On this page:
- Overview
- Responsible Protocols
- Requirements to Visit Campus
- What to Expect When You Return
- Resources
- Acknowledgment Webform
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Awareness Overview
Measures for protecting campus visitors from exposure to, and infection with, SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) depend on the purpose of the visit and exposure risk, including interaction with people with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 and contamination of the physical environment.
Wright State University will adhere to the orders and guidelines from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and from the State of Ohio (Governor's orders and ODH).
The current situation is rapidly evolving. Environmental Health and Safety will update its guidance as new information becomes available.
Become familiar with the latest information by visiting the following websites:
- Wright State Coronavirus Response
- Ohio Department of Health - Coronavirus (COVID-19)
- CDC's Coronavirus Disease 2019
Responsible Protocols
The Ohio Department of Health has mandated Responsible Protocols to help prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for the disease, COVID-19.
Five Protocols for All Businesses
Wright State has implemented the five protocols for all businesses by:
- Requiring face coverings for students, employees, and visitors in all indoor public and shared environments. Face coverings will also be required outdoors when physical distancing cannot be maintained.
- Requiring daily health assessments (self-evaluation).
- Requiring good hygiene at all times, including hand-washing, sanitizing, and physical (social) distancing.
- Implementing cleaning and disinfection procedures of workplaces throughout the workday and at the close of business or between shifts.
- Limiting capacity to meet physical distancing guidelines.
- Establishing maximum capacity.
- Using appointment setting, where possible, to limit congestion.
Industry-Specific Required Criteria
Wright State adheres to the ODH Responsible RestartOhio Guidelines for Institutions of Higher Education. The guidelines highlight the minimum operating standards while maintaining the health and safety of the campus community as the top priority. Wright State will also implement operating considerations from the CDC, including the recommendations for cleaning and disinfecting, travel, ventilation, layouts, physical barriers and guides, signage, gatherings, events, etc.
The implementation of these considerations and guidelines are available on the university's Coronavirus Response website.
Actions Taken for a COVID-19 Infection
If a COVID-19 infection has been identified, the following actions will be taken as required by ODH:
- Immediately report employee or customer infections to the local health district.
- Work with local health departments to identify potentially exposed individuals to help facilitate appropriate communication/contact tracing.
- Shut down shop/floor for deep sanitation, if possible.
- Professionally clean and sanitize site/location.
- Reopen in consultation with the local health department.
Requirements to Visit Campus
The ongoing pandemic requires everyone follow safety measures to protect our campus community, friends, and families. Measures include:
- Daily health assessment
- Face coverings
- Physical distancing
- Personal hygiene, including handwashing
- Cleaning and disinfecting
- Staying up to date on Wright State's COVID-19 situation, policies, and procedures
Required Videos
All workers and employees must view the following two videos to become familiar with the hazards associated with SARS-CoV-2 and how to protect themselves and others from contracting an infection. Visitors are also asked to view these so they may be familiar with the best practices.
Videos must be viewed prior to coming back to campus. Everyone must understand that coronavirus is a new hazard in the environment and it is possible to be exposed to it in any public or private space. Everyone must understand the new hazard and the control measures necessary to minimize your exposure.
Video 1: Coronavirus (COVID-19) - required
Video 2: Cleaning and Disinfecting - REQUIRED
What to Expect When You Visit
Campus buildings have been updated to include signage and floor markings to promote physical distancing. Access to buildings may be changed by operational hours, points of entry, and exit routes.
Daily Health Assessments
All visitors are required to complete a mandatory daily health check before coming to any university property or event.
The most current list of symptoms can be found on the CDC's website.
If you believe you have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 or if you exhibit any of the symptoms, please contact your health care provider. They can assess whether you should self-quarantine.
To voluntarily make a self-report to Wright State, you may complete an Accident, Illness, Injury, or Near Miss report.
- This report will remain confidential. Reporting will allow preventative actions and resources to be deployed as soon as the report is filed. For example, if a campus visitor has tested positive for COVID-19 and reports it to the university, it will allow the identification of areas and the determination of the cleaning and disinfection protocol necessary.
As a reminder, please do not return to campus physically unless you are instructed to do so by your supervisor or host. All contracted employees who are able to work remotely, for the time being, should continue to do so. All event attendees or visitors who can conduct their experience virtually, should continue to do so.
If your health care provider instructs you to be tested, you should remain in isolation until you receive the test results. If your results are negative, your symptoms are improving, and you are fever-free, you may return to campus only after consulting with your host or supervisor and Human Resources.
If you have tested positive for COVID-19, you should not come to campus until:
- Ten days have passed from the time you tested positive
- You have been fever-free without fever-reducing medicines for three days
- Your symptoms are improving
- You receive a note from your health care provider clearing you to return to normal activities
- You receive clearance to return to campus from your host or supervisor and Human Resources
The earliest you could come back, even if you are fever-free after the first three days, is seven days. This time could be extended if your fever remains or your symptoms do not improve.
If you are not sure if you should stay home because you may have had contact with a person suspected of having the virus, please contact your physician.
