UNITY — Unity College released the following letter this evening, March 12, outlining its current stance on COVID-19. 

At this time, Unity College says it is closely monitoring COVID-19, and its campus has not been directly affected by the outbreak. 

It is encouraging students to remain on campus during spring break, slated for March 16-27. 

Our prime concern is the health and safety of our students and employees, and we are actively undertaking contingency planning for this disease. Our planning updates will be regularly updated here. For more information on the disease and its global status please see the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is updating information regularly on webpages devoted to COVID-19 information. Please note that this information is subject to change on a daily basis.

Travel policies effective for travel scheduled through May 10: 

• To avoid unnecessary travel, we encourage Flagship students to remain on campus during spring break if they are able. Students who wish to do so should contact the Dean of Students for housing and dining arrangements. 

• All College-related travel outside the state of Maine is suspended.

• All personal international travel is strongly discouraged.

• Use caution and discretion when planning any other travel for College-business or personal reasons. Refer to CDC information for travelers.

• Notify your direct supervisor of your travel destination prior to leaving for any international destination or for a domestic destination that is a hot spot as defined below (see FAQs). Employees using ADP for PTO requests should report their destination in the notes for the request.

• Any student traveling internationally or to a domestic hot spot (see FAQs below) should notify the Dean of Students of their travel destinations.

• Anyone returning to campus from an international location or a domestic hot spot must notify their direct supervisor (employees) or the Dean of Students (students) at least 48 hrs. before returning to campus.

• Anyone returning to campus from a location with a CDC level 1, 2, or 3 travel warning for COVID-19 must self-isolate for 14 days prior to returning.

• Anyone who has had contact with a person who has visited a location with a CDC level 1, 2, or 3 travel warning for COVID-19 within the previous 14 days must self-isolate for 14 days prior to returning.

• Anyone who has had contact with an individual with a confirmed Coronavirus diagnosis within the previous 14 days must self-isolate for 14 days prior to returning to campus.

• For further information regarding Unity College planning efforts contact our Dean of Students.

FAQs

What is a hot spot? 

A state, identified by the CDC, with 20 or more diagnosed cases of coronavirus.

What is self-isolation? 

If you have been advised to self-isolate, please do so for 14 days before returning to classes or work on campus.

Self-isolation means:

• Remain at your residence

• Do not attend class, work, and other group gatherings such as: social events, meetings, rehearsals, team practices

What do I do if I exhibit potential COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, coughing, and difficulty breathing? 

Plan to visit your primary care center.  Call ahead to the doctor office that you are planning to visit.  If you are a student on campus call the Wellness Center for further information.

What might happen if I am diagnosed with COVID-19? 

Depending on how sick you are at the time, you may be kept at the hospital to receive treatment, or you may be sent home with orders to self-isolate and check in with your doctors frequently.  Your doctors will work with you to plan for your care.

If you are sent home, you will likely be encouraged to:

• Stay home except to get medical care and to call ahead before visiting your doctor. Do not attend school, work, or other functions, notify your supervisor and/or Dean of Students.

• Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home.

• Wear a facemask, cover coughs and sneezes and clean hands often.

• Avoid sharing personal household items (dishes, utensils, remotes, computers, phones).

• Clean all “high-touch” surfaces every day.

• Most importantly monitor your symptoms. Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening (e.g., difficulty breathing).

What are the plans for May commencement? 

Unity College is closely monitoring the evolving novel COVID-19 situation. To date, Unity expects to hold a traditional schedule of Commencement events. Should these plans change, details will be posted on this website as soon as possible.