March 9, 2020 – The Santa Fe College Emergency Management team met repeatedly throughout spring break to monitor information provided by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) concerning COVID-19, also known as coronavirus. Although the number of reported cases within the state is increasing, there are no confirmed or presumed positive cases in the Santa Fe College service district of Alachua and Bradford counties.
The CDC has issued a recommendation to avoid all nonessential travel to China, South Korea, Italy and Iran. It has also recommended that people who are immune-suppressed avoid travel to Japan because of the coronavirus.
Self-Quarantine
The college advises any SF faculty, staff or students who recently traveled to the above-stated countries, or had close contact with anyone who did, or has started to show potential signs of COVID-19 should not come to any SF property, but rather, should self-quarantine. Employees who need to self-quarantine or have concerns regarding leave should contact Lela Frye, Director of Human Resources at 352-395-5420. Students whom are self-quarantining should contact the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs at 352-395-5955.
Preventing Infection
SF’s Facilities has been, and continues to work on equipping offices with plenty of hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes, especially in high traffic areas at the college. Facilities has also been working with staff on increased cleaning and disinfecting of frequently contacted public handles including bathroom doors, bathroom faucets, water fountains, etc.
The CDC advises that the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Here are everyday actions you can take to help prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses:
- 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.
- Use facemasks to prevent spreading the disease in accordance with CDC recommendations:
- People who show symptoms of COVID-19 and caregivers working with people who show symptoms of COVID-19 should wear facemasks.
- People who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 and who are not actively caring for someone who does should not wear facemasks.
Note: SF employees who have no cause to self-quarantine should not wear facemasks at work, unless they have medical confirmation from a physician on file with Human Resources.
For additional information, visit the CDC’s coronavirus webpage at cdc.gov/COVID19.