Update Regarding COVID-19 Cases on Campus
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Announced: August 17, 2020, 7:15 a.m.
To: Faculty & Staff
From: Emergency Operations Center
In an effort to provide transparency to the campus community as Chico State continues to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have adopted a process of notifying students, faculty, and staff when 1) a public health agency confirms that a member of the campus community has tested positive for COVID-19 and 2) the individual was recently on campus or at another University-owned site. Your well-being is our top priority. While news of positive COVID-19 cases may be concerning, we want the campus community to be informed when a case has been identified on campus, and to know that the University is responding immediately.
Confirmed COVID-19 Cases
We recently learned of confirmed COVID-19 cases involving individuals who spent time in two University buildings. Pursuant to our protocol, Chico State’s Pandemic Manager has been in direct contact with the Butte County Public Health Department (BCPHD) and affected individuals, and BCPHD has initiated its contact tracing procedures. Individuals who were exposed during the incident per BCPHD’s analysis have been directed to self-quarantine, and the impacted departments and offices have been notified of the incidents.
The risk of infection to the larger campus community is low.
How We’re Responding
As part of the University’s planned response, all common areas the infected individuals frequented have received enhanced cleaning and disinfecting, which includes sanitizing doorknobs and handles, light switches, desks, chairs, tables, and other frequently touched surfaces and objects. Areas that could not be thoroughly cleaned have been closed and are being “aged out” for seven days according to Centers for Disease Control guidelines.
WellCat Health Center personnel will provide case management to those affected by the incidents and will continue to work closely with BCPHD in response to the incidents. In compliance with state and federal law, Chico State will not release the names, affiliations, or health conditions of students, faculty, or staff who test positive for COVID-19 unless a public health agency advises that there is a public safety benefit in doing so.
Important Reminders & Resources
As we prepare for the start of the academic year, we again stress the importance of self-monitoring for symptoms, wearing face coverings, and practicing social distancing. This is the best path toward a safe and healthy semester, and we need everyone doing their part.
- Contact Chico State’s COVID-19 Hotline at 530-898-2222 or COVIDhotline@csuchico.edu with questions or concerns about these or any other incidents. Calls to the hotline are voluntary and all information will remain confidential. The hotline is staffed during University operating hours—8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday.
- Please follow mandatory University health and safety guidelines, including:
- Completing mandatory COVID-19 training before the start of the semester—or, for staff, before you return to campus for work
- Wearing face coverings in all indoor public spaces—including classrooms, labs, studios, and offices—and outdoors when six feet of physical distance isn’t possible
- Performing symptom monitoring on a daily basis, including taking your temperature if you feel you have a fever, and staying home and self-isolating if you have symptoms. Call Chico State’s COVID-19 hotline at 530-898-2222 for advice
- Maintaining at least 6 feet of physical distance between you and others indoors and out
- Washing your hands often and for at least 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer, while also disinfecting frequently used surfaces
- Visit the COVID-19 News & Information website for additional resources, steps for keeping yourself safe and healthy, and details about the University’s COVID-19 response protocols.
We appreciate your understanding, flexibility, and commitment to doing all you can to ensure the continued health of the entire campus community. We will keep you informed as we navigate future COVID-19 challenges.