In light of the impending arrival of
students back from spring break, and thereby the likely arrival of COVID
19 in our community, organizations gathered this week to align emergency plans
and communications. Both Alfred State College and Alfred University have
determined to extend spring break by one week, with a planned return of some of
the student population on March 23. Please see below for links to college
websites for the most complete, up to date and accurate information from each
campus.
In an effort to prepare ourselves as
a community and to cut down on the output of conflicting information, Village
staff and officials met with key members from Alfred Village
Police Department, AE Crandall Hook & Ladder Company, Alfred
University and Alfred State College to discuss emergency protocols and
communications strategies. The group shared preparedness plans and began the
process of coordinating those plans. The purpose of the first meeting, held on
Monday, March 9 was to determine best practices in lines of communication and
to align emergency management strategies. The second, smaller meeting, held
Thursday, March 12 was held to share information about the evolving situation. This
group agreed to remain in close contact over the coming weeks.
Official communications, but not
demands for actions, will be sent to Alfred-Almond Central School, Town of
Alfred, Town of Almond and the Allegany County Office for the Aging, because
of the overlap of populations. The groups recognize and agree that this is a
fluid situation where there is much that is unknown, some which changes
quickly, and that there is a need for calm and common sense. The goal of these meetings
was to assure that clear communication will contribute to the protection,
health and well-being of all who share this valley including Village residents
(which include many students), Alfred State College, and Alfred University.
The Village is taking proactive steps
in reviewing the emergency action plan and is working closely with members of
both campuses to coordinate. Further announcements will be forthcoming.
Both schools have determined their
plans of action for the time being. The plans, arrived at independently but in
close communication, are similar to one another. The Village is committed to
sharing information from both colleges on its platforms and to keeping the
public apprised of its plans and strategies.
Both Alfred State and Alfred
University noted that they have planned places of quarantine and both are working
toward the goal of decreasing density. The public can
access information from each school on their respective websites (links to
follow). Alfred University and Alfred State College update these pages as the
situation unfolds and the public is encouraged to check back regularly. In
addition to information on the school website, Alfred State College has a call
center: (607) 587-4444.
Alfred State College
Information: https://www.alfredstate.edu/covid-19
Alfred
University Information: https://www.alfred.edu/student-life/coronarvirus-update.cfm
The Village is closely monitoring communications put forth by the campuses. In addition to campus communications systems, the public will be able to access timely updates on the Alfred Village website: alfredny.org and Facebook page: facebook.com/villageofalfred, Fire Company Facebook page, Wellsville Regional News blog: wellsvilleregionalnews.blogspot.com and the Alfred-Almond Folks Facebook group. The Village is committed to keeping our community apprised of the evolving situation.
The Village is closely monitoring communications put forth by the campuses. In addition to campus communications systems, the public will be able to access timely updates on the Alfred Village website: alfredny.org and Facebook page: facebook.com/villageofalfred, Fire Company Facebook page, Wellsville Regional News blog: wellsvilleregionalnews.blogspot.com and the Alfred-Almond Folks Facebook group. The Village is committed to keeping our community apprised of the evolving situation.
As the situation
continues to change rapidly, our top priority remains the health, safety and
well-being of our community. We will continue to update the community regularly
to provide accurate and timely information and to keep you informed of any
additional measures.
The Governor's declaration of a state
of emergency permits Alfred's A.E. Crandall volunteer company to transport
patients who are likely to have COVID 19 to places other than hospitals--i.e.
health centers or other adequate designated places for quarantined patient
care.
According to the World Health Organization: Older persons and
persons with pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure,
heart disease, lung disease, cancer or diabetes) appear to develop
serious illness more often than others. As the full-time population in the
village of Alfred is largely comprised of those in the most vulnerable
demographic, the Village encourages community members to check on their
neighbors, offer to make shopping trips, and assist those to whom it has been
recommended to avoid social contact. Stay home if you feel unwell. If you
have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call
in advance. People should seek assistance from the usual
sources - personal physicians' offices, Urgent Care clinics, ERs, or call for
an ambulance (depending on severity) - but ensure they call before going, to
enable the facilities to prepare for their arrival (or recommend other venues
as appropriate).
According to the CDC,
symptoms of coronavirus—fever, cough, difficulty breathing—are similar to the flu.
If you develop symptoms consistent with the flu or are concerned that you may
have been exposed to COVID-19
Public health officials recommend the following steps to prevent
the spread of all respiratory viruses, including influenza and COVID-19.
- Wash
your hands frequently and for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or
alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Cough
into your elbow or a tissue and not your hands. Dispose of the tissue.
- Clean
and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work, and school.
- Avoid
touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Avoid
close contact with people who are sick.
- If
you are sick, stay home and do not travel or report to work.
- Practice
healthy habits: Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your
stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
Also recommended:
“social distancing”— maintaining space between individuals and limiting
physical contact (i.e., avoid shaking hands).
Resources:
