October 7, 2009
Update #5
Alternative Temporary Housing for Students
The safety and well being of our students who are away from their homes is an important priority for the University. The Center for Health and Counseling has had an increase of students presenting fever and flu- like symptoms in the past week. The primary way to prevent additional spread of the flu is to self-isolate these individuals. Given the communal living environment of our residence halls, we feel it is prudent to activate the University’s sheltering plan.
The sheltering plan provides alternative temporary housing for students who cannot leave campus and do not have a suite-style room or apartment to recover from their illness. Students may be assigned to this temporary alternative housing where they can stay until 24 hours after they are free of fever. This is a precautionary measure only.
As communicated previously in the campus H1N1 Update Sept. 3, the University, after thorough analysis and review, identified the FitNest in the Mike and Josie Harper Center for Student Life and Learning as our sheltering location. It meets the recommended guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) that a sheltering location should have good access to bathrooms, security services, meals and health care support. Internet access is also an important criterion allowing students to continue their class work when feeling better but still self-isolating. The FitNest will be closed to normal activities until further notice.
The FitNest is currently being prepared for possible student relocation. No students have been transferred to the sheltering location as of today.
We thank you for your support of this important University effort and we remain committed to keeping you informed on any further developments. For additional information and campus updates check the University’s emergency preparedness site at http://www.creighton.edu/emergencypreparedness/ or call the H1N1 Campus Health Information Line at 280-1800.
Tanya Winegard
Crisis Response Planning Committee Chair