Health and Safety
Everyday Health and Safety Precautions
Below are the baseline behaviors we encourage of the university community to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Refer to the Phaseout Plan for additional information concerning the University’s COVID-related plans, policies, and protocols.
Complete a daily Personal Wellness Check and stay home if sick
- Sore throat
- New headache
- New loss of smell or taste
- Cough (not related to chronic condition)
- Fatigue
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Fever or chills
- Muscle pain
- Diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting
- Runny nose and nasal congestion
Practice Social Distancing
Keep appropriately distanced from others whenever possible, especially if you are not fully vaccinated.
Remember to Cover-up
- CDC recommends that individuals who are not fully vaccinated continue to wear face coverings
- Face coverings can be especially helpful in mitigating spread while indoors and when social distancing is difficult
Each of us should
- Wash our hands frequently OR use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching our eyes, nose, and mouth
- Use appropriate cough and sneeze etiquette
- Remember, high-touch surfaces can collect infectious germs
- Replace handshakes and hugs with waves, jazz hands, or clothing-covered elbow bumps
GET vaccinated
COVID-19 vaccines are now widely available, and FHSU strongly encourages those who are eligible to consider getting vaccinated. Individuals interested in receiving a vaccine can contact their primary care provider and refer to vaccine guidance provided by the CDC and KDHE . A vaccine locator tool is accessible here .
GET tested
COVID-19 testing is now widely available in the community. A testing site locator tool is accessible here .
FACE COVERINGs
While face coverings are currently not generally required at FHSU, they are encouraged, particularly if a person is not fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and in the event a person (fully vaccinated or not) begins to feel ill or experiences symptoms outlined in the personal wellness check.
As the COVID-19 pandemic changes, so too will the guidance issued by the CDC regarding face coverings. For the most up to date information regarding the use of face coverings, please visit the following page: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Isolate and consult with your primary care provider.
The Health and Wellness Services (785-628-4293) is available during the academic year to advise students and employees who are ill with respiratory symptoms. Patients may call to obtain access to nurses and receive advice on appropriate care.
The Hays Medical Center maintains a COVID-19 hotline that can be accessed at 877-261-7140 or 913-588-1600.
In the event of an emergency, call 911.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
Fear and anxiety have been common reactions to the news reports, closures, and rapid spread of infections in the U.S. Health and Wellness counselors (785-628-4401) are available to provide support and help students and employees put the current situation into a manageable perspective.
COVID-19 INFORMATION FROM OFFICIAL SOURCES
- FEMA (including rumor control information)
- World Health Organization
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Kansas Department of Health and Environment (including Information on Travel Restrictions and Toolkits for Individuals, Families, and Universities/Colleges)
- Ellis County Health Department
- U.S. Food & Drug (FDA)
- American Veterinary Medical Association
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration
- U.S. Department of Education