On-Campus Staff
Scope
This document is to provide general, consolidated guidance for staff with possible contact with individuals who have or may have COVID-19.
Guidance for Staff on Identifying and Isolating Suspect Cases on Campus
In all workplaces where exposure to the COVID-19 infection (review "Understand Symptoms" sections above) may occur, prompt identification and isolation of potentially infectious individuals is a critical first step in protecting workers, visitors, and others at the worksite.
- Immediately isolate people suspected of having COVID-19. For example, if ambulatory, have person move into a solitary, private space if possible. Examples include:
- Group study rooms in the library
- Unoccupied classrooms, office spaces, or break rooms
- Report to Campus and Community Safety Services at extension 5511 (718.951.5511 for mobile phones)
- If emergency warning signs are evident / reported, call 911 immediately as this is life threatening
- Practice social distancing, keep a minimum of six feet away from the person.
Guidance for Supervisors After Suspected/Confirmed Case to Have COVID-19 Have Been in the Facility
- Close off areas used by the ill persons and wait as long as practical before beginning cleaning and disinfection to minimize potential for exposure to respiratory droplets. Open outside doors and windows to increase air circulation in the area. If possible, wait up to 24 hours before beginning cleaning and disinfection.
- The college will contract with a vendor to clean and disinfect all areas (e.g., offices, bathrooms, and common areas) used by the ill persons, focusing especially on frequently touched surfaces.
- After the cleaning vendor conducts an initial deep cleaning, cleaning staff are safe to enter to conduct routine, preventative cleaning.
Cleaning and Disinfecting After Persons Suspected/Confirmed to Have COVID-19 Have Been in the Facility
- The college will contract with a vendor to respond to an area with suspected/confirmed case.
- Contractor will follow CDC guidance (See CDC guidance) for cleaning and disinfecting after persons suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 have been in the facility.
General Cleaning in the Absence of Persons Suspected/Confirmed to Have COVID-19
- Staff should wear and use appropriate personal protective equipment, such as gloves, according to existing policies and procedures, as well as follow label directions for cleaning products.
- No evidence suggests that building waste needs any additional disinfection. Frequent hand washing, gloves, and use of alcohol-based hand sanitizer by staff handling waste can support good personal hygiene practices.
- Have soap and paper towels in bathrooms at all times. Additionally, custodian and facilities staff should ensure that all hand-washing sinks are in a state of good repair.
- Consider having alcohol-based hand sanitizer in common areas, including but not limited to bathrooms, laundry rooms, gyms, and playrooms, at all times.
- Pay special attention to cleaning frequently touched surfaces in common areas. Frequently contacted items, such as drinking fountains, faucet handles, door hardware, push plates, light switches, and elevator buttons are to be wiped down regularly with cleaners.
Use regular cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., Clorox, Purell, and Peroxide products). - No special ventilation precautions are recommended. The spread of COVID-19 or coronaviruses from person to person over long distances, such as through HVAC systems, has not been shown. Check working windows and both supply and exhaust ventilation systems for proper operation per usual procedures.
