We have moved another week closer to successfully completing the semester. I want to thank all of you for your diligence in taking steps to protect yourselves and others both on, and off our campus. Please continue to report cases or contacts through the form on our website. To keep you informed, I would like to address a few frequently asked questions:

1. What is the difference between isolation and quarantine? Isolation is for someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. You stay isolated away from other people. Isolation usually lasts 10 days or longer depending on recovery time. Quarantine (or self-isolation) is where you have had contact with someone who is COVID-19 positive and you are staying home away from others during the time when you wait to see whether you will get COVID-19 (14 days).
2. Why do I have to stay in isolation longer than the person who had COVID-19? The incubation period (or the time that it takes for someone to develop COVID-19 after exposure to someone who is infected) is up to 14 days.  Quarantine can help prevent spreading the disease before someone may even know that they are sick.
3. Where can I go to get testing? If you experience signs and symptoms of COVID-19 or if you have been in close contact (within 6 feet for longer than 15 minutes) with someone who has COVID-19, call your healthcare provider or the Student Health Center (816-271-4495) for medical advice about testing. They will be able to provide directions on how to obtain a test if needed.

Local providers that may offer testing include:

• • : Call the 24/7 Community Nurse Line for questions.
  • : Call (816) 596-2301 (Mon-Fri 8-5)
  • : Free testing may be available

The state of Missouri continues to increase free community testing opportunities. The MO Department of Health and Senior Services also provides a .

4. Why should I stay at home when I am only having mild symptoms? On average, an individual may infect 2-3 people when they have COVID-19. When you have a cough or other symptoms and aren’t staying home, you may infect even more people, especially those who are at higher risk. The compared low risk people who get COVID-19 with people at higher risk. A person with asthma has 1.5 times the risk of being hospitalized. Someone with diabetes has 3 times the risk of being hospitalized. Someone who is obese has 4.5 times the risk of hospitalization. The risk for death increases as we get older. It is our shared responsibility to reduce the spread and risk.

Please see the CDC website for additional .

Please continue to do all that you can to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Crystal Harris, Ph.D., R.N.
Int. Dean,��College of Science and Health
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4525 Downs Dr | Agenstein Hall 134
St Joseph, MO 64507

Thank you for all that you have done to help ensure the health and safety of our campus community by taking steps to slow the spread of COVID-19 on campus. As of today, Aug. 28, we have  29 current confirmed cases of COVID-19 among our students and employees, with one person self-isolating on campus. Thankfully no one  has required hospitalization. We are also monitoring the number of individuals who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19. This number is beginning to increase. We currently have 67 individuals who are in quarantine. lasts 14 days, even if you feel healthy or test negative COVID-19.

If you have a confirmed case of COVID-19, or have been in close contact with a confirmed case, please let us know so that we can take steps to notify those you may have been in contact with and keep our campus as safe as possible. Positive cases and close contacts should be reported through our online reporting tools for and for , which are located on the MWSU COVID-19 response webpage .

After our second week of classes, we have a few adjustments and clarifications to make to our policies to help protect our campus community:

1. Physical distancing, maintaining at least six feet between yourself and others, is required whenever possible, whether inside or outside.

2. Face coverings are required in all shared indoor spaces, and in outdoor situations where physical distancing is not being maintained. For more information on our physical distancing and face covering policies, please visit our COVID-19 website.

3. Outdoor basketball and volleyball courts are closed until further notice.

4. Open gym hours in Looney for recreational use are canceled until further notice.

Please note that these are temporary measures taken to slow the spread of COVID-19 on campus. We appreciate the value our campus community places on recreational opportunities, and are pleased that we are able to maintain many of them, including the Baker Family Fitness Center, Thomas Eagleton Indoor Pool, outdoor walking trails, disc golf, etc. In addition, we hope to add more supervised, structured recreational activities and additional physically distanced outdoor recreation opportunities.

We are continually monitoring the number of cases and evaluating our response, and will continue to update you as necessary.

Again, thank you for your efforts to help keep our campus safe and healthy. Have a great weekend!

Elizabeth

I have recently been asked to lead the University’s ongoing response to COVID-19 as our COVID-19 Coordinator. As a health professional, I know how important it is to monitor this fluid situation and adapt quickly to keep our students and employees healthy. We have also hired two campus contact tracers to help us mitigate the spread of the virus. It is critically important that we identify potential COVID-19 cases on campus. Any student or employee who has been on campus and tests positive for COVID-19 must report their cases to the appropriate campus contact immediately:

• Students may report through the .

