It will be important for each UNT System Administration staff member to understand what safety practices are recommended and how to best put those in practice.
Again, UNT System Administration staff are expected to behave courteously toward each other and consider the safety of those around them. If a colleague is not following the safety practices, it is recommended that they be kindly reminded of the safety precautions, as necessary and appropriate. Again, please note that security or campus police are not responsible for enforcing social-distancing or face-covering guidelines. Do not call the police to report these types of behaviors.
Social Distancing
Social distancing, also called physical distancing, means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home. The practice encourages people to reduce the number of times they come into close contact with others. This guideline is intended to be consistent with the CDC, as well as federal, state and local guidelines, and does not supersede any established regulatory requirements regarding personal protective equipment in the workplace for regular daily work.
Maintaining space between yourself and others is a simple way to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus. People can spread the virus whether they have symptoms or not, so it is important to keep your distance from others when possible.
Social distancing helps protect everyone, especially people who are at a higher risk of getting very sick.
UNT System Administration staff on campus must follow the following social distancing practices:
- Stay at least 6 feet from other people at all times (remember, an eagle’s wingspan is roughly 6 feet.).
- Continue to conduct meetings virtually whenever possible.
- Disinfect shared electronic devices such as presentation clickers, coffee makers or other equipment.
- Limit your gatherings on campus and do not gather in large groups (Wear face coverings, especially if you are unable to keep six feet of distance between you and others in meetings or gatherings.).
- Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings.
- Limit elevator occupancy to the number listed on the elevator signage and wear a face covering while on the elevator. Take the stairs if you are able.
It is important to have general awareness of the guidelines for the UNT System’s primary spaces:
- Workspace: Adjust workspace seating and office capacities to have minimum of 6 feet of separation between individuals to ensure the minimum physical separation is accommodated.
- Classrooms: Adjust classroom seating and capacities to ensure the minimum physical separation is accommodated.
- Shared Spaces: For areas like lobbies, conference spaces and other common areas, please be mindful of posted signage and rearranged furniture to accommodate social distancing minimum of 6 feet of separation.
Please see also Working in an Office Environment.
Face coverings
The UNT System requires the use of face coverings (cloth face coverings, disposable masks, etc.) for all students, faculty, staff, contractors, tenants and visitors at all UNT System locations and campuses. Details of the mask requirement are as follows:
- Face coverings are required in all of our facilities.
- Face coverings are also required when outside and unable to maintain a consistent minimum of 6 feet separation from others; in vehicles with multiple occupants; and on public transportation.
- Faculty must use face coverings, shields or barriers during lectures. Faculty may temporarily remove their face covering while lecturing for demonstration purposes (e.g. when playing an instrument).
- Face covering requirements may vary in campus facilities due to instructional requirements, occupancy, and/or activities that occur within those spaces (e.g. classrooms, clinics, recreation facilities, some labs, etc.). Any facilities or areas that require an alternative to face coverings must request approval from their campus safety group.
- Please be aware that some individuals are unable to wear masks for various reasons. Employees who believe they require an exception to this requirement should contact Human Resources.
- Face coverings are not required in single occupancy offices when no one else is present.
- Face coverings should fit snugly but comfortably against the front of the face, covering the nose and mouth. It should allow for breathing without restriction.
- Cloth face coverings should be routinely washed depending on the frequency of use. A washing machine should suffice in properly washing a face covering.
- When removing any type of face covering, individuals should not touch their eyes, nose, and mouth and wash hands immediately after removing.
- Wearing a face covering is not a substitute for appropriate social distancing.
UNT System staff members are encouraged to follow CDC guidelines for the care and use of cloth face coverings, which only should be worn for one day at a time before being properly laundered prior to the next use.
Gloves
Gloves also can play a part in reducing the spread of COVID-19. You should wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Some jobs may have special requirements that require the use of disposable gloves, such as research, food preparation and health care. Your supervisor will notify you of any special requirements related to your job on campus.
In most other situations, like running errands or regular office work, wearing gloves is not necessary. Instead, practice everyday preventive actions such as keeping social distance (at least six feet) from others, washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds (or using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol) and wearing a cloth face covering.
When using disposable gloves, remember to:
- Wash your hands before you put on your gloves.
- Remove your gloves properly when you are finished using them.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after taking your gloves off.
- Be sure to discard your gloves after each cleaning.
Handwashing
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains alcohol – the recommended 70% for isopropanol-based hand sanitizer or at least 60% ethanol-based hand sanitizer. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and always wash your hands after spending time in a public place, blowing your nose, coughing, sneezing, or touching your face. The university has sanitization stations located throughout campus for your use.
Coughing/Sneezing Hygiene
If you are in a private setting and are not wearing your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you do not have a tissue, use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash and immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you do not have access to soap and water, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Cleaning/Disinfecting
Facilities’ Custodial Services staff members clean inside campus buildings each evening. This service includes cleaning and disinfecting all restrooms, disinfecting touch surfaces such as door handles to restrooms and entrance doors, and disinfecting common use areas.
Additionally, restrooms in high-traffic buildings are serviced twice each business day. That service includes replacing supplies and disinfecting counter tops. Bathroom dispensers are stocked with anti-bacterial soap, and there are several sanitation stations located across campus.
All tables and hard surface chairs in classrooms and public areas of classroom buildings have been disinfected during the campus closure and will continue to be cleaned/disinfected on an ongoing basis. Upon occupancy in addition to the routine cleaning, all high touch surfaces within occupied areas will be regularly disinfected.
In addition, each classroom will have a cleaning kit with similar items to those shown below for students and faculty to use as needed. And faculty and staff are encouraged to clean and disinfect their own work areas as they know their spaces best.