Hello Montana Western Students,

In just a few days, you will be back and we are so excited for your return. I would like to share some of the critical steps we are taking and plans that are in place for your healthy and safe return. Even though some of the plans may feel inconvenient and sometimes difficult, I would like to thank each of you for taking these steps with all of us together and know they are necessary for your safety on and off campus and for keeping classes face to face.

Website
Please remember to refer to our website, www.umwestern.edu, and the yellow banner at the very top of the page. Here you will find links to all of the information about COVID-19 and how we are mitigating the spread of the virus. We have also created an easy to use FAQs section and a COVID-19 safety training to assist you in being prepared for the fall semester. Please review these items before the first day of classes on Monday, August 24.

Face Coverings
In accordance with the guidelines from the MUS Healthy Fall 2020 Task Force, all employees, students, and visitors must wear face coverings on campus as outlined below.

Montana Western Face Covering Practices and Protocols

• Face coverings are required in all indoor spaces and all enclosed or partially enclosed outdoor spaces.
• Face coverings will be required in all outdoor spaces where social distancing is not possible or difficult to reliably maintain.
• In outdoor settings where social distancing is possible, face coverings continue to be strongly recommended.
• These requirements apply to all UMW students and employees, and all visitors including service providers, contractors, vendors, suppliers, families, and community members.

For more information, including exceptions and accommodations, visit: https://www.umwestern.edu/fall-2020-plan/campus-wide-guidance/ 

Social Distancing
All areas of the campus will observe the CDC guidance on maintaining 6 feet of distance between individuals. This is an important tool in reducing the spread of the novel coronavirus.  

Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping a safe space between yourself and other people who are not from your household.

To practice social or physical distancing, stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people in both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Handwashing
Another critical tool in reducing the spread of the virus is frequent handwashing. Students, faculty, and staff are strongly expected to wash their hands and use hand sanitizer extensively.

Upon your return, you will see hand-sanitizing stations throughout the campus. Please use them if you are unable to wash your hands with soap and water. 

What do I do if I’m Sick? 

If You are Sick and Reside in Campus Housing:

 If You are Sick and Live off-campus:

Stay home and call your medical provider.

Medical Providers in Dillon:

• Southwest Montana Community Health Center
  44 Barrett St., Dillon, MT, 59725    Phone: 406-683-4440
• Barrett Hospital Provider Clinic
  30 MT HWY 91 S., Dillon, MT, 59725    Phone: 406-683-1188
• Beaverhead Urgent Care
  120 South Atlantic St., Dillon, MT, 59725    Phone: 406-683-4400
  
  If you are sick: 
• Do not attend class or work. 
• Call your healthcare provider for further guidance. 
• Contact your instructor to let them know you will be missing class due to illness and to make arrangements for accessing course materials/assignments online. 

In the event that you are contacted by Beaverhead County Public Health this semester, you may be asked to quarantine or isolate. Please follow the directions from Beaverhead County Public Health and your medical provider.

What’s the difference between quarantine and isolation?

Quarantine and isolation are measures to help protect the public by preventing exposure to people who have an infectious disease.

• Quarantine separates and restricts the movement of people who may have been exposed to the novel coronavirus to see if they will become sick.
• Isolation separates people who have tested positive with COVID-19 from those who are not sick.