Coronavirus Emergency Response Team CERT Presentation to Staff

Coronavirus Emergency Response Team (CERT) Presentation to Staff Senate - May 28, 2020

Purpose The Coronavirus Emergency Response Team (CERT) was formed in March 2020 to advise the Chancellor's Cabinet on the execution of the pandemic policy, which is a component of the university’s emergency management plan. As the status of the health crisis evolved, CERT objectives evolved. CERT now focuses on non-academic areas by overseeing emergency operations preparations; recommending appropriate environmental, health, and safety equipment and practices; and ensuring continuity for campus residences, dining facilities, and student experiences. Over the next few months and potentially over the next one to two years, UA Little Rock will need to adjust to an environment that is significantly impacted by COVID-19. The adjustment will require planning that addresses different aspects of the campus community. Proper development and diligent implementation of these plans are vital to ensuring continuity of operations for the university enterprise as well as the health and safety of the campus community.

Membership ● Cody Decker, Student Affairs, CERT Chair ● Ophelia Dedner, Human Resources ● Darius Maize, Athletics ● Patti Light, Campus Living ● David Millay, Facilities Management ● Regina Carter, Public Safety ● David Montague, e. Learning & STAR ● Richard Harper, Dean of Students ● Desiree Taggard, Procurement ● Sharon Downs, Student Affairs Wellness and ● Emily Bell, Study Abroad ● Jeff Harmon, Communications & Marketing ● Sloan Davidson, Department of Nursing ● Mia Phillips, Student Affairs- Student Experience Center ● Thomas Bunton, Information Technology Services ● Mike Kirk, Counseling Services and Health Services ● Vince Rogers, Environmental, Health and Safety Inclusion, CERT Vice-Chair

CERT’s Sources of Guidance COVID-19 Task Force Chancellor’s Cabinet 4

Board of Trustees Resolution on Fall Planning WHEREAS, the Board of Trustees of the University of Arkansas recognizes the need to continue monitoring the impact of COVID-19 in Arkansas and to adhere to the public health guidelines and directives from the state and federal governments; and WHEREAS, the state and federal governments have outlined steps for removing some physical distancing directives to facilitate a phased-in reopening of communities across Arkansas where UA System institutions are located; and WHEREAS, President Donald R. Bobbitt has appointed a UA System task force including campus leadership and representatives from the system administration to identify the necessary steps to reopen institutions to students, faculty and staff for the fall 2020 semester; and WHEREAS, the Board recognizes the need for and encourages the task force and institutional leadership to create plans that include measures to protect the various campus constituencies from the spread and mitigate the impact of COVID-19; 5

Board of Trustees Resolution on Fall Planning NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS THAT the Board directs the President to work with the Chancellors and other chief executives across the UA System to prepare the various campuses, divisions and units of the system to reopen to students, faculty and staff for the fall 2020 semester; BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Board directs such plans be consistent with the health policy directives of the state and federal governments regarding the COVID-19 virus. 6

Structure for Planning Recommendations Under the guidance of the Chancellor's Cabinet, CERT advises on COVID-19 related planning efforts to support the resumption of university operations in fall 2020 and beyond (focusing on business offices and student services). CERT is taking a multi-faceted approach in planning for campus reopening; CERT advises that UA Little Rock develop a comprehensive re-opening plan that addresses the following components: 1) 2) 3) 4) Phased re-opening of the campus with social distancing (Reopening) Employee and student health monitoring and reporting (Monitoring) Outbreak mitigation should infections occur (Containing) Shutting the campus down should conditions necessitate (Closing) Recommendations from CERT will be provided to the Chancellor's Cabinet on a rolling basis. The initial set of recommendations focus on essential items needed for re-opening the campus.

Current Recommendations to Chancellor’s Cabinet 1. Identify Division Needs and Procure Protective Equipment & Supplies ● ● 1. Desk Shields (Sneeze Guards). Face Masks. Face Shields. Sanitation Supplies. Maintain Social Distancing and Awareness Campaign Until Further Notice CERT recommends continuation of the following actions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 for individuals remaining on campus. ● ● ● ● For on-campus employees, require minimum separation distance of six feet. Utilize virtual meeting technologies for now and foreseeable future. Restrict non-essential travel. Restrict out-of-state visitors. Postpone fall study abroad trips. Maintain flexible work schedules, allowing supervisory discretion on employees who work on-campus versus telework. Provide applicable information resources to the campus community, including posters from ADH and CDC. Further, divisions should identify quantities and types of signage/decals. Appendix B provides a listing of location examples along with signage recommendations.

Current Recommendations to Chancellor’s Cabinet (Cont. ) 3. Develop Screening and Contact Tracing Capabilities CERT recommends the university develop screening resources as well as prepare for contact-tracing capabilities. CERT formed a Health Monitoring sub-committee to address screening and contact tracing topics. CERT recommends the use of a daily self-screening process for employees (and eventually students). Further, CERT recommends that divisions determine individuals who can serve as contract tracing coordinators for individuals within their division who become positive for COVID-19. Health Services reports conflicting information from the Arkansas Department of Health regarding contact tracing. Until confirmed medical guidance is available, CERT recommends delaying full contact tracing (but preparing for the possibility. ) Screening questions ● Have you had a recent onset of fever of 100 degrees or higher, cough, shortness of breath, chills, shaking with chills, or loss of smell or taste? ● Have you traveled the last 14 days outside of Arkansas to any hot spots such as NY, CT, NJ, LA, CA or FL, or traveled internationally? ● Have you tested positive or had direct contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19?

Current Recommendations to Chancellor’s Cabinet (Cont. ) 4. Develop Phased Reopening Plans Gating Criteria. CERT recommends following the CDC gating criteria (which was developed for states to reopen operations) as a starting point for determining when the campus should reopen, or began allowing additional employees to return to campus. These criteria may be re-visited as the university approaches a preliminary reopening date. Phased Reopening Plan (In-Development) Phase 1: Essential Employees Only On-Campus (Current Status). UA Little Rock is currently at phase 1. Essential employees are on campus; most employees and students are conducting business virtually. Phase 2: Limited Employees with Strict Social Distancing Measures. Telework Encouraged. Phase 2 occurs with the community of COVID-19 has decreased significantly and most government and business offices have resumed operations. Except in the most extraordinary situations, students continue to conduct business virtually. Phase 3: Employees Return As Needed with Social Distancing Measures Telework remains encouraged, especially for those with a compromised health system as well as those identified to be a higher risk level. Campus operations are expected to be fully functional. Students are permitted on on-campus with social distancing measures. Large events are discouraged but permissible with safeguards. Phase 3 may include sub-phases that ensure no more than 30% of employees return at a time.

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