Resumption of Traditional Operations

In March of 2020, health officials began closely monitoring the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in our nation and state. With the increasing risk of possible exposure to our campus community, MVSU’s Emergency Response Team began closely following this fluid situation.  Recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH), and the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning (IHL) were used to obtain advice and guidance on keeping MVSU’s campus operational and safe in the midst of the developing pandemic. We have continued our operations with extremely limited staff on campus and other staff working remotely.

As we cautiously move toward resuming full operations, we will continue to monitor the COVID-19 situation and follow all guidance and direction from the MSDH, CDC, and other government agencies. MVSU administrative staff employees who have been primarily working remotely will begin returning to campus on June 1, 2020.

The following have been implemented to ensure a safe return for MVSU employees:

  • Administrative buildings and office spaces have been cleaned and sanitized
  • Hand sanitizer dispensers have been placed in most buildings
  • Hot running water and soap dispensers are operational in most buildings
  • A care package (mask, hand sanitizer, etc.) is available for ALL employees; each person must sign for the package beginning June 1. Care packages are available for pick-up at the Office of Facilities Management.

The following are guidelines we’ve established for ALL employees to help ensure a safe return to the workplace:

  • Ensure your vehicle decal is displayed upon approaching the campus entrance gates
  • Wear a face covering in public spaces in accordance with local, state and national guidelines
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
  • Practice social distancing by maintaining a distance of at least 6 feet from other individuals at all times
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces in your work area, including keyboards, phones, handrails and doorknobs
  • Stay home if you are sick and get medical care, as needed
  • Inform your supervisor if you have a sick family member at home with COVID-19
  • Avoid using other employees’ phones, desks, offices, or other work tools and equipment, when possible. If necessary, clean and disinfect them before and after use
  • Lock office doors to better manage access and traffic in offices
  • Limit visits to buildings and offices that are not your own
  • Know what to expect of yourself. You may experience a variety of emotions after returning to work, which is normal. Talking about your feelings with someone you trust is a healthy way to process this evolving situation
  • Continue to take care of yourself. Eat well, get plenty of rest and exercise, spend time with those closest to you
  • Take care of your children and your family. Parents could be concerned about their children’s well-being when they must return to work. Make sure your children know proper hygiene practices and let them talk about what is going on to help reassure them
  • Seek help if you need to. If your feelings are too much to bear, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Mental health problems—in general and in response to a major event such as the pandemic—are real, diagnosable and treatable
  • Contact Human Resources for the latest guidance on personal and medical leave, if needed 

As a daily self-assessment, please answer the following questions before reporting to work:

 

Question

Response

Yes

No

Have you been in close contact with a confirmed case of COVID-19 in the past 14 days or placed in quarantine?

 

 

Have you had a fever in the past 48 hours?

 

 

Have you had a recent loss of taste or smell?

 

 

Have you had vomiting or diarrhea in the last 24 hours?

 

 

Have you experienced a (new) cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, or chills?

 

 

Have you or anyone you have been in close contact with been diagnosed with COVID-19 or placed on quarantine?

 

 

Have you been asked to self-isolate or quarantine by a medical professional or local public health official?

 

 

 

NOTE:  If you answer “yes” to any of these questions you should contact your supervisor and Human Resources reporting to the office.

Let’s stay safe and healthy together!

DISCLAIMER

As information about COVID-19 continues to evolve, the University makes every effort to update its policies and procedures in accordance with guidelines set forth by local, state and federal health officials and other related agencies. MVSU prioritizes the safety and well-being of its employees, students and the communities it serves.