President's Office Welcomes New Staff Members</h1> <article> <h1>President's Office Welcomes New Staff Members</h1> <p>anagy — Thu, 27 Aug 2020 16:47:14 +0000</p> <span>President's Office Welcomes New Staff Members</span> <span><span>anagy</span></span> <span><time datetime="2020-08-27T12:47:14-04:00" title="Thursday, August 27, 2020 - 12:47">Thu, 08/27/2020 - 12:47</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The Office of the President is pleased to announce the appointment of Katie Gravens and Emily Speerbrecher in their new roles overseeing the college's layered health care strategy in responding to COVID-19.</p> <p>Kathleen (Katie) Gravens, PhD, RN, is joining the office as the COVID-19 Campus Health Coordinator. Gravens has extensive experience in higher education and as a program director and nursing faculty member serving Lakeland Community College. Among other relevant positions, Gravens also held positions as a nurse practitioner with the Lorain County Public Health Department. Gravens will play a key role in helping the college navigate our health strategy in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.</p> <p><a href="/node/32216">Emily Speerbrecher</a> is joining the office as the COVID-19 Project Coordinator and is helping support the office in other areas as Ginny O’Dell moves into retirement. Speerbrecher has been with the college since 2014, first as the assistant director of public programs. Most recently, Speerbrecher held the position of associate director of donor relations in the Office of Advancement. </p> <p>The campus community will be seeing and hearing from Gravens and Speerbrecher as we move forward with the six-pillar health care strategy and respond to the ever-changing world of the pandemic.</p> <p> </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">Campus News</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2020-08-27T12:00:00Z">Thu, 08/27/2020 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2551">Staff</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2577">Office of the President</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3342">Coronavirus Updates</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> </article> <article> <h1>Letter and FAQs about Coronavirus</h1> <p>hhempste — Fri, 31 Jan 2020 17:14:00 +0000</p> <span>Letter and FAQs about Coronavirus</span> <span><span>hhempste</span></span> <span><time datetime="2020-01-31T12:14:00-05:00" title="Friday, January 31, 2020 - 12:14">Fri, 01/31/2020 - 12:14</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>January 31, 2020</p> <p>Dear 91ֱ�� College community,</p> <p>Welcome back to 91ֱ��. We return to campus as news about the novel coronavirus continues to develop, and some of you are expressing understandable concern about whether and how this virus might impact us on campus and in town.</p> <p>The health and safety of all members of our campus community is the highest priority. 91ֱ�� College is communicating with Lorain County Public Health and is tracking developments in the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV infection) centered in Wuhan, China. The coronavirus causes a pneumonia-like illness with cough and shortness of breath in addition to fever and general malaise. </p> <p><strong>Currently, there are no suspected cases of the coronavirus on 91ֱ��'s campus and the risk for 2019-nCoV infection in the U.S. is low.</strong> The Ohio Department of Health says no additional precautions are recommended for the general public. The College is nevertheless closely watching worldwide developments, monitoring updates daily from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and following all recommendations from local and state public health agencies and the American College Health Association (ACHA). </p> <p>The best thing all of us can do to ensure a healthy campus community is to stay home when demonstrating specific symptoms of active infection. This advice is especially helpful given influenza activity in the United States, which has infected 15 million people in the United States so far this year (the coronavirus has infected 8,200 worldwide in comparison, though the numbers continue to climb). </p> <p>One of the biggest challenges in instances of public health concern is to address fears while remaining conscious of the individual impact of measures that may seem reassuring but have no public health benefit. At this time, public health authorities recommend that individuals who have traveled to affected areas and 1) are showing symptoms or 2) may have been in contact with infected individuals remain isolated in their residences. </p> <p>For information on the novel coronavirus, please refer to the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website</a>. We will provide ongoing updates via email and posts at <a href="/news/coronavirus-resources">/news/coronavirus-resources</a>. Meanwhile, we have compiled some frequently asked questions below for your reference. </p> <p>Thank you.</p> <p>John Harshbarger</p> <p>Director, Student Health and Counseling Services</p> <p>Meredith Raimondo,</p> <p>VP and Dean of Students</p> <hr> <p><strong>Coronavirus Information: Question and Answers</strong></p> <p><strong>What are the symptoms associated with the novel coronavirus?</strong></p> <p>They can be similar to the flu or cold: fever, cough, or shortness of breath.</p> <p><strong>What steps are being taken to protect students from the novel coronavirus?</strong></p> <p>We have no reason at this time to believe anyone on our campus is infected with the novel coronavirus and we will update you as appropriate. Please visit the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">CDC website</a> for further information. 