NWACC Activates Pandemic Response Plan

Although there have not been any documented cases of the new H1N1 virus of Swine Flu origin at NorthWest Arkansas Community College or in the State of Arkansas according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the College wants you to know that we have activated our Pandemic Response Plan. The Pandemic Response Team has been meeting and is carefully monitoring the situation via the World Health Organization, CDC, state and local agencies and NWACC’s Health Sciences department. The Response Team is taking action according to its plan to ensure that NWACC is ready to respond quickly and appropriately.

Actions that are already being taken include steps to reduce the spread of the virus, such as extra cleaning and sanitizing of high-traffic areas such as restrooms, entryways, common areas, and elevators. Additional hygiene products, such as sanitizing hand gels, disinfectant soaps, and tissues are being dispensed. Informational signage is being designed to remind our community to employ proper hygienic practices, such as frequent hand-washing, covering coughs and sneezes in one’s elbow rather than with the hand, etc.
Development of specific communications is also under way and will be disseminated via the College’s existing internal and external outlets, including our Web site, announcement publications, emails, text messages, the new Wireless Emergency Notification System, and the media when appropriate. Policies are being put into place should it be necessary to postpone or cancel events, reduce the number of people on campus to minimize exposure, or even to close the campus if the situation rises to that level.

Hopefully, the pandemic will not significantly affect our region, but be assured that NWACC is following our plan and will respond as necessary to ensure the health and safety of our community. Until this health threat subsides, please do your part by following guidelines to reduce disease transmission and keeping yourself informed by checking the NWACC Web site, emails, and announcements.

For more information about H1N1 (swine) flu, call the ADH hotline at 1-800-651-3493

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