Author: cualert

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) has assessed South Carolina has entered the acceleration phase of COVID-19, meaning community spread is occurring. DHEC displays case counts, however, every case of COVID-19 is not reported because there are many untested people who have the virus. Everyone should take the recommended precautions for protecting against COVID-19 seriously.  

Because most students and employees are seeing their personal doctors, Clemson University may not be informed of every case in our Clemson community.   

To provide the most transparent and accurate picture possible, the COVID-19 website will no longer display the total number of confirmed “Positive Tests at Clemson University.” This was replaced with information about the acceleration of COVID-19. All members of the Clemson community should continue to follow recommended precautions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, DHEC and Clemson University officials.  

To provide support and notifications to our at-risk populations, Clemson officials request all students contact Redfern Health Center (864) 656-3571 and employees contact the Joseph F. Sullivan Center (864) 986-1218 in the following instances: 

• they have significant reason to believe they have been directly exposed to a positive COVID-19 case; or,  

• they have been tested for COVID-19; or, 

• they are confirmed to have COVID-19. 
  

Learn more by visiting Clemson University’s COVID-19 website. 

Upon consultation with law enforcement and emergency management agencies, Clemson University has temporarily closed access to recreation areas, including the Snow Family Outdoor Fitness and Wellness Complex (formerly known as Y-Beach), the rowing facility, and public areas of the Clemson Experimental Forest (CEF). These closures are effective immediately. Parking areas, both designated and roadside, are also closed in the interest of public health and slowing the spread of COVID-19.

Earlier this week Governor Henry McMaster issued an executive order stating, “law enforcement has the ability to disperse groups of people who pose a risk to the public’s safety and to the safety of others.” Additionally, the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism announced all state parks are closed through April 30.  With the previous closing of other public lands, parks, and forests in the area, Clemson has begun experiencing unsafe and overcrowded conditions which tax local resources. This is contributing to an unsafe situation with groups gathering in excess of the numbers permissible under the current state regulations. Local officials have reported crowds gathering along the beach, on trails and in parking areas, which compromises the degree of social distancing needed to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19. Other areas are currently being evaluated for closure should excessive use create an unsafe situation.

Clemson University officials regret that this temporary closure is necessary and will continue to monitor the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring the University’s recreation spaces are reopened as soon as conditions allow. While this decision has not been made lightly, it is in the protection of public safety and is temporary. We appreciate your patience and understanding. For additional information and updates on Clemson University’s response and policy, can be found at Clemson.edu/coronavirus.

COVID-19 Update – 03/26/2020

Clemson University received confirmation an individual affiliated with the University has tested positive for COVID-19.

The individual self-identified upon having symptoms and has not been in any University building since prior to becoming symptomatic. This person reached out to their healthcare provider for guidance, has been self-quarantining at home, and maintaining phone contact with health providers.

In addition, individuals in direct contact with the patient before the patient became symptomatic were notified of the testing, have been in self-quarantine since that time, and have not shown any symptoms.

Clemson University officials continue to closely monitor COVID-19 and are actively engaged in daily planning in an effort to inform and reduce the risk to faculty, staff, students and visitors from the virus. University officials are committed to providing ongoing, accurate information to our entire community through the university website at Clemson.edu/coronavirus.

Clemson University continues to encourage all individuals to follow guidance provided by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC):

Individuals with signs of illness should stay at home and not attend public gatherings. South Carolinians are encouraged to monitor for symptoms, practice social distancing, avoid touching frequently touched items, and regularly wash their hands, especially after being in a public place.

Anyone with concerns about their health should reach out to their healthcare provider or use the telehealth services provided by several health care systems. For telehealth options and the latest information about DHEC’s COVID-19 response efforts, please visit scdhec.gov/COVID-19. Visit scdmh.net for stress, anxiety and mental health resources from the S.C. Department of Mental Health.

“Residents should not expect individual notification that they were exposed to a case, rather everyone should practice social distancing, stay home and stay away from other people if they’re sick, and wash their hands frequently with soap and water,” said Dr. Brannon Traxler, DHEC physician consultant.

RESOURCES

Clemson University’s COVID-19 Information Page
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
SC-DHEC COVID-19 Information Page
University Call Center, 864-365-0555

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Issued in compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, a federal law originally known as the Crime Awareness and Campus Security Act of 1990, that mandates timely notices to the campus community. The Clery Act is enforced by the U.S. Department of Education.

Clemson University officials continue to closely monitor COVID-19 and are actively engaged in daily planning in an effort to inform and reduce the risk to faculty, staff, students and visitors from the virus. As of today, March 20, at 4 p.m., the University can confirm the following:

• No confirmed cases at any Clemson campus or facility.
• Online instruction has been implemented following spring break, through the remainder of the semester. In addition, no programs, events or activities will be held through May 8.
• All students, faculty and staff returning from international travel must contact University health services (864-656-2457) to undergo thorough medical screening.

ONLINE INSTRUCTION

As previously announced, on Monday Clemson University will move fully to online instruction for all classes at all campuses for the remainder of the spring semester. Provost Jones sent a correspondence to undergraduate faculty and students outlining academic resources, and you can find all of those tools on our COVID-19 website.

