Level 4 (Purple) Ohio Public Health Information
Montgomery County transitioned to Level 4 (Purple) status last week, along with four other Ohio counties, with 11 others on the watch list. Purple is the highest status level of the Ohio Public Health Advisory System and indicates that at least six of the seven indicators for COVID-19 spread were met for at least two consecutive weeks. In response, Wright State will make a few additional adjustments to ensure the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff.
Faculty and Staff
Prior to Thanksgiving week, the provost reminded us that “faculty and staff should work with their supervisors to discuss moving to remote work if appropriate after Thanksgiving and into the next semester.” We again encourage employees, particularly those who live in Montgomery County, to discuss their work situation with their supervisors and work from home if possible while the current public health status is in place.
Campus Activities
In-person activities will be suspended for the remainder of the calendar year in favor of virtual events, and any holiday gatherings are to be held virtually instead of face-to-face. Campus tours and orientations will be held with a limited number of participants while following strict safety protocols. Be sure to direct your questions regarding the status of any event to the program director.
Dunbar Library
The library will remain open as planned but please be mindful of the need for enhanced diligence, including mask wearing and distancing and the possibility of reduced hours, if needed, in the coming weeks.
Facilities Operations
As the campus has less population density and limited services, Facilities staff will continue to regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces, maintain ventilation systems, and flush water systems for all buildings. Please remember that parking areas on the Dayton Campus have been closed to better allocate Facilities resources while ensuring more than enough spaces are available to those required to be on campus. See the map detailing the open lots on the Dayton Campus.
The Customer Care Center will take service calls at 937-775-4444. However, be understanding if you experience delays in services, as all areas of campus have been affected by COVID-related absences.
We Can Do This Together
We all are concerned about the rapidity with which the virus is spreading regionally and nationally and want to again remind everyone that we must behave in private the same way we have been successful in mitigating virus spread publicly on campus over the past nine months.
Reminders for Everyone
- Only leave home when absolutely necessary (except to seek medical care, to work, to get food or medicine, or to care for others)
- Stay home when sick (except to seek medical care), wear a face covering, cover coughs and sneezes, wash hands frequently, avoid close contact with others, and avoid crowds
- Testing for COVID-19 is available at various locations throughout the state: View ODH's interactive map
- Work remotely when possible
- Avoid elevator use when possible
- Try to limit in-person office meetings to no more than two people
- Do not attend large or small social gatherings. Do not host groups in your home.
- Travel when only absolutely necessary. If you must travel:
- Travel alone or only with members of your household or your consistent quarantine partner(s)
- Avoid current national COVID-19 hot spots
- Self-quarantine for 14 days if you have traveled to states reporting positive testing rates of 15% or higher
Marjorie M. Markopoulos, Ph.D., CCHO, CBM, CSP
Director, Environmental Health and Safety
