March 3, 2020
To the Campus Community,
At this time, there are no reported cases of novel coronavirus/COVID-19 infection connected to any CSUN students, faculty or staff. The health and safety of the campus community is our top priority and drives our preparation efforts for this new virus affecting communities in California, in other states and across the globe.
CSUN is closely monitoring reports and advisories from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the outbreak.
Under the direction of campus leadership, a cross-functional committee has convened to coordinate response efforts for the possible spread of COVID-19, and to protect our students, faculty, and staff. Departments and units also should be reviewing business continuity planning documents.
To reduce the chances of COVID-19 infection, experts recommend the following preventative measures:
- Frequent and complete hand washing for at least 20 seconds.
- Stop shaking hands with others to reduce the spread of germs.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
- Sneeze and cough into a tissue or your sleeve. Wash hands thoroughly and safely throw away used tissues.
- Do not come in close contact with anyone else if you are ill, and do not share eating utensils, toothbrushes, etc. with others.
If you have symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath, call your doctor or the Klotz Student Health Center at 818-677-3666, press Option 1. Wear a mask if you have symptoms and must leave your home per your doctor’s instructions. Avoid crowds and public transportation. If you are sick, you should not attend class or work to both ensure your own recovery and reduce the chance of infecting others. Faculty and supervisors are asked to provide latitude for employees and students who are sick.
Though COVID-19 is not influenza, public health authorities also are recommending that, if you have not gotten the flu vaccine this season, getting immunized against flu may keep you and your immune system healthier and better able to resist COVID-19.
If you plan to travel, monitor travel advisories, online conference updates and airline websites regularly. Following CDC and U.S. State Department guidelines, travel to China, Italy, Iran and South Korea on university business will not be authorized. Travel into and out of some other countries, including reentry to the U.S., could be restricted. Flights and events may also be cancelled. Check the CDC’s website for travel information related to COVID-19.
Should there be any status changes affecting campus, we will communicate updates through CSUN.edu, social media and campus email. Additional information about COVID-19 and its prevention is available on the Klotz Student Health Center website. Thank you for following the precautions outlined above to protect your own health and the health of our campus community. We are all invested in keeping each other safe.
Sincerely,
Dianne F. Harrison, Ph.D.
President