Campus Bulletin: Faculty and Staff, ObieSafe

Information for Employees Regarding Coronavirus

January 27, 2020 12:45 PM

Office of Communications

How to prevent the spread of coronavirus and other influenza?

All employees, especially those with frequent travel, should follow the recommended preventive measures:

  1. Stay home when you are sick with influenza-like illness. Sick workers stay home if they are ill with influenza-like illness until at least 24-hours after they are free from fever.

  2. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

  3. Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes.

  4. Cover your coughs and sneezes. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

  5. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.

  6. Keep frequently touched common surfaces clean. For example, telephones, computer equipment, etc.

  7. Try not to use other workers’ phones, desks, offices, or other work tools and equipment. If necessary, consider cleaning them first with a disinfectant.

  8. Practice other good health habits. Attention to rest, diet, exercise, and relaxation helps maintain physical and emotional health.

What to do if your department is impacted by Coronavirus?

Please contact Human Resources (440-775-8430) if your department is impacted by the coronavirus or if you experience high absenteeism from other flu strains.

What does Oberlin recommend for travel restrictions at this time?

Oberlin has no firm restrictions on travel but recommends avoiding trips to an impacted country (like China). China has closed all transportation within and out of some heavily impacted areas (like the City of Wuhan). The CDC is also recommending avoiding all non-essential travel to the area.

If you travel to China and within 14 days you feel sick with a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, please seek immediate medical care and avoid contact with others.

Source: Centers for Disease Control, Ohio Department of Health