Dear Sisters and Parents,
As you know, there is much conversation happening in our world today about a novel coronavirus, the flu and other seasonal diseases. Phi Sigma Sigma is dedicated to you as members and therefore your health and safety remains a top concern. In an effort to prioritize the health, safety and wellbeing of our sisters, we have outlined the following procedures related to coronavirus concerns.
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WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS?
According to the World Health Organization, coronavirus causes COVID-19. Common symptoms of COVID-19 include headache, fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. Individuals who are elderly or pregnant, and anyone with preexisting medical conditions are at the greatest risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19.
HOW DOES IT SPREAD?
Much is still unknown about COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) believes at this time that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. According to the CDC, the spread of the coronavirus from person-to-person most likely occurs among close contacts who are within six feet of each other and is passed through respiratory secretions such as sneezing and coughing. It is unclear at this time if a person can get the virus by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or eyes.
RESOURCES
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In an abundance of caution, your university may cancel classes and events or close living facilities. First and foremost, your chapter should follow
all guidelines and quarantines put in place by the university. We understand that these protocols may result in foregoing Phi Sigma Sigma chapter operations, meetings and events. Any inconvenience is far outweighed by the safety, health and well-being of our members.
If on-campus classes are cancelled or transitioned to online course delivery, all Phi Sigma Sigma events and activities will be cancelled or postponed until on-campus classes resume.
Your chapter's executive board has received instruction on how to handle any events that have been planned or contracted.
UPDATES
Please visit your university's website for information on local developments that relate to your campus and surrounding community.
If any member of your chapter is suspected of having COVID-19 due to symptoms and/or recent international travel, or has been diagnosed with the illness by a medical professional, please contact us at
prepare@phisigmasigma.org immediately for assistance in developing an action plan.
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If on-campus classes are cancelled or transitioned to online course delivery, the Phi Sigma Sigma chapter house will close for the duration of the university's on-campus class suspension.
Should you need to remain in the chapter house for alternative circumstances such as student teaching, internship, etc., please complete the request form below. Once you complete the online form, you will need to send documentation/proof of your internship, work, etc. to
housing@phisigmasigma.org. Exceptions will be evaluated and granted on a case-by-case basis.
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In the event of campus closure, we will send regular updates to keep you informed about the status of the chapter house. When applicable, these updates will commence following spring break.
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Because this virus is widespread and originating in other countries, we have created the following guidelines around member travel:
- Phi Sigma Sigma discourages all non-essential overseas travel to countries subject to a Level 2 or Level 3 Travel Health Notice ("Travel Notice") as identified by the CDC at this time. Travel Notice countries as of today are: Italy, Japan, China, South Korea and Iran.
- Members returning from a Travel Notice country, per the CDC must self-quarantine for 14 days after their return to the U.S. or Canada. These members may NOT quarantine in the chapter house. Members may return to the facility after the 14-day quarantine if they are symptom free.
- Members who have planned overseas travel before the end of the academic term must report the dates of travel, destination and airline, including flight number and times, to HQ. This includes spring break travel. Please report your travel plans to prepare@phisigmasigma.org.
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PREVENTION AND CONTAINMENT OF ILLNESS
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Whether you live in the chapter house, on campus or alone off-campus, you likely have close contact with a large population throughout your day. As a result, you may be subject to a higher risk of exposure to any type of communicable illness. In order to protect the health and wellbeing of you, your chapter members and your campus community, please follow the below guidelines related to all illnesses and contagious diseases:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer is helpful, but hand washing is better! If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60%-95% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, even if you feel asymptomatic. Many illnesses have an incubation period and you may not yet be aware if you could be spreading an illness to others or if it has been passed to you.
- Stay home when you are sick (even if you're just feeling slightly under the weather). You don't want to put others at risk. If a member or volunteer attends an event and is feeling unwell, they should depart as soon as possible.
- Visit the doctor. If you have any respiratory symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw it in the trashcan. And make sure to wash your hands afterwards!
- Avoid sharing germs. Distance yourself from people who are sick and avoid sharing drinks, chapstick, makeup, etc.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops, tables, laptops, cell phones and study spaces.
- If a member is diagnosed with a contagious illness, have a plan for communicating with HQ immediately at prepared@phisigmasigma.org. Headquarters staff will assist in developing a communication plan for members, advisors and the university.
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PHI SIGMA SIGMA
(410) 799-1224 | phisighq@phisigmasigma.org
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