• Employees may report through this link

Please note that employees and students should not report positive cases on behalf of others.

Students and employees are expected to abide by the University’s COVID-19 Guidelines, which include daily self monitoring for symptoms. If you feel sick or have symptoms of COVID-19, please do not come to campus. Stay home and contact your healthcare provider or the local for further instructions.

Because this is a rapidly changing situation, we will continue to post information and updates on the University’s . Information that has recently been added includes:

• Building locations where free disposable masks are available in case employees, students or visitors need one. It is located on the main page’s “Top Things You Need to Know For the Fall 2020 Semester” under the “Face Coverings” section.

• The Griffon Pledge that encourages our entire campus community to make a commitment to take the precautions necessary to protect themselves and others and help mitigate the spread of the virus.

• New guidelines for Rec Services, which includes the fitness center and pool procedures.

• Cleaning and disinfecting supplies will be stocked in all classrooms and public spaces. If you need cleaning supplies for private office or meeting room use, you may order them through the Physical Plant’s . As a courtesy to others, please order only what you will need for a two-week supply at a time.

The health and wellbeing of our campus community remains our primary concern, and we will continue to send frequent updates to our campus community. We appreciate everyone’s understanding and cooperation as we all seek to provide a safe learning environment. Please have a safe, happy and healthy start to the semester!

Take care,

Crystal Harris, Ph.D., R.N.
Int. Dean, College of Science and Health
Covid Coordinator
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4525 Downs Dr | Agenstein Hall 134
St Joseph, MO 64507

In addition to current facility policies and procedures, the following policies will be implemented in order to cope with the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Baker Family Fitness Center (BFFC)

• Operating Hours:
  • Monday through Friday, 5:30AM – 10:00PM
  • Saturday & Sunday, 10:00AM – 5:00PM

• ���𳦰�-����’s: Patrons will show the photo on their ID to the student employee to confirm card ownership.  Once confirmed and the student employees have the system ready, patrons will then swipe their ID’s to enter the facility.  Should equipment be needed in the facility, cards may either be swiped again or the patron may verbally give their G# to the student employee checking out the piece of equipment.
  • Guests not permitted.
  • Student employees will no longer handle ID cards.
  • Patrons no longer have to swipe to exit the facility.

• Masks: The CDC recommends wearing “cloth face coverings” (masks) in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. Proper mask wearing will be required for all patrons not actively engaged in exercise.  Leniency will be granted for patrons while they are “in between sets”.  However, if socialization is noticed without masks patrons will be asked to put them on.  If non-compliant, patrons will be asked to leave.
  • Proper mask wearing means that the mask is covering both the mouth and nose.
  • Full-time staff will wear masks while moving around the facility.
  • Full-time staff may remove masks while working in their office.
  • Student employees will wear masks while on duty.  Will be allowed to remove masks when eating/drinking. 
• Locker Rooms: Locker rooms in the facility will be closed until further notice.  Patrons are encouraged to arrive in workout attire, if possible. Should patrons need to store items, cubbies will be made available. The front restroom will remain open to patrons and staff.   
• Cleaning Materials: Additional cleaning supplies will be placed throughout the facility.
  • Additional hand sanitizer dispensers will be provided throughout the facility.
  • Additional cleaning rags will be provided to aid in cleaning efficiency.  Rags are to then be placed in laundry collection bins, so they can be laundered.

• Cleaning Regulations: Patrons are expected to clean each piece of equipment after they have completed their use of it.  If non-compliant, patrons will be asked to leave.
  • Student employees will increase their cleaning regimen during each hour of operations.

• Water Fountains: Water fountains will be closed for direct drinking usage.  However, the water bottle dispensers will be available to patrons.
  • Patrons are expected to bring their own water bottles.
  • Patrons needing a bottle may purchase a bottle of water from the vending machine at the front of the building.
  • Student employees will add water fountain cleaning to their cleaning regimens.

• Equipment: Some of the equipment will be roped off/closed to patrons in order to enforce social distancing.  Patrons who ignore signs on machines and use them for their workouts will be asked to leave.

