Update from facilities on enhanced cleaning efforts – March 9, 2020

Dear FSU Community,

We want to keep you updated about the work of the Facilities Department in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19). The following steps have been taken or are ongoing at FSU.

a) Cleaning staff are on campus 7 days a week. On Monday through Friday, they are working in all buildings. On weekends and holidays, they are cleaning in all residence halls, as well as in other buildings where activities are scheduled including McCarthy student center.
b) As is our normal daily practice, cleaning staff place a heavy focus on cleaning and disinfecting restrooms. Additional emphasis is also placed on cleaning “touch” surfaces.
c) This past weekend, additional Facilities staff were on campus focusing on “touch” surfaces.
d) Our normal operations have included placing of hand sanitizer stations in various locations around campus including hand sanitizer stations in multiple locations in every residence hall. During this time of increased concern, we are in the process of adding more locations in other buildings on campus, particularly in the vicinity of food venues.

We recognize that thorough cleaning is an important component in reducing the spread of coronavirus. A surface is only clean, however, until a contagious person touches it. The personal steps that each individual takes is a critical component in protecting yourself and minimizing the spread of the virus. We urge you to follow the prevention recommendations of the CDC including:

• avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
o if soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol based sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. Note: Facilities does this in common areas, classrooms, and other spaces on campus, but we encourage students, faculty, and staff to take this step in their personal space (dorm rooms, desks, computers, etc.)

We are hopeful that the combined efforts of the cleaning staff, along with the prevention efforts of individuals, will help us minimize the impact of corona virus in our community.

Sincerely,
Patricia Whitney

Patricia Whitney, PE (ME,NH,VA), CEFP, LEED-AP
Assistant Vice President of Facilities and Capital Planning