Face Coverings
All students, employees, and campus visitors must wear face coverings when indoors in public and shared environments, and outdoors when physical distancing cannot be maintained. Keep in mind, face coverings should not be worn by any of the following:
- Children under age 2
- Anyone who has trouble breathing
- Anyone who can't take off the cover without help from another person
- Anyone who cannot wear one for health reasons
- Anyone who cannot wear one for documented industry best practices
- For reasons prohibited by law or regulation
Face Covering Exemptions
Exemptions to wearing face coverings must be documented. More information on exemptions is available on the Office of Disability Services website.
Face Covering Best Practices
Face coverings are a possible way to protect one another from infection. They must be used with other prevention efforts, such as handwashing and physical distancing. They should fit snugly but comfortably and allow for breathing without restriction. Wear horizontally, covering nose, mouth, and chin at all times, and secure behind the head with ties or ear loops. Wash your hands before putting on the face covering and immediately after removing it. Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth when taking it off. Routinely launder and dry the covering. Do not wear wet face coverings. Visit the CDC website About Cloth Face Coverings for additional information.
Face Covering NonCompliance
Members of the public who are not abiding by face-covering requirements will first be offered a disposable face covering, if possible. If they refuse to comply, they will be asked to leave and given options on how they can be served virtually.
If a contracted employee declines to wear a face covering as required, the supervisor is responsible for addressing it with the employee. People should refrain from addressing real or perceived noncompliance directly with employees, and should instead report issues to their supervisors.
The Wright State University Police Department is not responsible for enforcing face-covering requirements and should not be contacted regarding such issues.
Face Shields
Consistent with CDC guidance, Wright State does not consider face shields to be an adequate substitute for face coverings due to the possibility that droplets could travel under or to the side of the shield if the wearer coughs or sneezes. As such, a face shield may only be used in conjunction with a face covering or as an approved exception to the face covering (e.g., required for communication for lip-reading).
Physical Distancing and Separation
Everyone on campus is expected to maintain appropriate physical distancing in order to avoid being exposed to or spreading COVID-19. The following measures have been implemented to help promote physical distancing or separation:
- Furniture has been removed and additional signage, floor markings, and stanchions are being used.
- Plastic or plexiglass barriers have been or will be installed for work stations in high density, public areas that involve regular face-to-face contact with others (e.g., Library circulation desk, office administrative coordinators).
- Signage has been posted in all public areas on campus, including elevators, restrooms, conference rooms, entryways, benches, and other places individuals can congregate. Signage will encourage physical distancing and include occupancy limitations.
- Floor markings identify locations where lines or groups can potentially form or need to form.
- Ongoing review of physical spaces will continue to determine if adjustments need to be made to promote physical distancing while complying with applicable building code requirements.
- Supervisors of departments or offices may add additional measures to direct flow, decrease person-to-person contact, or maintain physical distancing.
Personal Hygiene Measures
Everyone should maintain good personal sanitation/hygiene, keeping the following in mind:
- Wash your hands frequently, using soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in a public place, after coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose, or touching your face. If soap and water are not readily available, you should use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
- Carry hand sanitizer; contracted employees are encouraged to keep some at your work stations.
- Bring your own water to minimize the use and touching of water fountains; use hands-free, bottle-filling stations where available.
- Minimize or avoid sharing personal items and work supplies with others.
Wright State has also implemented the following measures to promote good personal hygiene:
- Hand sanitizer is available at various locations throughout campus.
- Gloves will be made available based on a job hazard assessment.
- Hand washing and hygiene posters are used as reminders.
- Reminders to include:
- Frequent handwashing
- Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throwing the tissue in the trash immediately; if tissue is unavailable, the cough or sneeze should be covered with the inside of an elbow, not the hands
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth
- Clean frequently touched surfaces often
- Keep tissues and hand sanitizers easily accessible
- Additional measures may be implemented by supervisors or hosts.
Additional Cleaning During COVID-19
Additional cleaning supplies will be placed in buildings throughout the campus. The disinfectants will be approved and registered with the EPA to be effective for SARS-CoV-2. Instructions for using the disinfectant materials will be at the stations. The disinfectant cleaning bottles will be labeled with the chemical hazard information. Read EPA's infographic on how to use these disinfectant products safely and effectively.
In Addition, Laboratory Workers Must Review and Complete:
- Wright State Research Ramp-Up Checklist (XLSX) EACH LAB MUST COMPLETE
- PI Guideline Appendix - Laboratory Housekeeping (DOCX) - Cleaning and Disinfection Guidance
- PI Guideline Appendix - Lab Space and Scheduling (DOCX)
- Health Self-Assessment (PDF)
- Log in sheet for laboratory (XLSX)
For assistance, please visit https://wright.edu/ehs-service
Resources
Please review all links and files on this site, as they are valuable resources.
All persons will be required to complete a mandatory daily health check before coming to campus.
Review the Wright State Coronavirus Response website.
Review the most current list of symptoms on the CDC's website.
Review EPA's Six Steps for Safe and Effective Disinfectant Use.
Acknowledgment Webform
Visitors must review this entire site and complete the acknowledgement webform prior to coming to campus.
- This webform will send a confirmation email to you and your supervisor or host.
- Keep a copy of the confirmation email for your records.