Looney Complex – Old Gym

• Operating Hours:
  • Monday through Friday, 4:00PM – 8:00PM
  • Saturday, 10:00AM – 5:00PM
  • Sunday, Closed

• ���𳦰�-����’s: Patrons will swipe their ID’s to enter/exit the facility.
  • Student employees will no longer handle ID cards

• Masks: The CDC recommends wearing “cloth face coverings” (masks) in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. Proper mask wearing will be required for all patrons not actively engaged in workout activities. If socialization is noticed without masks patrons will be asked to put them on.  If non-compliant, patrons will be asked to leave.
  • Full-time staff will wear masks while moving around the facility.
  • Student employees will wear masks while on duty.  Will be allowed to remove masks when eating/drinking.

• Locker Rooms: Pool locker rooms and restrooms remain open to the public. Patrons are encouraged to arrive in workout attire, if possible. Locker rooms and restrooms will be cleaned daily, on a rotating schedule, by campus custodial staff.

Thomas Eagleton Indoor Pool

• Operating Hours:
  • 11AM – 1PM Monday through Friday
  • 7PM – 8:30PM Monday through Thursday
  • Saturday & Sunday, Closed
  • Contracted organizations by appointment (e.g. high school swim teams)
  • Available to:
    • Current MWSU ID Card Holders
    • Punch Card Holders
    • Prepaid, daily admission customers

• Important CDC and operational information
  • A minimum of 3 staff (3 lifeguards or 2 lifeguards and one desk staff certified in CPro or BLS) are needed at all times to meet CDC and MAHC staffing guidelines, along with Red Cross staffing needs for rescue standards.
  • The pool water sanitation levels should be maintained at a minimum of 2.0ppm to meet current CDC and USA Swimming recommendations.

• ���𳦰�-����’s:��
  • Student employees will no longer handle ID cards.
  • ID cards will be swiped by the user then shown through the ticket booth window to verify the photo ID.
  • All punch cards will be on file in the ticket booth. There will no longer be an exchange of these cards to eliminate person to person contact.
  • Users wishing to pay the daily $4 drop-in fee will need to do so through the Parks & Recreation Department’s online registration program.  This can be done at www.stjoeparks.info

• Masks: Persons entering the pool area will be required to properly wear masks when not actively swimming in the water.
  • Full-time staff will wear masks while moving around the facility.
  • Full-time staff may remove masks while working in their office.
  • Student employees will wear masks while on duty.  Will be allowed to remove masks when eating/drinking.

• Locker Rooms:��
  • Pool locker rooms and restrooms remain open to the public. Patrons are encouraged to arrive in workout attire, if possible. Locker rooms and restrooms will be cleaned daily, on a rotating schedule, by campus custodial staff.
  • To maintain social distancing, contracted organizations (e.g. high school swim teams) will be assigned specific lockers by Recreation Services. Patrons requesting locker assignments may do so by contacting Recreation Services.
  • Patrons without locker assignments must remove personal items following each visit.
  • Additional cleaning supplies will be made available in the locker room for patrons to utilize.

• Cleaning Materials:
  • Additional cleaning supplies will be placed throughout the facility.
  • Additional hand sanitizer dispensers will be provided throughout the facility.
  • Additional cleaning rags will be provided to help aid in cleaning efficiency.  Rags are to then be placed in laundry collection bins, so they can be laundered.

• Cleaning Regulations:��
  • Student employees will increase their cleaning regimen during each hour of operations.

• Equipment: No communal equipment will be available to pool users.  Swimmers will be required to provide their own equipment. 
• Contracted Organizations: Only essential staff will be allowed inside the pool facility.  No spectators will be permitted at any time.
  • Organizations will be expected to adhere to the standards set forth by their guiding bodies.
    • High School Swim Teams: MSHSAA
    • KCSA: USA Swimming

• Pool Party Reservations: No pool parties will be permitted until further notice. 

COVID-19 Positive Exposure Procedure

If a positive case is confirmed in a Recreation Services facility, the department will follow the campus protocols outlined on the MWSU COVID-19 website.  Patrons can plan on the need for the facility to be cleaned by campus staff, and will be informed of the time that that may take.

Missouri Western’s plan for a safe return to campus is the result of hundreds of hours of research, planning and consultation with campus and community experts. As with our other COVID-19 policies and guidelines, the following guidance will be revised as our understanding of COVID-19 continues to develop and as our situational awareness changes with students and personnel back on campus for the academic year. As we continue to adapt our general policies and procedures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, all units and individuals will continue to do their best to implement and operationalize guidance as best they can in the spirit of that guidance, understanding that not all details will be perfectly tailored to fit every situation across campus life. This guidance is intended to decrease the risk of the spread of disease, but it cannot eliminate all risk.

