COVID-19 Statement

March 11, 2020

Brothers, Advisors, and Volunteers,

I am sure you have read with increasing concern the varying reports about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) spreading throughout the United States and the world. Earlier this week, Holmes Murphy, our insurance broker for liability and property insurance, released guidance you may find helpful regarding COVID-19.

•  CDC is closely monitoring the novel coronavirus outbreak. This is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation and the CDC will provide updated information as soon as it becomes available, in addition to updated guidance. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• Per the CDC, there is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• If a member feels they have been in contact with someone with coronavirus or has symptoms, they need to go to the hospital immediately for testing.
• Should the member test positive for the coronavirus, the CDC and the local health department will conduct contact tracing which will lead back to the fraternity/sorority facility (if applicable).
• It will be under the control of the CDC and the local health department to determine the next steps.
• Individuals should not be quarantined in a fraternity/sorority facility, nor would it be allowed if there was a known case of the coronavirus.
• Should the coronavirus be present in any facility, the facility needs to be properly decontaminated prior to approved reentry. For information on certified decontamination specialists, please consult the Global Biorisk Advisory Council at: https://gbac.org/

The CDC is a great resource for this fast-moving situation, and we recommend you stay current by following the information on their website.

The Fraternity has continued to monitor events at our host institutions and in our Chapters. We have made the difficult decision to affect operations for all Chapters for the remainder of the academic year. You can read about all of these changes and updates to operations at https://www.alphachirho.org/about/covid-19/.

As of now, the Fraternity’s InDeed Institute will occur on June 4 to June 7, 2020. Registration is open and all Chapter/Colony Delegates must be registered by April 30, 2020.

If you have any questions, please contact the National Office at 732-869-1895 or via email at hq@alphachirho.org.

Sincerely,

SCOTT A. CARLSON, CPA

Chief Executive Officer