Dear Woodbury Campus Community,
Earlier this morning, Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Pasadena declared a local emergency in the response of seven new reported cases of the COVID-19 virus as well as the first death in California. We want to reiterate that the likelihood of contracting COVID-19 is low. The press release from this morning, which included the above cities said, “The CDC’s guidance indicates that people who have casual contact with a case (in the same grocery store or movie theater) are at minimal risk of developing infection.”
Although local officials are advising that the risk of developing an infection is low, the University would like to reiterate that if you feel sick, stay home and contact your healthcare provider. You can also practice the following prevention steps as well:
If you are not feeling well and are not entirely sure about your current status, you can fill out a Gecko Form here. The information you provide will automatically be sent to our school nurse Audrey Herriford. You can always stop by her office, call her at (818) 252-5238, or email her at [email protected]
The health and well-being of our community is extremely important to us. We are aware that midterms are in full swing and do not want you to feel obliged to come to campus if you are sick. As such, staff and faculty members will not need to provide a doctor’s note should they find themselves at home for more than three days.
Most importantly, faculty members want to ensure that students enjoy success in their academic endeavors. Students are advised to coordinate with their professors should they have to miss classes or exams. Students should practice an open dialogue with their professors and communicate effectively and timely.
While Woodbury has provided valuable information on immediate instructions, we would also like to offer our community members with our plans for the long term. The University is currently working on a contingency plan that is being created with an abundance of caution to address procedures in the event the University will need to close. In this plan, we are working on particulars for staff members to work from home and for faculty members to teach online. The contingency plan will also provide instructions should the University be placed on quarantine. Please note that these situations are not likely at this time.
The contingency plan will align with directives from the regularly scheduled telebriefings with the LA County Department of Public Health. Precisely, our plan will aim to:
Further, the University is evaluating some of our high attendance events like Woodstock, Graduation, and summer international travel programs on a day-to day and case-by-case basis. Updates will be provided once they become available.
As of now, the University is working interdepartmentally to continually obtain new and evolving information regarding the COVID-19 virus and complete our continuity plan. Updates will be provided as they become available. For updated COVID-19 virus information, please visit www.woodbury.edu/coronavirus.
As always, if you have any questions regarding the COVID-19 virus, please email [email protected]
Updated on March 4th, 2020.