PHI SIGMA SIGMA & COVID-19

Given the landscape is quickly evolving, we will continue to update this page with information and resources to keep you informed about Phi Sigma Sigma operations in response to COVID-19. 

COMMUNICATIONS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

Fall 2020 Communications & Announcements:

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Previous 2020 Communications & Announcements:

CHAPTER ACTIVITIES & PROGRAMMING

All chapter meetings, gatherings and events must be held in accordance with state/province, local health and/or public health department and university directives. Should in-person events be permitted by the university, chapters must implement social distancing best practices and mitigate risk wherever possible. Chapter services managers will assist chapters in planning any events.

 

It is advised that the majority, if not all, chapter events are held virtually. Members will need to get creative and think outside of the confines of a "typical" event when planning the fall calendar. We are here to help brainstorm ideas or help you think through how to adjust a favorite event to fit the virtual format.

 

More than ever, we need to remain connected to one another. Observing social distancing best practices doesn't mean our sisters have to feel alone.

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Learn more about virtual programming and the importance of connection.

CHAPTER ADMINISTRATION & FINANCES

Chapter Meetings – In-person chapter meetings have been transitioned into weekly/bi-weekly virtual meetings and emails to keep all members updated on the latest. 

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Executive Board & Executive Council - The executive board and executive council have a continued responsibility to carry out alternate virtual programming where possible. 

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Fall 2020 Chapter Finances – For the fall, we will be implementing a a financial model that is as flexible as possible, should there be a disruption to course delivery, chapter activities or the health and safety of our members. We are doing everything within our power to reduce expenses and restrict unnecessary spending to keep the sorority experience affordable for members and new members who were financially impacted due to COVID-19. Read more here.

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Fall 2020 Statuses – Phi Sigma Sigma has expanded the use of our membership statuses to promote the retention of our current members, who stand to benefit from sisterhood and belonging now more than ever. Learn more about our different status offerings. 

MANAGING POSITIVE COVID-19 CASES

On campuses where students are physically returning, it is expected that members will test positive for COVID-19. Should an advisor or a leader of the chapter become aware of a member who has tested positive, follow the university's protocol for isolating. Sisters who have been in contact with her should follow the university's protocol for quarantining.

 

You ISOLATE after a positive test. The isolation period is 10 calendar days from the positive test. You QUARANTINE after a known exposure or close contact with a person who has COVID-19. The quarantine period is 14 calendar days after the last known exposure.

 

Sisters affected will likely feel overwhelmed and scared. It is important that we continue to support them. We advise virtual check-ins on Zoom, coordinating meal delivery, etc. Chapter services managers will help you to create a support plan.

 

The archon should document any known positive cases on the Phi Sigma Sigma website. Each individual member who tests positive should follow state/province, local health and/or public health department and university directives to report cases as required.

HEALTH & SAFETY EXPECTATIONS

All members and new members are provided and asked to acknowledge the following expectations and can be held accountable by the chapter or the Fraternity:  

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  • I acknowledge that Phi Sigma Sigma recommends adherence to the guidelines provided by the CDC. 

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  • I acknowledge that Phi Sigma Sigma requires compliance with all state/province, local health and/or public health department, and university directives regarding attendance at events and participation in activities associated with the chapter, and that Phi Sigma Sigma requires compliance with all directives communicated by the owner or manager of any facility where an event or activity associated with the chapter is held. 

 

  • I agree to wear a mask and/or maintain social distancing in accordance with state/province, local health and/or public health department, and/or university directives, as well as with directives communicated by the owner or manager of any facility where an event or activity associated with the chapter is held. 

 

If Phi Sigma Sigma maintains a housing facility and/or any other type of chapter occupied space (collectively “facility”) at the university I am attending:

 

  • I will adhere to rules and procedures regarding food service, sleeping quarters, hosting of guests, including non-resident members, scheduling of study spaces, use of masks and social distancing in communal living areas and other stated expectations in order to keep myself and my sisters safe.

