Coronavirus Update – Contingency Plan (NOC Employees)
Yesterday, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19, also referred to as the coronavirus, a global pandemic due to the broad spread of the virus to more than 100 countries. At the March 11 NOC Board of Regents meeting, the Board authorized the administration to take any necessary steps.
There are no confirmed cases on any of our campuses at this time; however, as local, state, national and global public health recommendations shift to include mitigation of transmission, the College is proactively taking steps that will help to protect the community. Northern Oklahoma College is closely monitoring the current safety levels with the Oklahoma State Department of Health and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as we contemplate the timing of contingency plans and next steps.
As a precautionary and protective measure, the College is transitioning all in-person classes to an online learning environment for the two-week period following Spring Break, beginning Monday, March 23 through Friday, April 3.
As students leave campus for Spring Break, they should take all instructional materials, including textbooks and devices, to prepare for distance learning.
Though our campus classes will not meet in person, the College will remain open. NOC employees and students shall follow the NOC travel guideline below and employees should report to work as usual.
New Travel Restrictions
• Effective immediately, all college-sponsored international travel is prohibited through the end of the spring semester.
• International travel for personal reasons is discouraged.
• Effective immediately, all non-essential college-sponsored domestic air travel is suspended until further notice.
• Effective immediately, all out-of-state travel for college related business or academic purposes is suspended until further notice, unless such travel is essential to the College. (Prior administrative approval required.)
• There are no current restrictions on in-state college-related travel.
All College-related events scheduled to occur between March 14 – April 3 are suspended, with the possible exception of sporting events, which may be subject to spectator restrictions. This includes, but is not limited to: recruitment events, tours, student programs, reunions, performances, conferences, and social events. We will continue to evaluate event hosting and will issue an announcement regarding events slated for April 4 and beyond. For more information, monitor the website at www.noc.edu.
While many of our employees and students will be traveling over spring break, we hope those who do will familiarize themselves with the protocols from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html.
As a reminder, we ask that you take extra precautions to protect your health including frequent handwashing and the use of hand sanitizer, covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, avoiding sharing utensils or drinks, avoiding contact with sick people, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth and maintain good sleep and dietary habits. We encourage you to check the Oklahoma State Department of Health and the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention websites to find updated guidance. If you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, you should remain home, notify your supervisor, and not report to work.
If you think you have been exposed to COVID-19 and/or are exhibiting symptoms:
• First, call your primary physician.
• Then contact the following help lines –
NOC Stillwater Campus – Oklahoma State University Health Services 405.744.7665
NOC Enid and NOC Tonkawa Campuses – OK Dept of Health, Community Help Line 877.215.8336
We will continue to provide updates as the COVID-19 situation continues to unfold. Thank you in advance for your cooperation and patience as decisions regarding this matter are made. The situation is being monitored. If any changes are to take place, employees and students will be notified via email as soon as any decisions occur. Thank you for helping prepare for changes in operations.