CAMPUS MAILROOMS CLOSED FOR CLEANING Officials Continue Precautionary Measures to Ensure Campus Safety D.C. Department of Health Director Dr. Ivan Walks today confirmed that one (1) of a total of 54 environmental samples from Howard University's Main Mailroom on the ground floor of the Administration Building tested positive for evidence of Anthrax spores. Howard University officials immediately closed the site and, after contacting CDC (D.C.) Team Leader John Brooks, have already initiated the clean-up process, which is expected to be completed within the next 12 hours. The University has hired IT Corp., the same company contracted to clean the Brentwood (U.S.) Postal Station in Washington, D.C., to clean the mailroom. In resolving the situation, the University also contacted the FBI, CDC and the EPA and has affirmed that the measures being exacted at Howard are in line with established, recommended protocols. In maintaining its proactive stance, the University hired a CDC-approved contractor, Nichols Environmental Associates, which began testing the mailrooms on Nov. 8. As a precautionary measure, mailrooms in Carver, Slowe, Meridian, Howard Plaza Towers, and the schools of Divinity and Law will be closed until testing has been completed. Each of these sites receives mail directly from the Brentwood facility, including Howard University Hospital's mailroom which will be tested on Tuesday, Nov. 13. Results from the tests are expected within the next 72 hours. All employees of these mailrooms have been notified about the clean-up process and each will report to the University's Employee Health Center at Howard University Hospital on the morning of Nov. 13 for additional, precautionary evaluation as well as instructions for reporting to alternative work sites. As a precautionary measure, the University had already placed more than 300 mail-handling employees on prophylactic medications in line with D.C. Department of Health and CDC protocols, beginning the week of Oct 21. Of the individuals identified, none have shown signs of illness from the Anthrax bacteria. Incoming mail will be stored at a secured campus site until completion of work at the main campus mailroom. As stated previously, employees with medical inquiries or health concerns are encouraged to contact their personal or family physicians. Students with medical inquiries or health concerns are encouraged to contact their family physician or the Student Health Center. # # #
Write a subject line for this email.
Safety Advisory: Campus Mailrooms Closed for Cleaning (11/12/01)