 

  • I will respect the health concerns of the house director, facility staff and other members in my interactions with them.

 

  • I understand that while precautions to clean the facility and provide procedures to assist with social distancing will be taken, it will be up to me, any permitted guests and other residents of the property to limit outside exposure and to follow guidelines suggested to protect against the spread of COVID-19.

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  • I understand that by electing to live in, visit or enter the facility, I am agreeing to release the Fraternity, local house corporation, the NHC, and any other individual volunteer, advisor, employee or board member from liability associated with the risks inherent in a communal environment, including transmission of COVID-19 or any illness or injury associated with COVID-19.

 
 

CHAPTER HOUSING

The NHC has prepared their protocols with industry experts and modified plans to follow local and state health department guidelines. While we cannot guarantee that our facilities will be COVID-19 free, we are aggressively minimizing risks. Residents must be reminded that taking steps to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19 is the shared responsibility of every resident in the facility. 

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Learn more about our updated housing protocol and how this effects guests, non-resident members, meal plans and individual facility plans on our fall housing webpage.

FALL 2020 HOUSING
 
STAFF VISITS - INSTITUTES & TRAINING
Upcoming Fraternity Travel and Events

Phi Sigma Sigma Fraternity has eliminated all travel and in-person events through June 30, 2021.

 

Recruitment Support - All chapters will receive virtual recruitment support from a designated staff member or volunteer. Recruitment support personnel will provide ongoing support by working with chapters throughout planning all the way until bid day. 

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Training & Institutes - Institutes, officer and volunteer trainings will be hosted virtually through our online learning management system. 

Information & Resources

General Resources

Please monitor your state or territory’s health department as your local jurisdiction may have stricter guidance/requirements than the CDC.



What is COVID-19?

According to the World Health Organization, coronavirus causes COVID-19. Common symptoms of COVID-19 include headache, fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. Individuals who are elderly or pregnant, and anyone with preexisting medical conditions are at the greatest risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19.

Much is still unknown about COVID-19. The CDC believes at this time that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. According to the CDC, the spread of the coronavirus from person-to-person most likely occurs among close contacts who are within six feet of each other and is passed through respiratory secretions such as sneezing and coughing. It is unclear at this time if a person can get the virus by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or eyes. For those currently residing in the U.S., additional information can be found on the CDC website. For those currently residing in Canada, please utilize the information found on the Public Health Agency of Canada website.



Prevention and Containment of Illness

Wherever you live, you likely have close contact with a large population throughout your day. As a result, you may be subject to a higher risk of exposure to any type of communicable illness. In order to protect your health and wellbeing, please follow the below guidelines related to all illnesses and contagious diseases:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer is helpful, but hand washing is better! If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60%-95% alcohol.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, even if you feel asymptomatic. Many illnesses have an incubation period and you may not yet be aware if you could be spreading an illness to others or if it has been passed to you.
  • Stay home when you are sick (even if you're just feeling slightly under the weather). You don't want to put others at risk. If a member or volunteer attends an event and is feeling unwell, they should depart as soon as possible.
  • Visit the doctor. If you have any respiratory symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw it in the trashcan. And make sure to wash your hands afterwards!
  • Avoid sharing germs. Distance yourself from people who are sick and avoid sharing drinks, Chapstick, makeup, etc.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops, tables, laptops, cell phones and study spaces.
  • If a member is diagnosed with a contagious illness, have a plan for communicating with HQ immediately at prepare@phisigmasigma.org. Headquarters staff will assist in communicating with members, advisors and the university.



INTERNATIONAL HEADQUARTERS

(410) 799-1224

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Phi Sigma Sigma, Inc.

1213 Liberty Rd, Suite J #335

Eldersburg, MD 21784

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Emergency Line: (410) 530-1913

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PhiSigHQ@phisigmasigma.org

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© 2020 by Phi Sigma Sigma, Inc.