Confirmed Cases of COVID-19 Within Campus Community

June 15, 2020 

 

Dear Colleagues and Students:

We write to share with you that three members of our campus community, who have worked on campus recently, have confirmed cases of COVID-19. (Please know that these cases are unrelated, meaning that they are not due to community spread.) Our thoughts are with each of the affected individuals, and we wish them a speedy recovery.

Consistent with the local public health department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols for infectious disease response, anyone identified as having had close contact with these individuals has been notified if they need to quarantine or self-isolate. Facilities that have been visited by the employees have been thoroughly cleaned and disinfected or temporarily closed, if appropriate.

Since learning of these confirmed cases, Fresno State is taking the following actions:

• We are staying in close touch with these employees to ensure that they are getting the care they need. We wish them well and will provide assistance in any way we can.
• We are working closely with public health officials, and we are following CDC, state and local health guidance in responding to these cases. 
• Consistent with the University’s communicable disease protocol, our staff in the Student Health and Counseling Center, and Environmental Health and Safety, are working closely with local public health officials to determine whether there are members of the campus community who need to be advised about their contacts with those who have been confirmed infected with the virus.
• Our rigorous cleaning and disinfecting protocols have been activated in order to mitigate further exposure.

We understand that this news may be unsettling, but we want to assure you that your safety and well-being is our No. 1 priority. 

Due to state privacy laws and federal HIPAA privacy rules, the University will not release any information involving private health care information. 

Anyone who has symptoms of cough, fever and shortness of breath should contact their medical provider.

Important Reminders and Resources

• Wear a face covering (see April 13 communication).
• Practice physical distancing. 
• Wash hands with soap and water.
• Use hand sanitizers provided.
• Stay home if sick or if anyone in the household is suspected COVID-19 positive.
• It is recommended that employees working on campus email their manager each day to confirm they are not ill and not experiencing any of the above symptoms. Please refer to the Voluntary Health Screening communication for the campus process established on March 30.
• Links to campus, local, state and federal resources are available here. 
• Signage with CDC guidance is available from the campus Print Shop.

Our primary focus is the health and safety of our campus community, and our mission remains empowering every student for success. The situation regarding COVID-19 continues to evolve in our region, and we must remain collectively vigilant. 

Please take care of yourself, your family and fellow colleagues by following the recommendations of the CDC, and state and local health officials, as we manage through this challenge together.

Sincerely,

President Joseph I. Castro

Debbie Adishian-Astone, Vice President for Administration and Chief Financial Officer