Message to the College on Coronavirus — Travel Restrictions Implemented

From Environmental Health and Safety, and Human Resources:

Central Piedmont is monitoring the spread of the coronavirus closely as this is an evolving situation and the care of our students and employees is of utmost importance. As of Tuesday, March 10, seven North Carolinians have tested positive for the coronavirus. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper declared a state of emergency on March 10, but did not recommend closing schools.

As precautionary measures, Central Piedmont is adopting the following procedures. These take effect immediately and will remain in effect until further notice.

• If you have been diagnosed with the coronavirus, or if you are experiencing any symptoms of the coronavirus, including a fever, cough, shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, and/or difficulty breathing, you should seek advice from a doctor immediately. Do not come to campus until cleared by a medical professional. For students, please notify your instructor. For employees, notify Human Resources of your absence.

• College-affiliated travel to Level 3 and Level 2 countries as defined by the U.S. State Department and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is prohibited. This includes China, Iran, Italy, Japan, and South Korea. Students, faculty, and staff returning from personal trips to Level 3 or Level 2 countries will be asked to self-quarantine for 14 days off campus effective immediately.

• Students who have traveled to a Level 3 or 2 country recently, including over spring break, should notify their instructors immediately.

• Employees who have traveled to a Level 3 or 2 country recently, including over spring break, should alert your supervisor and contact either Mark Short, Reid Beaver, or Joanette Freeman in Human Resources immediately for instructions before returning to campus. 

• The college is prohibiting students, faculty, and staff from most non-essential, college-affiliated travel until further notice. If you feel you need to make a college-related trip, you first must get approval from your vice president.

• For the time being, local college-affiliated travel within a 50-mile radius from Central Campus is permitted without vice presidential approval, but teleconferencing is recommended.

• The college also strongly discourages personal out-of-state travel. Employees with travel planned for outside of North Carolina should talk with their supervisor immediately. Employees returning from out-of-state travel could be asked to self-quarantine off campus for 14 days.

Employees and/or supervisors with questions about these guidelines should contact either Mark Short, Reid Beaver, or Joanette Freeman in Human Resources.

In addition:

• At-risk populations, particularly those who have been around someone with the coronavirus, those with severe chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or lung disease, and older individuals should take special precautions to avoid contact with those who are sick.

• Regular handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, or having been in a public place is highly recommended. Avoid touching surfaces in public places, shaking hands, and large group gatherings.

Central Piedmont will continue to monitor updates from the CDC, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, the Mecklenburg County Health Department, and the N.C. Community College System and will follow their guidance and recommendations.

Visit coronavirus information for all of Central Piedmont's updates on COVID-19.