91ֱ�� College will continue to monitor the situation and postings will be sent out as needed. Please call Student Health Services (440-775-8180) or Lorain County Public Health (440-322-6367) if you have any questions. Thank you for helping us keep our community well.</p> <p><strong>Is the College screening students? </strong></p> <p>There are currently no recommendations for screening healthy people returning from China or any other country other than what is occurring at airports.</p> <p><strong>Does the College plan to distribute masks?</strong></p> <p>Neither the CDC, the Ohio Department of Health nor Lorain County Public Health recommend distributing masks at this time. If this changes, we will reassess the situation. </p> <p><strong>What should I do if I become ill with fever, cough or shortness of breath after traveling to China and returning to 91ֱ��</strong></p> <p>If you have traveled in or through <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html" target="_blank">known affected areas</a> in the past 14 days and have any of the above symptoms, you should seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office, contact 91ֱ�� Student Health Services at 440-775-8180 or the Ohio Department of Health at 833-427-5634, if Student Health Services is closed. If you need to be seen by a health-care provider, you will be advised on where to go and how to get there. If you have severe symptoms, you will be advised to go to Mercy Allen Emergency Room. If you are ill, do not go to class or public gatherings. Do not travel.</p> <p>Students who choose to remain in their assigned campus residence due to illness should call the Dean of Students office at 440-775-8462 during business hours for assistance, including food and water delivery. After business hours, please call Campus Safety at 440-775-8444.</p> <p><strong>What do I do if I have a friend/roommate with flu-like illness (fever with cough, shortness of breath and/or sore throat)?</strong></p> <p>Encourage your ill friend to contact Student Health Services and to wear a mask if they are going to be near others. Masks are available at Student Health Services (SHS). If your friend has traveled to China in the past 14 days, call Student Health Services, Mercy Allen Hospital or Lorain County Public Health (440-322-6367) for advice on what to do right away. </p> <p>Monitor your own health and be particularly stringent in following the self-care guidelines below.</p> <p>If your roommate is ill and you need assistance with alternative housing, please call the Dean of Students office or Campus Safety at the numbers listed above.</p> <p><strong>If I traveled to areas with the coronavirus, and I am not experiencing any symptoms, should I quarantine myself? If I do, will I suffer consequences if I miss classes?</strong></p> <p>Under the guidelines of the CDC, the Ohio Department of Health and Lorain County Public Health, there is no need for any person who is not exhibiting flu-like symptoms to self-quarantine. It is understandable that students who feel they may have been exposed to the coronavirus may wish to self-quarantine themselves, but there is no medical reason to do so.</p> <p>The consequences for not attending class because of the virus would need to be discussed with your professor.</p> <p><strong>What if I am studying abroad this semester in an area that becomes affected by the novel coronavirus?</strong></p> <p>The College is actively communicating with its study away partners, including those in potentially impacted locations. Please reach out to Director of Study Away Programs Mike Rainaldi (<a href="mailto:mrainald@oberlin.edu">mrainald@oberlin.edu</a>) with questions or concerns about your specific program. If you need immediate assistance outside of business hours, please call Campus Safety at 001-440-775-8462.</p> <p><strong>What is 91ֱ�� College Student Health Services doing in response to the current 2019-nCoV situation?</strong></p> <p>91ֱ�� College is working in conjunction with Lorain County Public Health to prepare for the potential presence of 2019-nCoV infection on campus. 91ֱ�� College Student Health Services (SHS) is staying up-to-date on the latest information about signs and symptoms, diagnostic testing and treatment plans. SHS is prepared to screen patients with flu-like illness (fever with cough or shortness of breath) for this infection. SHS plans to contact Lorain County Public Health and Mercy Allen Hospital if a patient is at risk and under investigation for this virus so the situation is handled appropriately and with the most current CDC guidelines and recommendations.</p> <p><strong>How can I avoid getting sick?</strong></p> <p>It is flu season and it is always a good idea to protect yourself and others from infection by following these practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:</p> <ul> <li>Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds to avoid spreading any virus to others. If soap and water is not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.</li> <li>Cover coughs and sneezes in your elbow or sleeve.</li> <li>Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.</li> <li>Avoid close contact with people who are sick.</li> <li>Stay at home when you are sick.</li> <li>Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. When used correctly, commercially available disposable disinfectant wipes, cloths, or towelettes are effective for cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.</li> <li>Avoid sharing household items like dishes, cups, eating utensils, bedding and towels.</li> </ul> <p><strong>This is a stressful time. What do I do if I am worried about my friends or even my own health?