News & Updates
How We Are Handling the COVID-19 Outbreak – March 30, 2020
COVID-19 – March 13, 2020
At RSI/TWS, the safety of all our students, faculty and staff is always a top priority. With ongoing concerns about the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we are closely monitoring the latest reports from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as well state officials. As we monitor the situation, we want you to be aware of the action plan we have in place and urge all to follow prevention measures as outlined below. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your campus president.
Campus Preparedness
RSI/TWS has set up an emergency preparedness plan in the event of any impact or disruption to campus operations. As part of this, we have implemented cleaning procedures with the use of stronger disinfectant products on high-touch surfaces, making hand sanitizers readily available, and educating campus teams on best practices recommended by the CDC. There are currently no plans to cancel classes and we will not do so unless directed by the Department of Public Health. If needed, we have established protocols to ensure quick and decisive action. At RSI/TWS we plan to actively work with state and federal health authorities, including the Center for Disease Control, to identify impacted individuals and follow public health guidelines to best protect our students, faculty and staff at all campuses.
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (i.e. experiencing fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath). Although the United States has implemented public health measures to limit the spread of the virus, it is likely that some person-to-person transmission will continue to occur. Students, faculty and staff who experience symptoms of respiratory illness (fever, coughing or shortness of breath) should contact their healthcare provider immediately, do not come to campus and notify your campus president.
Preventative Measures
As appropriate, all students and employees should implement good hygiene and follow these simple steps:
- Become familiar with and recognize symptoms of the illness
- Seek care if you have recently traveled within an affected region and are experiencing symptoms
- Always practice good hygiene: Wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water; cover your mouth while coughing or sneezing; avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands; and avoid sharing food, cups or utensils
- Encourage workers & students to stay home if they are sick
- Encourage respiratory etiquette, including covering coughs and sneezes
- Discourage workers from using other workers’ phones, desks, offices, or other work tools and equipment, when possible
Additional Resources
While we will remain in close contact with campus leaders to ensure that there is a broad understanding of the complexities of this dynamic situation, we encourage you to visit the following websites for up-to-date information.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Arizona Department of Health Services
- Florida Department of Health
- Oklahoma State Department of Health
- Texas Department of State Health Services
President’s Update – March 4, 2020
There is a lot of focus on COVID-19 (also referred to as the Coronavirus) recently. We are sending this out to keep you informed. There is no need to panic as confirmed cases in the US remain relatively low. Please use the suggestions in the attached to stay as safe as possible. Remember to use proper hand washing techniques at all times. We will have all hand sanitizers at the school operational and continuously replenished- please use them. We will also be disinfecting all high touch areas every two hours. Most importantly, if you are sick, stay home. If you feel you have COVID-19, call your healthcare provider and get tested.
Additional Links and Information
Coronavirus Disease 2019 Main Information Page
List of EPA approved COVID-19 Disinfectants
Arizona Department of Health Services
Oklahoma Response to Coronavirus Disease 2019
Texas Health and Human Services
RSI The Refrigeration School is not affiliated with RSI Home Products, Inc. or its subsidiaries.