Coronavirus Information for the Fielding Community

Coronavirus Information for the Fielding Community

Since our founding in 1974, Fielding has utilized a distributed learning model for delivering our graduate programs. As a result of this commitment, we are experienced at building a robust learning environment across geography. Since the onset of the pandemic, we continue to operate at full strength, and have not experienced any delay in service to our students and in fulfilling our mission.

This page will be updated as the situation calls for it.

  • Fielding Offices: Staff at Fielding offices in Santa Barbara, CA and Washington DC are currently working from home.
  • In person meetings and sessions: Please refer to the programs for updated information related to in person meetings.

As we move through this uncertain period together, I am confident that we do all we can to support our students in meeting their academic goals and take care of each other in fulfilling our greater mission to provide a high quality learning environment. Although we have physical barriers just now, in the meantime we have digital bridges that will get us through this situation one day at a time.

 

 

Katrina S. Rogers
President

How You Can Prevent Illness

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

  • The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
  • The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
    • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
    • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
    • These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
    • Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

Face Mask Requirements

  • With a medical, mental health or developmental disability that prevents wearing a face covering;
  • Who are hearing impaired, or communicating with a person who is hearing impaired, where the ability to see the mouth is essential for communication;
  • For whom wearing a face covering would create a risk to the person related to their work, as determined by local, state or federal regulators, or workplace safety guidelines;
  • Obtaining a service involving the nose or face for which temporary removal of the face covering is necessary to perform the service;
  • Seated at a restaurant or other establishment that offers food or beverage service while they’re eating or drinking as long as they maintain a distance of at least six feet from persons outside their household or residence;
  • Engaged in outdoor work or recreation (such as swimming, walking, hiking, bicycling or running) when alone or with household members, and when they’re able to maintain a distance of at least six feet from others; and
  • Who are incarcerated, as prisons and jails will have specific guidance on wearing of face coverings or masks for inmates and staff.

More Important Information

Based on what we know at this time, people with the following conditions might be at an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19:

Children who have medical complexity, who have neurologic, genetic, metabolic conditions, or who have congenital heart disease might be at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19 compared to other children.

Some counties in California are on a monitoring list and effective July 13, 2020, ALL counties on the list must close indoor operations in certain sectors.

Counties that have remained on the County Monitoring List for 3 consecutive days will be required to shut down certain industries or activities unless they can be modified to operate outside or by pick-up.

Schools that are in counties on the monitoring list must provide 100% distance learning and can physically open when they are off the monitoring list for 14 consecutive days. Local health data determines whether counties are safe to open operations or not. Specific guidelines must be put in place before physically opening schools.

To see an updated list of counties in California on the monitoring list and what industries must close indoor operations, click here.

Tier one 

  • Hospitalized patients with COVID-19 symptoms
  • Investigation and management of outbreaks, including contact tracing

Tier two 

  • All other individuals with COVID-19 symptoms
  • Close contacts of confirmed cases 
  • People having no COVID-19 symptoms in the following categories:
    • Residents in group living facilities
    • Healthcare workers who have frequent interaction with people with COVID-19
    • Workers in group living facilities and in-home support services
    • First responders who have frequent interaction with the public or people with COVID-19
    • Workers in correctional facilities
    • Hospital admission and discharge patients 

Tier three 

Tier four 

  • People without symptoms but at risk of infection 
  • Routine testing by employers

When considering getting testing, ask yourself the following questions. If you answer yes to any of these questions, then you should get tested.

  • Do you work in a high-risk environment for the transmission of COVID-19?
    • Example: an industry with frequent interaction of members of the public
  • Are you an essential worker?
    • Example: utility workers, grocery store workers, food supply workers, other public employees
  • Do you live or work in a congregate setting?
    • Example: Correctional facility (jail, prison, etc.), homeless shelter, residential care facility, or dorm.
  • Have you had close contact with an individual who has been recently confirmed as having COVID-19?
    • Close contact is about 15 minutes, in a closed room less than six feet apart with neither party wearing a mask.
  • Have you been experiencing any symptoms of illness, different than seasonal allergies?
    • Cough, runny nose, fatigue, headaches, sore throat, loss of taste, nausea, etc.
  • Has a Public Health Department employee recommended that you get tested?

To see where available testing sites are located, please contact your local health care provider or visit your county website.

Everyone Should

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • It’s especially important to wash:
    • Before eating or preparing food
    • Before touching your face
    • After using the restroom
    • After leaving a public place
    • After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
    • After handling your mask
    • After changing a diaper
    • After caring for someone sick
    • After touching animals or pets
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

  • Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow and do not spit.
  • Throw used tissues in the trash.
  • Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

  • Be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath, or other symptoms of COVID-19.
    • Especially important if you are running essential errands, going into the office or workplace, and in settings where it may be difficult to keep a physical distance of 6 feet.
    • Take your temperature if symptoms develop.
      • Don’t take your temperature within 30 minutes of exercising or after taking medications that could lower your temperature, like acetaminophen.
  • Follow CDC guidance if symptoms develop.