Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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President details Stage 4 protocols

Greetings everyone,

You may have heard that on Thursday, Governor Brad Little cautiously moved Idaho to Stage 4 of Idaho Rebounds. In his announcement, he stated:

Health and the economy are linked. Our economic rebound cannot occur without sufficient healthcare capacity, a healthy population, and consumer and employee confidence. The most effective way to achieve a strong rebound and keep Idaho open is for all of us to step up our personal actions to protect ourselves, our families and our neighbors and preserve the sacrifices we all made to get us here.

As planned and in concert with Idaho Rebounds, we will now move to Stage 4 of our NIC Rebounds plan.

The most effective way we can ensure the college remains open, and able to safely deliver programs and services, is through our collective commitment to following health and safety measures to protect others and ourselves. In addition to the other elements listed in our plan, Stage 4 requires ALL employees, students and visitors to:

• Wear a protective face mask or face covering in all buildings and indoor public spaces where two or more people may be present, and, 
• Practice 6-feet of physical distancing between people. 

I recognize that these safety measures may be challenging at times. Because COVID-19 is still in our midst and a significant risk to so many, listening and acting upon the advice of local, state and national health experts is the responsible course of action. The combination of wearing face masks and practicing physical distancing creates a broad confidence that we are serious about getting back to the business of creating hope and opportunity for our students and the communities we serve.

Next week, many are returning to offices and buildings as NIC moves toward a combination of adapted office environments, and/or staggered and remote schedules to help maintain appropriate physical distancing and promote safety practices. I ask you to continue to remain respectful and understanding of one another as we all navigate this environment.

Yesterday, Governor Little spoke about the responsibility each person has in preventing the spread of COVID-19. At that time, he announced the launch of One Idaho, which asks us all to be a part of the solution in keeping safe, the places we work and enjoy. I encourage you to take a look at the site and join me in taking the pledge to keep NIC and our community healthy and safe for all.

This has been some of the hardest work we've ever done together as a college community, and the uncertainty that has characterized the last three months remains before us. I am awed and humbled by your sacrifices, your innovations, and your resilience. There isn't a better team out there. Thank you for all you have done to help us make it through these extraordinary times. You are making a difference and you're making it work.

All the best to you,

Rick MacLennan, President

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Frequently Asked Questions

• What is coronavirus?

  Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing respiratory illness in people and others circulating among animals. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can evolve and infect people and then spread between people. Previous coronavirus outbreaks have included severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). Check with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the current risk to the American public of becoming infected with this novel coronavirus. Because this is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation, the CDC will provide updated information as it becomes available, including any changes in the risk assessment.

• How does it spread?

  Although we have a lot to learn about this virus, it is currently believed that it spreads like other respiratory viruses- by people with the infection coughing and sneezing. These droplets are inhaled by other people or moved to the eyes, nose or mouth by contaminated hands.

• What are the symptoms of this infection?

  Symptoms of COVID-19 may include the following:

  • Fever
  • Coughing
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

  If you have returned in the past 14 days from travel to a country with a COVID-19 outbreak or have been exposed to someone with confirmed COVID-19 AND are experiencing fever and respiratory symptoms (such as fever with coughing or difficulty breathing/shortness of breath), the CDC advises you to seek medical advice and call ahead to your health-care provider or nurse advice line.

  Additionally, if you have NOT returned in the past 14 days from travel to a country with a COVID-19 outbreak OR have NOT been exposed to someone with confirmed COVID-19, but do have fever and respiratory symptoms seek medical advice and call ahead to your health-care provider or nurse advice line. Please do not show up at a clinic, urgent care, emergency room or other health facility without calling first. Your provider will need to take special measures to protect other people in the clinic. Telemedicine may also be available, enabling you to consult a provider from home.

• I feel anxious about coronavirus. What can I do?

  We understand that some community members are concerned. If you would like to talk with someone, support is available to students through campus mental health services.

  You can help prevent the spread of colds and other viral ailments by doing the following:

  • Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and immediately dispose of the tissue.
  • Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.

• Where can I get more information about the novel coronavirus?

  For current information about this evolving public health situation, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2019 Novel Coronavirus page.

View more frequently asked questions