Move to COVID-19 Dial Level Red entails new public health restrictions

Dear FLC,

San Juan Basin Public Health and the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment are moving La Plata County to COVID-19 Dial Level Red: Severe Risk beginning Friday, Nov. 20. Increased community transmission of COVID-19 and a sharp rise in cases in La Plata County have threatened hospital capacity and critical services. Immediate action is needed from community members and businesses to slow the spread of COVID-19.

What this means for FLC

FLC and all higher education institutions in Colorado follow a subset of guidance from the state when new orders and advisories are made. With the Level Red restrictions in place for La Plata County, FLC operations have not changed drastically and campus is still open. Students, faculty, and staff will continue to adhere to all COVID-19 mitigation protocols (masks, distancing, hygiene) when visiting campus.

Course instruction continues online, with certain forms of coursework that can accommodate a small number of students safely in an in-person format, such as laboratory research, workplace internships, and outdoor classes, determined on a case-by-case basis. Capacity in indoor spaces on campus will be limited to adhere to CDPHE/SJBPH recommendations.

The following updates are applicable through Dec. 7, unless noted otherwise, and are subject to change per SJBPH guidance.

Closures

• The Student Life Center will close today, Nov. 20 until further notice.
• All non-essential FLC offices will be closed for Fall Break Nov. 25-27.

Updated hours

• Housing remains open; 24-hour quiet hours are in effect and social gatherings are prohibited.
• The Student Union is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. through December 4.
• San Juan Dining & Animas Perks service is grab-and-go only. Updated hours will be posted online.
• The Post Office is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Reed Library is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through December 4. From December 6 through January 18, Reed Library will offer online services and at-the-door item pickup. Interlibrary Loan and Prospector borrowing and lending of print and electronic materials is still available. Electronic resources, chat, and virtual research appointments are also available.
• Campus computer labs can still be accessed with ID cards.
• The Campbell Child & Family Center will maintain normal operating hours through Dec. 18 and will have an extended closure from Dec. 21 through Jan. 8, 2021.
• The SkyStore is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The book rental drop-off box is located outside the SU entrance near the Post Office.

Virtual services

• Skyhawk Station will be available virtually. Most tasks can be completed online, or students can make an appointment, call 970-247-7301, or email for assistance. For advising questions, students can go to fortlewis.edu/registration for virtual information.
• The Health Center and Counseling Center will provide telehealth services.
• The IT Help Desk will be available virtually during normal business hours. Put in an AskIT ticket for any work-from-home supplies, including new ATT hotspots.
• Admission has canceled all campus tours through December and will reevaluate in-person visits in January. All visit options will now be virtual.
• All other campus services (WellPAC, Disability Services, Diversity Collaborative, etc.) will be operating virtually.

Reducing campus density

• Employee density on campus should be limited to 10% of normal operations. Directors will work their teams to achieve the required density. Faculty and staff will work directly with their chairs and supervisors to determine staffing needs and those whose work responsibilities can be accomplished remotely should transition to remote working.
• Employees who cannot do their work remotely or have essential duties on campus will continue to report to campus work and will follow physical distancing guidelines and mask requirements.

The new Severe Risk level is not the same as a Stay-at-Home Order, which was previously colored red on the state dial, but it does entail new public health restrictions. For example, in-person social gatherings with people outside your household, in any setting, are prohibited.

For more details on major changes to businesses and events read the latest press release from SJBPH.

State and local public health officials continue to assess further needed restrictions as cases rise in La Plata County. Stay up to date on how these public health advisories and orders change by visiting sjbpublichealth.org/coronavirus or covid19.colorado.gov.