May 06, 2020

K-State releases the framework for a three-phase plan to reawaken the university

Posted May 06, 2020 1:41 PM

The Executive Reawakening Team has developed a university reopening plan to keep K-State communities safe in the wake of COVID-19. The plan is a phased approach with universitywide criteria that aligns with national and local requirements and guidance. Each department and unit will need to develop and submit specific operational area plans to account for individual differences across the university.

These are the criteria for advancing to Phase One.

Prerequisites for Advancing to Phase 1

  1. State of Kansas removes "Safer at Home" order.
  2. Local indicators do not show an exponential increase in positive, seriously-ill patients.
  3. Sufficient testing capability exists in the community.
  4. Sufficient personal protective equipment, or PPE, is available in the community.
  5. Local health care system can cope with a potential increase in COVID-19 patients.
  6. Public health system can promptly identify and isolate infected individuals and identify and quarantine their contacts.

Criteria in Phase One

Prerequisites for Advancing to Phase 1

  1. State of Kansas removes "Safer at Home" order.
  2. Local indicators do not show an exponential increase in positive, seriously-ill patients.
  3. Sufficient testing capability exists in the community.
  4. Sufficient personal protective equipment, or PPE, is available in the community.
  5. Local health care system can cope with a potential increase in COVID-19 patients.
  6. Public health system can promptly identify and isolate infected individuals and identify and quarantine their contacts.

Criteria in Phase 1

  1. Countywide "Restricted Activities" orders are in effect.
  2. Strict social distancing measures are in effect.Maintaining at least six-foot social distancing from every other person present at a location.Washing hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds as frequently as possible, or using hand sanitizer.Covering coughs or sneezes — cough into the sleeve or elbow, not into the hands.Regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces.Avoid shaking hands.
  3. Maintaining at least six-foot social distancing from every other person present at a location.
  4. Washing hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds as frequently as possible, or using hand sanitizer.
  5. Covering coughs or sneezes — cough into the sleeve or elbow, not into the hands.
  6. Regularly cleaning high-touch surfaces.
  7. Avoid shaking hands.
  8. Mass gatherings are limited to 10 or fewer individuals.
  9. High-risk individuals restrict activities as much as possible.
  10. Individuals are encouraged to wear face masks when social distancing is not possible.All employees who return to campus will need to complete the EHS training.
  11. All employees who return to campus will need to complete the EHS training.
  12. Employees are encouraged to work remotely as much as possible.
  13. Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 must remain in isolation for at least 7 days from symptom onset or until free from fever for 72 hours, whichever is longer — or follow current public health officer's guidance.
  14. Individuals awaiting test results must remain in isolation.
  15. Individuals who have close contact with confirmed cases must remain in quarantine for 14 days.

Phase Two criteria would range from modifying social distancing restrictions according to CDC guidelines to limiting mass gatherings to no more than 30 people. This phase could begin no earlier than May 18. Employees will be encouraged to work remotely as much as possible.

Phase Three could begin no earlier than June 1 and could include mass gatherings of no more than 90 people. Employees would still be encouraged to work remotely as much as possible.

Phase Out could begin no earlier than June 15th. The Governor would issue an executive order.There would not be any ban on activities in place but there could be restrictions on a case by case basis. Very large gatherings could be allowed on a case by case basis depending on specific public health risks and containment activities. Activities could return to normal.