Decision Triggers – Overview:

• A combination of community and campus criteria may lead to (1) further reduction of personnel or students on campus, (2) partial closure of campus, or (3) full closure of campus.
• Should any of these decisions be triggered, the campus community will be notified by means of their university email, the university website, and as appropriate by Griffon Alert and social media.
• Decisions and other responses to these considerations will come as a result of collaborative decisionmaking among leaders from across the campus community.

Decision Triggers – General Considerations:

• A University campus setting has multiple risk factors for transmission of COVID-19.
• We are and will continue to work hard on communication to the entire campus community as well as campus visitors regarding necessary public health and hygiene practices.

Community Considerations:

• Significant official action by state, local, or other public authorities relevant to the situation.
• Significant escalation of community spread in the St. Joseph or Buchanan County areas.
• Upward trajectory of documented cases of COVID-19 cases OR percentage of positive tests (with flat or increasing volume of tests) for 14 days.
• Inability to obtain adequate testing for COVID-19 due to supply chain issues or other concerns.
• Number of hospital admissions / hospital capacity / hospitals unable to treat all patients without crisis care.
• Degradation of robust testing capacity in community, including screening and contact tracing for symptomatic individuals.
• Trends among peer institutions of higher education (particularly public institutions in Missouri).
• Actions taken by local school districts.

Campus Considerations:

• Increase in percentage of positive tests / sustained day-over-day increases / overall rate.
• Employee absenteeism (particularly in custodial and physical plant services due to critical need to maintain clean and safe campus).
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages impacting ability to prevent spread, provide care, follow campus guidelines, etc.
• Clusters of positive cases overwhelming ability to quarantine/isolate and contact trace.
• Upward trajectory of documented cases of COVID-19 cases OR percentage of positive tests (with flat or increasing volume of tests) for 14 days.
• Covid-related death of a member of the campus community.

Possible Responses:

• Increased physical distancing requirements on campus.
• Increased sanitation.
• Short suspension of classes to enable facility closures for cleaning / contact-tracing / consultation with local health officials / enhanced physical distancing / etc.
• Reduced or phased occupancy.
• Closure of some or all residence halls.
  • Note: concerns re safe travel depending on health conditions, travel restrictions and final destinations
  • Note: concerns re safe alternatives (whether any occupancy would remain)
• Transition to remote learning.
• All-campus closure. 

Capabilities of the Different Types of Classrooms

• If you would like to find out the recording capabilities of the classrooms you will be using, please click  to view the document that will tell you what equipment is in a specific room.
• ����������� to view the entire video we have showing the three different times of classrooms, their capabilities and our recommended settings for each of those classrooms.
• If you know the type of classroom you will be using, you can find the times in the description to jump to a certain part of the video.

Tutorial Videos
We have also put together tutorial videos on how to ,�������Ի���.  These videos are covering the basics of how to use Panopto and Zoom for your class. We will be putting out more tutorial videos that will be specific to the topics touched on briefly in these videos.

Written Tutorials
If you would prefer written documents on each of these subjects, you can find them here:�� ,��,�������Ի���.

Live Streaming with Either Panopto or Zoom
Both can live stream and both can record. However, for live streaming, Zoom is the recommended program. You can set up links ahead of time (see ) whereas Panopto only gives you a link to follow after you start the recording. This may cause members of your class to actually miss part of your lecture that you are streaming. You can record in Zoom and then upload that file into Panopto. We will be creating a video explaining that process soon.

Upcoming Live Chat Help Session
We will be setting up a few Zoom sessions within the next week if anyone has specific questions that you would like to discuss via a live chat.  Details will be emailed out soon.

Questions?
If you have any further questions, or need help with any settings in any of the classrooms, please contact Technology Services at (816) 271-4555.

1. Most importantly, all courses should utilize Canvas for content, grades, and communication.
2. Courses that are not 100% online should be modified to be hybrid to whatever extent is feasible.
3. All class sessions should be recorded (e.g., using Panopto) and made available for viewing in Canvas.
4. Attendance policies should be modified to allow students to participate via Canvas or other online modalities.
5. Courses should use the syllabus template, which can be found here:�� (long form) or here:   (short form).
6. Consider allowing students to alternate between regular (physical) attendance and virtual (synchronous) attendance via Zoom or Panopto to allow for appropriate social distancing.