We know this is a tremendous shift for many of our students and faculty, and there may be complications along the way, and appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding during these unusual circumstances.

We are urging students who do not need to return to the area or to campus to stay away while campus is operating in online instruction mode.

HOUSING AND DINING

As President Clements announced yesterday, the general closure of our residence halls announced this week has been extended through the end of the semester. On-campus housing will remain available only to those students who have previously been granted permission to stay due to an extenuating circumstance. Our Residential Life team is working on a plan to allow all others to return to campus to gather their belongings in a manner consistent with good public health practices. That information will be communicated in the coming days.

We are working with the state’s Commission on Higher Education on a plan to address students’ investments in housing and dining services. Details will be communicated as soon as they are available.

All Clemson events, activities and gatherings are suspended at least through the end of the academic semester, May 8.

FOOD INSECURITY ASSISTANCE

Clemson University is working to assess how many students, faculty and staff in the local area may be in need of temporary assistance with food during the closure of campus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The university is seeking to assist its hourly wage employees who are unable to report to work, as well as students who do not live on campus and either cannot go home or do not have a meal plan.

If you are in need of food assistance, please click here to take a short survey about your needs. The survey will help us learn whether you have food needs and determine possible solutions.

FUTURE COMMUNICATIONS

For the past two weeks, our team has provided daily updates via email. As we move into modified operations beginning next week, we will cease sending daily updates and only communicate with the full campus community on an as-necessary basis. Communications to specific audiences will continue, including tools and resources for those conducting online learning and the business operations of the University. We appreciate everyone’s attention during this period of uncertainty and wish everyone health and safety as we conclude the semester online.

Issued by University Relations

To the Clemson Community:

These are challenging times unlike anything I have seen in more than 30 years of working in higher education. I know many of you are concerned about your health, and the health of your loved ones – we are, too.

In fact, every decision we have made over the past few weeks – and the ones we will make in the coming weeks – has been with the well-being of the Clemson Family in mind.

In that spirit, and in alignment with the guidance from Gov. McMaster this afternoon, I am providing the Clemson community with the following update regarding University operations for the remainder of the current semester:

• Classes at all Clemson University locations will be delivered online for the rest of this semester. We have been preparing diligently for this possibility, and I am confident that our faculty is more than capable of delivering high-quality content to our students so that their academic progress is not hindered.
• The general closure of our residence halls announced this week will be extended through the end of the semester. On-campus housing will remain available only to those students who have previously been granted permission to stay due to an extenuating circumstance. Our Residential Life team is working on a plan to allow all others to return to campus to gather their belongings in a manner consistent with good public health practices. That information will be communicated in the coming days.
• We are working with the state’s Commission on Higher Education on a plan to address students’ investments in housing and dining services. Details will be communicated as soon as they are available.
• All Clemson events, activities and gatherings are suspended at least through the end of the academic semester, May 8.
• We have decided to postpone our May commencement ceremonies. Degrees will be conferred upon all those who meet graduation requirements, and we will explore alternatives to celebrate our newest graduates at a later date. Commencement is a highlight of each academic year and postponing ceremonies this spring is heartbreaking. Unfortunately, this public health emergency left us no other responsible choice. Rest assured, however, that we will do everything in our power to create a memorable experience for our graduates.
• Finally, all non-essential University employees will be required to work remotely until further notice. Employees are encouraged to make use of videoconferencing and other virtual technologies to conduct meetings to the greatest extent possible and to continue to exercise social distancing principles at all times.

These are extraordinary times, and the situation continues to evolve rapidly. I know these actions, while necessary, will inconvenience many and may prove to be a burden for some among the Clemson Family, but we are there for you.

Please know that the entire University leadership team is dedicated to providing answers to all your questions as quickly as feasible and, to the best of our ability, providing solutions to the challenges that may arise for members of our community.

I am beyond thankful to all the Clemson employees who have worked tirelessly – and in many cases, around-the-clock – these past few weeks to respond to the ever-changing circumstances of the pandemic. Additionally, I want to offer a special thanks to our faculty who have moved quickly to prepare for online instruction so that we can continue to serve our students. You all have exhibited the very best of the Clemson spirit and for that I am grateful.

To all our employees, the coming weeks will be challenging as we adjust to a new temporary mode of working remotely. And for those who aren’t in a position to work remotely, the uncertainty is especially stressful.

We don’t have all the answers yet for how we are going to be able to support our employees in this crisis, but I can promise you we are steadfastly committed to working with the state and others to help our employees – especially our most vulnerable workers.

Finally, I want to leave everyone with a sentiment I shared with the executive leadership team during a meeting this week: First and foremost, take care of yourselves and those you love. Nothing is more important than health and family.

This is a serious situation, but we’re going to get through it by using common sense and by being kind, patient and thoughtful toward one another, especially the members of society most vulnerable to this pandemic. We are blessed to be part of a wonderful community of caring individuals who want nothing but the best for one another, and we’ll emerge from this pandemic strong and ready to tackle the future.

As always, the University is here to help in any way possible. We will continue to update the community regularly on our response to the pandemic through e-mail, social media and our comprehensive COVID update web site.

Please take care of yourselves and one another. I can’t wait to see everyone back on our campuses when it is safe to do so.

Go Tigers!

Jim Clements
President