We continue to monitor activities concerning COVID-19, known as the coronavirus. There are currently no coronavirus cases reported in Lane County. The Oregon Health Authority recommends against closing schools where there are no cases of coronavirus reported. After careful consideration, the NCU administration has made the following decisions to keep our NCU community healthy and safe based on the best available information from the Oregon Governor’s Office, Centers for Disease Control, Oregon Health Authority, and Lane County Health Department.
Based on our small class-sizes, classes will continue next week as scheduled. Effective Monday, March 16, 2020, face-to-face classes will comply with social-distancing recommendations (three-feet between individuals). The Registrar will provide students with information about any classroom reassignments, if required.
We encourage all students, faculty, and staff not to travel during spring break. Staying in place, as opposed to traveling, will limit the potential contact or transmission of the coronavirus. Campus residences and the cafeteria will be open during spring break as well as other University facilities for small group activities.
The campus remains open and is operating under normal schedules, including all business and support functions. Gene De Young, Vice President for Finance and Administration, will send additional employee guidance in the next days and weeks. Dennis Lindsay, Vice President for Academic Affairs will provide further information to faculty.
Effective immediately, all University activities of 50 or more participants are cancelled. All nonessential University travel has been postponed until further notice. For more information and guidance, contact the respective event coordinator.
We continue to work with the NAIA, NACE, and the CCC about athletic travel and upcoming competitions. Attendance at NCU home athletic events is restricted to student-athletes and essential personnel, until further notice. The NAIA has cancelled the Women’s National Basketball Championships. NCU’s women’s team is coordinating its travel back to Eugene.
As we move forward, over the next days and weeks, we ask that you continue to use guidelines provided to us by the Center for Disease Control to limit your risk in contracting the illness, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
- For information about , see CDC’s Handwashing website
- For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Setting
- These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses.
In addition, on campus housekeeping and maintenance are taking additional precautionary measures to keep surfaces and entry ways clean with high concentrated disinfectants.
As a Christian community, let’s continue to pray for all impacted by the coronavirus both in the Northwest and around the world. Rest assured, we will be diligent in the monitoring of additional information about the coronavirus as it becomes available. We will communicate with you as decisions are made relative to the operation of the University.