Campus News

Lang Wellness Center echoes the sentiments of our colleagues when we say that the spring and summer of 2020 has been dedicated to developing policies and procedures to promote the health and well-being of the Rockford University Campus Community and prepare to welcome back students for the fall semester. It is vital that all members (students, faculty and staff) of our campus community act as respectful and responsible citizens and that we each do our part to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 on the Rockford University campus and in the greater Rockford community.

If all community members consistently wear face coverings, practice social distancing, and complete a daily symptoms checklist, the likelihood that individuals will spread or contract COVID-19 will significantly decrease as well as decreasing the possibility that individuals may be asked to isolate or quarantine. If you do contract COVID-19, you are required to report this to Lang Wellness Center or to the Human Resources office.

We often hear that we are all in this together, we can all do our part to give ourselves and others the best possible chance of staying healthy. Please take the time to read through the following information that will help us have a successful year. 

Lang Wellness Center Services

• Call First– Lang Wellness Center will no longer take walk in visits. All Rockford University students, faculty and staff will need to call 815-226-4083 or e-mail healthcenter@rockford.edu to schedule an appointment with the nurse, counselor, disability support services coordinator or office manager. Lang Wellness Center doors will be locked with signs posted directing visitors to schedule an appointment. 
• All documents (immunization records, health history forms, insurance waivers, medical documentation, etc.) should be turned in to Lang Wellness via US mail, inter-office mail, or fax.
• Office Visit Procedure- most visits will be conducted over the phone or via zoom. Visitors with an in person appointment will be expected to check their temperature and go through the COVID-19 symptom checklist before arriving for their appointment. Face coverings must be worn.  On arrival, temperatures will be checked.
• Transportation- if the individual needs to access off campus medical resources and does not have transportation, Lang Wellness Center will work with the student to address this situation.
• COVID-19 Testing- Lang Wellness Center will refer the student to local resources for testing. Local medical and testing facilities can be located at: https://www.rockford.edu/local-medical-testing-resources-covid-19/ .
• Contact tracing- Lang Wellness Center in conjunction with the Winnebago County Health Department has a system in place to identify contacts of a positive or suspected case of COVID-19 in the Rockford Campus Community.

Special Populations

• People of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. If you are unsure if you might be at higher risk of severe disease please click on the following link for more information https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-at-increased-risk.html
• Individuals with underlying medical conditions or who are immunocompromised should consult with their treating physician before returning to in person instruction or living in the residence halls. If there are concerns or there are specific recommendations for accommodations please contact Disability Support Services Coordinator, Kara Boldt, via phone (815) 226-4083 or e-mail- kboldt@rockford.edu to discuss the process and options that may be available to you.

If you are Ill or Have Symptoms Consistent with COVID-19

• Stay in your room/do not come to campus. Do not go to the dining hall or Den, arrangements will be made for food delivery.
• Avoid close contact with others- stay 6 feet apart.
• Contact Lang Wellness Center via phone (815) 226-4083 or e-mail healthcenter@rockford.edu during weekdays between 10AM and 4PM. Residential Students please call 815-226-4047 if outside of these hours.  Lang Wellness Center will provide you with instructions based on the individual circumstances.
• Call your medical provider to discuss treatment and testing options. Here is a list of local medical resources including testing sites:  https://www.rockford.edu/local-medical-testing-resources-covid-19/ .
• Communicate with professors and /or supervisor regarding absence from class or work.
• If you have severe symptoms such as persistent pain or pressure in the chest, difficulty breathing, bluish lips, confusion or have difficulty arousing seek care immediately at an emergency room or call 911.

COVID-19- the Basics

• Students will receive an e-mail from Safe Colleges asking you to complete a training on COVID-19, (faculty and staff of RU have already completed this) so that you understand the virus, how it is transmitted and steps you can take to protect yourself and others.

Protecting yourself and others (recommended by the Center for Disease Control (CDC)

• Face Coverings will be required in every public building (e.g. academic buildings, Burpee), and outdoors if unable to maintain social distancing (staying 6 feet apart) per the State of Illinois. Residential students will be informed of requirements for residential buildings.
• Practice Social Distancing. Maintain at least 6 feet distance between yourself and others. Classrooms, dining areas and public meeting areas have been modified to allow for social distancing.
• Perform daily temperature and symptoms check before coming to campus, going to class, work or activities. Rockford University is finalizing plans to implement a symptom checking app that will be available for all students, faculty, and staff. 
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use hand sanitizer that contains 60-95% alcohol to kill any virus that may be on your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands to prevent the transfer of potential virus.
• Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of droplets that may contain the virus.
• Clean commonly touched surfaces. Disinfectant spray has been provided to all areas of campus. 

Be Prepared

• Basic self-care items to have on hand- thermometer, fever reducing medications such as acetaminophen, throat lozenges, cough suppressant, nasal decongestant, Kleenex, clear liquids and 2 weeks supply of any chronic medications.
• Allergy sufferers- COVID-19 can present with symptoms similar to allergies. If you suffer from seasonal allergies make sure to start your allergy medicine (Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec or generic alternative) before symptoms appear.
• Copy of insurance card- know what physicians, hospitals and urgent care clinics are covered by your insurance. Please complete the insurance questionnaire for COVID-19 and have it available in case you become ill.
• Face masks are required- bring a sufficient number of masks, remember cloth masks will need to be laundered.

We are looking forward to having everyone back this fall. We are available to answer any questions or concerns that you may have, so please don’t hesitate to contact us. Go Regents!

Sincerely,

Lang Wellness Center Staff