Dear RVU Family,

Thank you for your patience as our COVID-19 Response Team is working to address the ongoing and growing concerns of the coronavirus pandemic.

As the spread of Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) continues, the top priority of the COVID-19 Response Team and RVU Leadership is to protect the health and well-being of our community. In addition, we are mindful of our responsibility to work to contain the viral spread within our local and national communities.

Good communication, understanding, and teamwork is essential for RVU’s successful response to the current situation. This is an opportunity for all of us to demonstrate our mission and core values.

According to global infectious disease experts, preventive measures, social distancing, and quarantine are the most effective ways to combat a pandemic. The COVID-19 Response Team will continue to provide communications on prevention and education throughout the coming weeks.

Here is a summary of RVU actions and directives to date:

• All RVU-sponsored international travel is banned
• All RVU-sponsored domestic travel is not yet banned and will be considered on a case-by-case basis if the trip does not entail a close gathering of multiple people
• All large gathering events (e.g. conferences) and campus events that include guests/visitors from outside of the RVU community are restricted and cancelled through April 30th or until further notification

An RVU re-entry protocol is being developed and will be sent out to the RVU community soon.

Additionally, at the next meeting this Friday, the COVID-19 Response Team will be working with academic leadership and IT to discuss preparations for remote learning plans, should it become necessary. Information will be communicated as it becomes available.

Our first educational action is to request that you view this video on the most effective method of washing your hands based on the WHO recommendations. Hand sanitizers should not be a substitute to washing hands but rather a complement to keep your hands cleaner between hand washes.

If you have questions regarding employment issues, please contact your supervisor and/or your HR partner.

If you have questions regarding the curriculum, please contact the appropriate Associate/Assistant Dean or Program Director.

If you have any pressing issues or feedback, you are welcome to email the Response Team at covid19@rvu.edu.

Thank you.

With professional regards,

The COVID-19 Response Team