Infectious Disease Policy

Infectious Disease Policy

Minot State University will respond to an infectious disease outbreak utilizing a team of administrative personnel representing key departments to coordinate the University’s infectious disease response. Minot State University will follow Center for Disease Control, North Dakota Department of Health, and Local Public Health guidelines. Team members will transition to the National Incident Management System Command Post model if the infectious disease conditions deteriorate or another emergency develops affecting the University. Emergency response teams will follow Minot State Universities Emergency Operations Infectious Disease Response Plan (add Emergency Operations Plan Infectious Disease Response).

ADMINISTRATION

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN

Infectious Disease Response

Infectious Diseases Goals and Objectives

Infectious Diseases Goal #1 – Identify members of an Infectious Disease Response Team

Objective #1 – Minot State University will respond to an infectious disease outbreak utilizing a team of administrative personnel representing key departments to coordinate the University’s infectious disease response.
Objective #2 – Transition team members to the National Incident Management System Command Post model if the infectious disease conditions deteriorate or another emergency develops affecting the University.

 

Infectious Disease Goal #2 –Reduction of disease transmission

Objective #1 – Communicate relevant preventative measures and updated information to students and employees.

Objective #2 – Custodial staff will prioritize the disinfecting of all surface areas using disinfectant sprayers, wiping of handrails, bathrooms, light switches, doorknobs, etc.
Objective #3 – Evaluate all official University travel to affected countries, states, or cities.
Objective #4 – Assess the status of international education programs.
Objective #5 – Evaluate the option of transitioning from in-class instruction to online as outlined in each department’s Continuity of Operations Plan.
Objective #6 – Implement a work from home option for all non-essential employees.
Objective #7 – Provide updated disease communication with all students and employees.
Objective #8 – Establish a system for collecting and reporting day-to-day information such as absenteeism or changes in Student Health Clinic traffic.
Objective #9 - Establish a system for seamless communication, referral, and interaction with local health officials and health service providers.

 

Infectious Disease Goal #3 – On-campus quarantine

Objective #1 – Identify and prepare apartments and rooms for occupancy by quarantined individuals.
Objective #2 – Supply rooms with basic cleaning and toiletry supplies.
Objective #3 – Coordinate food preparation and delivery with campus food vendor to the quarantine apartments and/or rooms.
Objective #4 – Respond to various needs and requests of quarantined individuals while balancing the reasonableness of the request with the risk of exposure.
Objective #5 – Develop a plan for medical self-monitoring of quarantined individuals.
Objective #6 – Establish and maintain contact with First District Health regarding the health status of quarantined individuals and possible hospitalization as necessary.
Objective #7 –Integrate quarantined individuals back to standard University housing.

 

CHECKLIST
REMEMBER: The procedures listed hereafter are a collection of best practices for an emergency. They are intended to be used as a guide, and the actions actually taken in any given situation may differ due to the random nature of any emergency. Use discretion when following these procedures.

1.Infectious Disease Response Team

The Minot State University Infectious Disease Response Team will be led by the Director of Student Health. Other representatives include the Vice President of Academic Affairs, Vice President of Administration and Finance, Vice President of Student Life, Director of University Communications, Director of Security, Residence Life Director, Director of Information Technology, Director of International Programs, Director of Facilities Management, and any other department representative deemed necessary by the Director of Student Health.

2.Reduction of Disease Transmission

 Communication:

Accurate and timely communication is an important aspect in effectively managing an infectious disease outbreak. Primary methods of communication with students and employees include:

  • Dedicated website with updated information including links to state and federal agencies with updated virus transmission information and reduction strategies.
  • The Minot State University Campus Announcements publication will contain a direct internet link to the infectious disease webpage.
  • Frequent communication regarding disease prevention strategies.
  • Mass emails with specific information regarding University operations relating to the emergency to include work from home and the use of annual and/or sick leave.
  • The Student Health Director will appoint a University representative to coordinate with state and local agencies and health care providers including the sharing of information relevant to the crisis.
  • The Student Health Director will establish a system for collecting and reporting day-to-day information such as absenteeism or changes in Student Health Clinic traffic.
  • The University Communications Director will be responsible for communicating relevant information in a manner that does not increase fear or create stigma.

 

Disinfecting Activities
The use of disinfectants on surface areas touched by people, including handrails, doorknobs, light switches, will be a high priority for custodial staff. 

Disposable wipes will be provided to departments to allow employees to periodically disinfect office areas throughout the day.

Personal Activities
Employees and students should be reminded frequently to stay home if sick or if exposed to someone who may have the infectious disease.

Frequent washing of hands is extremely important in preventing spread of an infectious disease. The most effective method is to vigorously wash hands with soap and warm water for a minimum of 20 seconds often throughout the day. Hand sanitizers will be made readily available in public areas throughout the University. The sanitizers will contain at least 60% alcohol per Center for Disease Control guidelines.

Students and employees should always be reminded to cover coughs and sneezes appropriately. Cough or sneezes are indicative of an underlying health issue. Strong consideration should be given to going home or isolating as much as possible.


University Operations
The changing nature of an infectious disease outbreak may require changes to the operating schedule of the university. Social distancing refers to gathering in groups of no more than six to ten people and maintaining a six-foot distance from others. 

Departments should prepare a schedule for limited staffing as needed. Department personnel should be cross trained in critical functions to effectively carry out assigned duties. Department operations are secondary to the health and wellness of the employee. Employees must be informed of their obligation to go or stay home if symptomatic to prevent or contain the disease.

Academic departments must be prepared to quickly transition to online classroom instruction. Proper IT support systems must always be available to assist faculty and students.

3. On-Campus Quarantine


The Student Health Director will make the decision to identify apartments on campus as quarantine units. The Director of Residence Life will provide a list of empty units. A minimum of four apartments (if available) will be cleaned and stocked with basic cleaning and toiletry supplies for up to a 14-day period. Four additional available apartments should be identified and cleaned. Depending on the situation, the additional apartments may not need to be stocked with cleaning or toiletry supplies. 
 
Food service will be provided by the food services vendor. Food will be packaged for transportation to the quarantine apartments and placed outside the door. The quarantined individual will be notified by cell phone or other means that the food is outside their apartment.
 
Trash bags will be provided in each apartment. Quarantined individuals will place their trash in bags and leave them directly outside their door for pickup.
 
The Student Health Director will determine guidelines for personal protective equipment to be worn by individuals involved in direct services to the quarantined person.
4. Transportation

 

A state fleet vehicle (van) should be reserved specifically for the transportation of students to community testing and/or to campus or University Heights for quarantine purposes. The vehicle will be disinfected by custodial personnel using an electrostatic sprayer. 

5. Resumption of Normal Operations

The President will make the decision to resume to normal University operations. The Director of Communications will coordinate with the Vice President of Academic Affairs, Vice President of Administration and Finance, and the Vice President of Student Affairs in the preparation and dissemination of information regarding new operating procedures and the effective date of resumption of normal operations to students and employees.

6. After-Action Incident Review

The Student Health Director will organize an after-action meeting of the Infectious Disease Response Group after the disease outbreak has subsided. The purpose of the meeting is to provide a forum for discussion and review of the emergency to determine what procedures can be implemented if a disease outbreak occurs in the future. If necessary, the infectious disease policy will be updated.