University of Redlands
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Redlands Campus Health Advisory, Coronavirus

October 6, 2020

To: University Community
From: Donna Eddleman, University Dean of Student Affairs, and Michelle Rogers, Vice President for Administration
Subject: Redlands Campus Health Advisory, Coronavirus

We have learned that a University of Redlands employee is reporting a positive test for COVID-19. The employee is currently self-isolating at home and will continue to do so until deemed no longer at risk for spreading the virus.

A University Public Safety officer, who is certified in contact tracing, has followed up with the employee as has the direct supervisor. The employee was on the Redlands main campus at the onset of exhibiting symptoms and had contact with two other employees. The two other employees have both been notified and are currently self-isolating at home. During the past two weeks, the employee was working for the University in the following Redlands campus areas: Casa Loma, Memorial Chapel, Chapel restrooms, and the Field House. These buildings were unoccupied and the employee had on proper personal protective equipment the entire time. Nonetheless, the University is deep-cleaning and sanitizing these spaces as well as a shared break room. 

As a reminder, the University’s Interim COVID-19 Policies for All Employees document is available online. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises everyone to:

  • Clean your hands often. This includes washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol; cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact. Put distance—at least six feet—between yourself and other people, since some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus. Do not gather in groups. Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a face covering when around others, since you could spread COVID-19 even if you do not feel sick. Exceptions are children under age 2, those who have trouble breathing, and anyone who cannot remove the mask without assistance. The face-covering is not a substitute for social distancing.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes. If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash, and then wash your hands.
  • Clean and disinfect. Frequently touched surfaces requiring daily cleaning include tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks. If surfaces are dirty, clean them using detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection. 
  • Monitor your health. Be alert for symptoms, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, and new loss of taste or smell. Stay home and follow other CDC guidance if symptoms develop.                                              

The safety of our students, faculty, and staff remains our highest priority, and we continue to work closely with the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health and follow guidelines provided by the CDC.