Coronavirus Update and FAQ
This is an archived message. Please check the most recent updates to ensure you have the most current information.
Released: March 5, 2020 at 2:41 p.m. PST
Dear members of the Whitman Community,
As Whitman’s coronavirus task force continues to look ahead and plan for possible scenarios that could emerge as the virus spreads, I wanted to provide a few examples of changes that have already happened and are underway in response to concerns.
- Additional hand sanitizer has been added to each building and is available at the front desk.
- Custodial staff has been directed to reallocate the time spent in each building to focus more on disinfecting doorknobs, handles and surfaces and less time vacuuming.
- New contactless card readers were installed at all registers in Cleveland Commons, Reid Café and Jewett Cafe. This will reduce cashier card handling and germ spreading. More are on order.
- Bon Appetit has added more student shifts at mealtimes to increase table cleaning between diners.
- Bon Appetit has increased cleaning frequency of all high-contact surfaces.
- Bon Appetit has suspended the “bring your own cup” program at the espresso bars.
- Bon Appetit has ordered hospital-grade disinfectant to be used for non-food surfaces instead of regular products.
- Hand sanitizer stations are on order for Cleveland Commons, Reid Café and Jewett Café.
- Bon Appetit and Residence Life staff have been briefed on best practices in coronavirus prevention
- RDs and RAs will provide tissues for students living in campus housing who need them.
- RDs and RAs will provide personal hand towels to students to keep in their bathroom cubbies.
It is vital to stress the importance of staying home if you are feeling sick. The health and safety of all members of our community depends on it.
We have also put together a coronavirus FAQ for quick reference on Whitman’s coronavirus website.
As we monitor the situation and plan for what’s next, you can expect further communications as more information becomes available. You can also find all other coronavirus-related emails in one location at whitman.edu/coronavirus.
Thank you,
Kazi Joshua
Vice President for Student Affairs/Dean of Students