</strong></p> <p>We recognize that some of you are feeling growing concerns about family or friends in China, or about your own health. The Counseling Center offers walk-in appointments during weekday office hours, as well as a 24-hour, 7 days-a-week counseling line at 440-775-8470 (option 2)</p> <p><strong>If you have additional questions or concerns, please send them to <a href="mailto:Health.Info@oberlin.edu">Health.Info@oberlin.edu</a>. Watch your email for responses.</strong></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">Campus News</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2020-01-31T12:00:00Z">Fri, 01/31/2020 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Office of Communications</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2597">Faculty and Staff</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2410">Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3342">Coronavirus Updates</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Yevhen Gulenko</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Coronavirus Q&A</h1> <p>hhempste — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 15:50:31 +0000</p> <span>Coronavirus Q&A</span> <span><span>hhempste</span></span> <span><time datetime="2020-01-27T10:50:31-05:00" title="Monday, January 27, 2020 - 10:50">Mon, 01/27/2020 - 10:50</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><strong>What are coronaviruses?</strong></p> <p>Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people and others that circulate among animals, including camels, cats, and bats. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can evolve and infect people and then spread between people such as has been seen with Middle East respiratory syndrome (<a href="https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/know-our-programs/infectious-diseases/resources/mers" target="_blank">MERS</a>) in 2014 and severe acute respiratory syndrome (<a href="https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/know-our-programs/infectious-diseases/resources/sars">SARS</a>) in 2003, and now with 2019-nCoV.</p> <p><strong>What is the novel coronavirus?</strong></p> <p>2019-nCoV is part of a large family of coronaviruses, some of which cause illness in people and others that circulate among animals. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can evolve and infect people and then spread between people. This happened with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2003 and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) in 2014, and now 2019-nCoV. These viruses may cause mild to severe respiratory illnesses with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath.</p> <p><strong>How is Ohio tracking 2019-nCoV?</strong></p> <p>Ohio’s public health system includes a team of state experts, local health departments, and local partners that perform daily monitoring of reportable diseases, including 2019-nCoV. ODH is closely monitoring the 2019-nCoV situation in lockstep with the Centers for Disease Control and is ready to respond if a case is reported in Ohio.</p> <p><strong>What happens if a case is reported?</strong></p> <ul> <li>A case or suspected case of 2019-nCoV is reported to a local health department.</li> <li>ODH reports to the CDC and, if indicated, patient specimens will be collected and shipped.</li> <li>Currently, testing for this virus must take place at CDC.</li> <li>ODH will work with local, state, and federal partners to investigate reports of 2019-nCoV in order to identify cases and prevent the spread of infection.</li> </ul> <p><strong>What can you do to limit risk?</strong></p> <p>If you suspect you may have been exposed to 2019-nCoV because you have traveled to China or have been around people who may have been exposed and/or are exhibiting symptoms, contact your health care provider and let them know you may have been exposed to 2019-nCoV before visiting the health care facility. This will help the health care provider’s office take precautionary steps to keep other people from being exposed.</p> <p>Just as with influenza and other illnesses, it’s critical to protect yourself. Experts at the Ohio Department of Health recommend these tips:</p> <ul> <li>The most effective means of protection is the same as those things that prevent other illness such as flu.</li> <li>Practice good <a href="https://www.loraincountyhealth.com/washyourhands" target="_blank">hand hygiene</a>.</li> <li>Follow appropriate cough and sneeze etiquette.</li> <li>Don’t go to work or class when you feel ill. Stay home and rest.</li> <li>Avoid exposure to others who are sick.</li> </ul> <p><strong>When did the first case of 2019-nCoV occur in the United States?</strong></p> <ul> <li>The first U.S. case was announced January 21, 2020 in Washington State. There are ongoing investigations by the CDC to learn more. There are currently no known cases in Ohio. ODH is providing guidance to state and local health agencies and health care providers.</li> <li>Amy Acton, MD, MPH, director of ODH, declared novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), a Class A reportable infectious disease on January 23, 2020.</li> <li>Classifying a disease as Class A means that confirmed or suspected cases of nCoV must be reported immediately to the local health district where the person lives (or the local health district where the person is being evaluated if the person’s residence is unknown or not in Ohio). Required reporters include physicians providing care, administrators in charge of hospitals, clinics or other institutions providing care or treatment, laboratory administrators, or any individual having knowledge of a person with nCoV.</li> </ul> <p><strong>If you traveled to affected areas outside the United States where 2019-nCoV outbreaks have been identified (e.g. Wuhan, China) and feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you should:</strong></p> <ul> <li>Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.