Message to Faculty & Staff from Dr. Way

Over the course of the past few days, we have had our first confirmed cases of employees testing positive for the COVID-19 virus. These developments are certainly not unexpected given the increase in cases in Alabama.

In each case where an employee has tested positive, our Human Resources Office has coordinated the response with both the person testing positive as well as those with whom they may have had contact. Per the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines, an individual who has had contact with someone who tests positive for a minimum of fifteen minutes at a distance of less than six feet is deemed to have been exposed. Accordingly, all individuals who met this criterion have been advised to be tested and self-quarantine. If the test is negative, an employee will return to work. If the test is positive, an employee must remain off campus for a period of fourteen days from the date they were initially tested.

As everyone on campus is aware, we have stringent screening procedures in place for all persons coming onto the campus, and these will remain in place. The work areas that have been impacted have been closed for deep cleaning by our third-party cleaning service until the cleaning is completed. We will continue to monitor events as they transpire and take all necessary actions to ensure a safe work environment.

Finally, we simply cannot stress strongly enough the need for everyone on campus to practice social-distancing and to wear face coverings in any circumstance where a minimum of six-foot spacing cannot be maintained. We are extremely grateful that only a few cases have been identified. There is no evidence that these originated on campus. Please feel free to reach out to your immediate supervisor or HR if you have any questions or concerns.

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