank you for the daily care and concern you show our students and each other! I am proud to be your president.
– Dr. Darrin L. Hartness