</li> <li>Avoid contact with others.</li> <li>Not travel while sick.</li> <li>Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.</li> <li>Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.</li> </ul> <p><strong>What is public health doing to protect Ohioans?</strong></p> <ul> <li>Ohio’s public health system includes a team of local and state partners who perform daily monitoring of reportable diseases, including 2019-nCoV (educating about what public health does).</li> <li>ODH is monitoring this situation, in lockstep with the CDC, and will be ready to respond if a case should be reported in Ohio.</li> <li>CDC considers U.S. risk low at this time.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Should I cancel a public event I've helped to organize on campus, or should I avoid attending such events?</strong></p> <p>Lorain County Public Health states, “There is no need to change any routine activities or behaviors at this time.”</p> <p><strong>Below are links to trusted sites where you can find additional information:</strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/" target="_blank">Centers for Disease Control (CDC)</a> <span aria-hidden="true" class="fa fa-external-link"></span></li> <li><a href="https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus" target="_blank">World Health Organization</a> <span aria-hidden="true" class="fa fa-external-link"></span></li> <li><a href="https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/home">Ohio Department of Health</a> <span aria-hidden="true" class="fa fa-external-link"></span></li> <li><a href="https://www.loraincountyhealth.com/announcements/?action=show&id=8099">Lorain County Public Health</a> <span aria-hidden="true" class="fa fa-external-link"></span></li> </ul> <p> </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">Campus News</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2020-01-27T12:00:00Z">Mon, 01/27/2020 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Office of Communications</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2410">Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2401">Resources for Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2597">Faculty and Staff</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2551">Staff</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3342">Coronavirus Updates</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Gregory Pendolino</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Statement Regarding Coronavirus</h1> <p>hhempste — Mon, 27 Jan 2020 15:40:22 +0000</p> <span>Statement Regarding Coronavirus</span> <span><span>hhempste</span></span> <span><time datetime="2020-01-27T10:40:22-05:00" title="Monday, January 27, 2020 - 10:40">Mon, 01/27/2020 - 10:40</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>91ֱ�� College is closely monitoring developments in the outbreak of a new strain of coronavirus, known as 2019-nCoV. The respiratory illness caused by 2019-nCoV was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and continues to expand. However, it is important to note that there have been two confirmed cases in the United States and no known outbreaks in Ohio.</p> <p><a href="https://web.archive.org/web/20200127063959/https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/summary.html">This virus is considered a low risk to the American public</a>, according to the Centers for Disease Control. The Ohio Department of Health is providing guidance to state and local health agencies and healthcare providers.</p> <p>China, the United States, and other nations are taking steps to slow the spread. Travelers are being screened and those with signs and symptoms of illness (fever, cough, or difficulty breathing) will undergo additional health assessment.</p> <p>The health and safety of 91ֱ��’s students, faculty, and staff are of paramount importance and everyone in our campus community should take the following precautions, as recommended by the Ohio Health Department.</p> <ul> <li>Practice good hand hygiene.</li> <li>Follow appropriate cough and sneeze etiquette.</li> <li>Don’t go to work or classes when you feel ill. Stay home and rest.</li> <li>Avoid exposure to others who are sick.</li> </ul> <p>Please view this page for additional updates.</p> <p>Anyone on campus who is experiencing flu-like symptoms should call their healthcare provider before going to a facility, to minimize the potential spread of disease. Students should consult with <a href="/student-health-services" target="_blank">Student Health</a> on campus (440-775- 8180). In case of emergency, please call <a href="/campus-safety" target="_blank">Campus Safety</a> (440-775-8444, 24 hours 7 days a week or dial 911). The nearest hospital with emergency services is <a href="https://www.mercy.com/locations/hospitals/lorain/mercy-allen-hospital" target="_blank">Mercy Allen</a> in 91ֱ�� (440-774-1211).</p> <p><a class="view-more" href="/node/184026">Frequently asked questions about coronavirus</a></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">Campus News</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2020-01-27T12:00:00Z">Mon, 01/27/2020 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Office of Communications</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2571">Campus Safety</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2401">Resources for Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2410">Students</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2597">Faculty and Staff</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2551">Staff</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3342">Coronavirus Updates</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Pang Fei Chiang</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> </main></body></html>