COVID-19 Update for March 23

March 23 updates include information on access to campus, first lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the county, ways to help the community, and tips for ergonomic workspaces.

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Student Resources for Online Instruction, Support

To support a smooth transition to online and alternative-format learning through the remainder of the semester,IT Support Services(opens in new window) will continue providing comprehensive technology assistance online through the end of the semester, and currently has a limited number of loaner laptops available to students for pick-up today, March 23 until Friday, March 27 only. Students must submit a laptop request(opens in new window) prior to pick-up. Laptops will be prepared the morning after the request is submitted and can be picked up between 1–4 p.m. at IT Support Services in Meriam Library, Room 142. Students needing Internet access from home should check out these available resources(opens in new window). Visit Chico State’s COVID-19 Info & News(opens in new window) website for a complete list of student-support services.

Reminder: Employee Access to Campus through Tuesday, March 24

Last week, Governor Newsomissued a stay-at-home directive for the entire state of California with no specific end date. We know employees have questions about what it means in regard to their access to campus—especially because the order came without much warning and some employees weren't able to collect essential work-related supplies they'll need for working remotely. Chico State is allowing employees, including student employees, to return to their workspaces 8 a.m.–5 p.m. through the end of business (5 p.m.) Tuesday, March 24, to gather necessary supplies. We ask that anyone visiting campus practice proper social distancing.Please plan on not being able to access your workspace for at least two months. After Tuesday, March 24, only personnel designated to be on campus will have building access. For questions about accessing buildings, please call 530-898-3906.

Butte County Reports First Lab-Confirmed COVID-19 Cases

This weekend, the Butte County Public Health Department announced(opens in new window) the first two lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Butte County. These cases have no effect on the proactive plans Chico State has put into placefor the rest of the semester regarding online and alternative instruction, and restricting on-campus operations to only essential functions. These local cases, however, are a reminder to students, faculty, and staff to heed Governor Newsom's Stay at Home Order(opens in new window), practice good preventive care and social-distancing best practices(opens in new window) when it's essential to leave your home, and to self-isolate if you experience flu-like symptoms and call, not visit, a health care provider for guidance if needed. Campus community members experiencing anxiety about COVID-19 are encouraged to review resources available for support.

Be Mindful of Symptoms Returning From Spring Break

The University welcomes students, faculty, and staff returning from spring break. We hope you enjoyed your time off and are ready to jump into the second half of the spring semester. If you traveled during the break, especially to regions impacted by COVID-19, and are experiencing flu-like symptoms, we ask that you please self-isolate until the symptoms go away, and/or call the WellCat Health Center(opens in new window) at 530-898-5241 to get guidance. Faculty and staff should reach out to their medical providers or Butte County Public Health at 530-552-4000. As cases grow, it's more important than ever to self-isolate if you have symptoms and to protect the health of those around you.

'Cats Caring for Their Community

It’s natural to focus on how COVID-19 is impacting our personal and professional lives, whether putting projects on hold, not being able to spend time with family and friends, or even greater sacrifices. But we know our Wildcats also care deeply about engaging with our community, in both times of normalcy and moments of crisis. Chico State’s Community Action Volunteers in Education(opens in new window) program has compiled a list of ideas for helping safely (opens in new window)during the pandemic. Ideas include volunteering to deliver meals to people in need, donating blood, and checking on neighborswho may be struggling with isolation or other impacts of sheltering at home.

Essential Ergonomics for Keeping Healthy at Home

As students begin learning from home on Wednesday, March 25, and a vast number of employees arenow telecommuting, it'smore important than ever to consider how study and workspaces are set up ergonomically to maximize comfort and productivity. Check out this ergonomics how-to guide from the Mayo Clinic(opens in new window) and desk set-up video(opens in new window) from the Wall Street Journal. We encourage employees to take the 20-minute “Computer Ergonomics” training in CSULearn(opens in new window).At the end of the training, there'sa checklist that can help you evaluate your workspace.