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Update: Grand Opening, Honey Bee and Pollinator Research, Education, and Extension Facility and COVID-19
Thank you for your interest in the Grand Opening of our new Honey Bee and Pollinator Research, Education, and Extension Facility. I wanted to provide an update regarding the spread of coronavirus, officially known as COVID-19, in regards to our event.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are not advising any travel restrictions within the U.S. at present, and the Center states that the risk for infection within the United States is low.
Because your health and safety are of the utmost importance, I wish to reassure you that CAHNRS and WSU are monitoring the situation closely. For now, we are going forward with the grand opening of our new facility, and we look forward to seeing you there. Hand-sanitizer and other supplies will be on site to ensure a safe event for all attendees.
However, if you are sick or feel you are getting sick, we ask that you please stay home. Currently, older adults and persons with underlying health conditions are considered to be at increased risk of severe illness and complications from COVID-19. Examples of underlying health conditions include heart disease, lung disease, diabetes, people with weakened immune systems, and people who are pregnant. The CDC recommends that people in high-risk groups consult with their healthcare provider about attending any large gathering.
In the unlikely event that there is a program change, we will notify you immediately. If you have underlying health conditions that leave you vulnerable to illness, we ask that you use your best judgement in determining if it is safe for you to attend the event.
Additionally, CAHNRS echoes recommendations from OSHA and CDC, which include:
- Practice proper infection control and sterilization measures
- Frequently wash hands with soap and water; if soap and water are not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay home if sick, and see a doctor immediately to be evaluated for COVID-19
- If someone becomes infected, insist that he or she fully recovers before returning
- Those who have traveled to areas with heightened levels of exposure should are advised not to attend
WSU has established a COVID-19 resource page for more information and updates. Additional information is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Interim Director of CAHNRS Communications, Brandon Schrand, by phone at (509) 335-2843, or email at b.schrand@wsu.edu.
Thank you all for supporting the work of Washington State University.
Sincerely,
André-Denis Wright,
Dean, College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences.
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