Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Updates and Information
President's Message - Welcome Cardinals
August 22, 2020
Welcome Cardinals!
Last week North Idaho College celebrated its 87th birthday. NIC has been here since 1933 supporting students just like you, and we know this fall will be one for the history books.
You are starting classes in a time like no other. Please, also know this - you are not alone. We are here for you! We've created a safe and welcoming environment in which you can thrive and learn. In these uncertain times, one thing is certain; we know our success relies on each and every one of us. We must be adaptable and put the safety of ourselves and each other above anything else.
Some of you are eager to get back to a level of connection and normalcy, and you have reached out to personally thank us for offering face-to-face instruction. Some of you have shared you are anxious and uncertain. And for some, a bit of both. That's OK. With the cooperation and care of every member of the NIC community, I am confident we will all have a successful fall semester.
The single most effective tool we have against the spread of the COVID-19 virus is 100% compliance with our safety protocols. Everyone, I repeat - everyone, on college property is required to follow critical safety practices. This includes wearing cloth face coverings, practicing physical distancing and hand-washing, and self-monitoring for symptoms.
Community spread of COVID-19 is in our region. While increased mask-wearing is helping to slow the number of new cases reported this week by our local health district, we know we cannot let up our efforts during on and off campus activities. Our goal is for North Idaho College to be a safe place where COVID-19 doesn't spread. I am confident that by following our safety protocols we can keep our college open and offer as many in-person classes and support services as possible, unlike other colleges and universities that have been forced to suspend or end in-person learning shortly after reopening.
For NIC to remain open, all of us must follow health and safety protocols at all times. If we fail at this, we will likely need to suspend in-person instruction and return to an all-online format as we were forced to last spring.
You will hear us say it often this fall - Together, We Will. Yes, together, we will face challenges with creativity and grit. We will push ourselves to remain adaptable, kind to one another and resilient. We can do this.
Our faculty and staff have done extraordinary work to launch this most unusual fall opening. We are focused on you and doing all we can to ensure that, like prior generations of Cardinals, we fulfill our mission to provide you the best learning experience possible.
Now it is up to you, to be a true Cardinal, to #protectthenest, and help keep NIC open.
I wish you all the best for a great semester. This is your time. Please stay safe and well.
Sincerely,
Rick MacLennan, President
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.