Delt Stories

March 10, 2020

I am sure you have read with increasing concern the varying reports about the coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading throughout the United States and the world. Earlier today, Holmes Murphy, our insurance broker for liability and property insurance, released guidance you may find helpful regarding coronavirus :

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring the novel coronavirus outbreak. This is an emerging, rapidly developing situation and the CDC will provide updated information as soon as it becomes available, in addition to updated guidance.
• Per the CDC, there is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. Additionally, the CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. o Stay home when you are sick. If you have flu symptoms stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, except to get medical care.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Maintain at least three feet distance from anyone coughing or sneezing.
• Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.
• Should the member test positive for the coronavirus, the CDC and the local health department will conduct contact tracing which will likely lead back to the fraternity facility (if applicable). If this occurs, please contact your chapter advisor, house corporation president, host institution and the Central Office as soon as possible.

If this occurs, your shelter will be under the control of the CDC and the local health department to determine the next steps.

Individuals should not be quarantined in a fraternity facility, nor will it be allowed if there was a known case of the coronavirus.

Should the coronavirus be present in any facility, the facility needs to be properly decontaminated prior to approved reentry. Local health department officials will advise on this process.

Health officials have continued to reinforce the risk of COVID-19 remains low in the United States but it is important to remain prudent.

The Fraternity continues to monitor events at our host institutions and in our chapters. As of now, Karnea will occur as planned from August 5-9 in Phoenix, Arizona. We will review the situation in April and if warranted, we will notify all chapters and volunteers accordingly. Summer leadership programs will proceed as planned. We will communicate changes, if any, by April 15. As of today, chapter operations, events and activities will proceed as normal. Chapters should use CDC guidance in evaluating operations, events and activities for the remainder of the academic year.

As with any infectious disease, prevention and early recognition are key to proper treatment and preventing further infection.

We will provide additional updates and resources as appropriate including information in Delt Monthly later this week. If you should have any questions in the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me at 317-284-0203.

Fraternally,

Jack Kreman, Chief Executive Officer