Dear Howard University Community,

As concerns surrounding Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) continue to heighten, Physical Facilities Management (PFM) is taking extra steps to help keep our campus safe from the communicable disease. In addition to the daily cleaning services provided by our custodial staff, Thompson Facilities Services will conduct routine, overnight deep cleaning of campus facilities.

The additional cleaning is among the many protective measures the University is conducting to protect our students, faculty and staff against the novel coronavirus, and to help prevent the spread of illness on our campus. The overnight deep cleaning is an extra precaution to ensure our buildings are clean and disinfected thoroughly in order for our campus to remain conducive to healthy learning, especially as cases are confirmed in the region. At this time, there are no reported cases of COVID-19 on Howard’s campus.

Our custodial staff uses a hospital-grade disinfectant and continuously cleans our buildings throughout the day, supplementing that with targeted deep cleaning overnight. The deep cleaning is scheduled for the overnight hours to lessen the impact of the chemical smell, if any, on the campus community.

PFM and Thompson Facilities Services management teams are closely monitoring conditions on our campus daily. Staff members are regularly checking to ensure that supplies such sanitizer and hand soap are readily available while ensuring the University is prepared and has sufficient cleaning and sanitation resources.

While our facilities management staff has stepped up cleaning efforts, the single best line of defense against infection and illness is practicing responsible personal hygiene. To protect yourself and those around you, please remember to wash your hands often with soap and water or sanitizer for at least 20 seconds. We also advise the campus community to conduct additional sanitizing of surfaces and objects that you regularly use during your workday. Please remember to wipe down your desk, personal computer, mouse, telephone, doorknobs, etc.

Thank you for your attention to this very important matter, and your ongoing cooperation and support.

Excellence in Truth and Service,

Physical Facilities Management (PFM)