Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Updates and Information
COVID-19 Survey Results; New Mask Protocols
May 17, 2021
Greetings Everyone,
As many of you know, the CDC announced new recommendations for fully vaccinated individuals last Thursday. We also received 367 responses to last week’s employee COVID-19 survey.
Keeping in mind that many of you responded to the survey before the CDC’s latest announcement, the results were very useful within the context of the new recommendations:
- Nearly 70% of survey responders indicated that they are vaccinated (66%) or will be by fall (4%);
- 70% are comfortable (25%) or very comfortable (45%) returning to pre-COVID-19 operations;
- Only 16% answered that they would not get a vaccination.
- We continue to base our operational decisions on CDC guidelines, consultation with local health officials, and the tracking of regional conditions.
Effective today - Monday, May 17, 2021:
Fully vaccinated individuals may:
- Resume on-campus or NIC-sponsored activities without wearing masks or physically distancing, both indoor and outdoor;
- Refrain from quarantine following a known exposure if asymptomatic;
- Contact HR or Student Health for guidance if experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
Unvaccinated individuals are strongly encouraged to continue:
- Wearing multi-layer face-coverings while inside all NIC buildings when two or more people are present. This includes but is not limited to hallways, stairwells, open areas, restrooms, elevators, lobbies, classrooms, labs, conference rooms, and offices.
- Wearing multi-layer face-coverings outdoors whenever a minimum of 6 feet of physical distancing cannot be maintained.
I ask that we all continue to exercise good judgment, and when it makes sense, please utilize the tools and behaviors that successfully got us through the peak of this crisis. Continue to use Zoom when you can, avoid large gatherings, and maintain physical distancing when possible.
Especially important is to be mindful that there will be differences in comfort levels with this change in masking protocol. While 70% of our survey responders indicated comfort with returning to “normal,” a little over 20% of survey respondents indicated they were uncomfortable (16.5%) or extremely uncomfortable (3.8%) returning to pre-COVID-19 operations.
Please treat each other with respect, as some (no matter their vaccination status) may feel more comfortable continuing to voluntarily wear face coverings and others may choose not to wear one.
NIC will not ask for proof of vaccination as we expect all to be responsible for their health and be considerate of one another. A good practice to follow is to adjust to the comfort level of your colleagues and co-workers – e.g., if someone is wearing a mask, consider wearing one yourself when meeting or visiting with them. Just keep one handy.
Today's changes to our masking protocols are based on current public health advice and are subject to change or modification pending any developments or recommendations from the CDC or changes to our local conditions. Updates to our website and relevant signage replacement will begin today but will take time to complete.
I also recognize that there are other aspects of our current protocols that need to be addressed. President’s Cabinet, along with the NIC Rebounds team, will review all existing protocols in light of the recent CDC announcement(s). We will continue to monitor CDC recommendations, engage in our weekly discussions with Panhandle Health District, and track local indicators for changes in conditions that may lead to greater risk.
Updates to our protocols will be communicated as they are made. Also, last week’s employee survey results will be shared in a NICNow later this week.
Lastly, for those of you who are on the fence or have decided against receiving the vaccine, I hope you will make sure this is genuinely the best decision for you. If you haven’t already, please check with your medical provider.Sincerely,
Rick MacLennan, President
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is coronavirus?
A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.
On February 11, 2020 the World Health Organization announced an official name for the disease that is causing the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak, first identified in Wuhan China. The new name of this disease is coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated as COVID-19. In COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as “2019 novel coronavirus” or “2019-nCoV”.
There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused by a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans.
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How does it spread?
The virus that causes COVID-19 most commonly spreads between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet, or 2 arm lengths).
It spreads through respiratory droplets or small particles, such as those in aerosols, produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, sings, talks, or breathes.
These particles can be inhaled into the nose, mouth, airways, and lungs and cause infection. This is thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Droplets can also land on surfaces and objects and be transferred by touch. A person may get COVID-19 by touching the surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. Spread from touching surfaces is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
It is possible that COVID-19 may spread through the droplets and airborne particles that are formed when a person who has COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, sings, talks, or breathes. There is growing evidence that droplets and airborne particles can remain suspended in the air and be breathed in by others, and travel distances beyond 6 feet (for example, during choir practice, in restaurants, or in fitness classes). In general, indoor environments without good ventilation increase this risk.
COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in many affected geographic areas. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected. -
What are the symptoms of this infection?
Symptoms of COVID-19 may include the following:
- Fever of 100.4 degrees or have chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
*For the most up-to-date information check the CDC’s website for symptoms as they will continue to update the list as more is learned about the virus.
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I feel anxious about coronavirus. What can I do?
We understand that some community members are concerned. If you would like to talk with someone, support is available to students through campus mental health services.
You can help prevent the spread of colds and other viral ailments by doing the following:
- Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and immediately dispose of the tissue.
- Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
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Where can I get more information about the novel coronavirus?
For current information about this evolving public health situation, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID-19 pages.
Read more about NIC and COVID-19
-Keep NIC Safe and Healthy through Prevention
-Campus Life Spring 2021