Important Update Regarding COVID-19 Cases—September 12

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Announced: September 12, 2020, 4 p.m.

To: Campus Community
From: Emergency Operations Center

We’ve learned of seven new COVID-19 cases involving students, faculty, or staff who spent time in the locations below:

• Lassen Hall—last day in building was September 9
• Sutter Dining—last day in building was September 9

These recent incidents bring the total number of positive COVID-19 cases identified within the Chico State community since the beginning of August to 177. This number represents the total count of self-reported cases over time, but does not reflect the number of currently active cases or number of individuals who have recovered. The Butte County Public Health Department (BCPHD) tracks general “active” and “recovered” information for the county, but is unable to provide details for University-specific cases. 

Pursuant to our protocol, Chico State’s Pandemic Manager has been in direct contact with BCPHD and affected individuals, and BCPHD has initiated contact-tracing procedures. Individuals who were exposed during the incidents per BCPHD’s analysis have been directed to self-quarantine.

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 and will continue working 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

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.eduwith questions or concerns about this or any other incident. 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. After hours or on weekends, you can leave a confidential voicemail and your call will be returned within 24 hours.
• Please follow mandatory University health and safety guidelines, including:
  • Completing mandatory COVID-19 training
  • Wearing face coverings in all indoor public spaces—including classrooms, labs, studios, offices, and on-campus housing—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 distancebetween you and others indoors and out
  • Washing your hands oftenand 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.

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Receiving COVID-19 test results that confirm infection can take up to a week; therefore, there may be a number of days between individuals’ last time on campus and when the campus community receives an update. The University provides new-case updates to the campus community as soon as they are available.

Also, per guidance from Butte County Public Health Department, the University can share only the locations of positive COVID-19 cases identifiedon campus. These notices aggregate incidents to report out the total number of cases. We are unable to provide details about the number of individuals involved in specific incidents or any identifying information to protect the privacy of those involved. Chico State’s COVID-19 News & Information website is updated regularly with a running total of all cases identified in the Chico State community since early August.