Reopening timeline, fall plans and safety protocols announced

June 30, 2020

A timeline for reopening the campus, registration information and safety protocols has been announced.

A limited number of employees will begin returning to campus in late June, with most employees returning between July 7 and Aug. 1. Student registration will begin in early July. Other key dates include:

• Aug. 7—All new students move in
• Aug. 8-9—All returning students move in
• Aug. 10—Classes begin for the first 7-week fall term

“When you return to campus, we will be ready for you!” Houtman said in a letter to students. “Although I suspect the fall semester will contain inconveniences and challenges for all of us, I remain optimistic that we will pull together, overcome any obstacles, and begin an exciting new academic year. It will be good to be together again!”

Please review the Earlham Plans for the Fall FAQ for more information.  

• Access to campus
• Health and safety as students return for fall classes
• Campus events, travel and sports this fall
• Housing for students this fall
• Costs: Fees, room and board and tuition for students
• Academics and registration 
• Faculty hours, use of technology and face cover 
• Visa compliance and related issues 
• Student employment
• Move-in 2020

Prevention

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. Closely following recommended prevention measures is the best method for protecting yourself from sickness.

Symptoms? Need to reach a medical professional?

Be mindful of the following symptoms:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

According to the CDC, "Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases." 

For more information about symptoms, please visit the CDC COVID-19 Symptoms page.

Need to talk with a medical professional?

General questions from the public or healthcare provider inquiries about COVID-19 may be directed to the Indiana State Department of Health COVID-19 Call Center at the toll-free number 877-826-0011 (available 24/7) or email epiresource@isdh.in.gov.

The campus health services information hotline is still available at 756-983-1328.

Reid Health offers virtual screenings through mobile app

Reid Health has made a free virtual COVID-19 screening tool available through its "Reid HealthNOW" urgent care app.

"This is an ideal tool for people who suspect exposure and/or have mild symptoms as a way to get medical attention without risking travel to a healthcare facility," Craig Kinyon, Reid Health president/CEO, said in a statement.

The app allows people to use a smartphone or computer to connect with a nurse. Reid began using the virtual urgent care option several years ago.

"This potentially eliminates the need for people to go to their doctor, an urgent care or an emergency room, or possibly get help determining if they need to seek care," Kinyon said, "thus also helping reduce spread of infection."

Because of high demand, wait times might be longer than normal.

To access and create an account:

Download the free app through Google Play or Apple's App Store or enroll on your computer through the reidhealthnow.org site.

• Create a free login and complete your personal profile
• Connect with the virtual hub, select "Coronavirus Screen" and find the appropriate pathway for care;
• Be sure to allow access to your camera and microphone if you are using the app.
• If you connect through a computer, be sure to test your settings.

If the screening determines you have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, you'll be instructed what to do next.

Further information

COVID-19 is a virus (more specifically, a coronavirus) identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China. Early on, many of the patients in the outbreak in Wuhan, China reportedly had some link to a large seafood and animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread. However, a growing number of patients reportedly have not had exposure to animal markets, indicating person-to-person spread is occurring.

Where is it spreading?

• Locations with Confirmed COVID-19 Cases Global Map
• Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the U.S.
• Indiana Health Department's Novel Coronavirus Map (Earlham is in Wayne County)
• Travel Health Notices

Here are the links to organizations that we continue to monitor:

• World Health Organization (WHO)
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
• New York State County Health Department
• New York City Health Department
• Indiana State Department of Health 

The New York Times created a graphic to compare coronavirus with the seasonal flu: