As Coronavirus spreads in the U.S., A-State is planning what measures will be taken if the campus becomes affected. Students have received multiple emails regarding COVID-19. The most recent was received yesterday at 11 a.m.
In the most recent email, Chancellor Kelly Damphousse explained that the CDC and U.S. Department of Education encouraged higher learning institutions to plan what to do if COVID-19 affects their campus.
Instructors have been told to begin exploring the possibility of shifting to all courses being online, rather than face-to-face. This follows many universities on the coasts taking this precaution, as well as Vanderbilt University, a non-coastal school. Damphousse acknowledged some classes, such as labs, may be hard or impossible to shift to online only. Options will be explored to accommodate this.
There has been no final decision made to transition to online-only courses yet, as there are still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at A-State or in Arkansas. Although courses will continue a normal for the time being, the Convocation of Scholars banquets set for April have been cancelled. Also according to Damphousse, “Decisions on other large events will be made in the coming days. We have not made any other decisions, but we do want to be prepared to move quickly if we need to do so.”
To avoid getting sick, wash your hands frequently and stay away from others showing symptoms or that have told you they are sick. If you are sick, see a doctor and avoid physical contact with others.
UPDATE Mar. 11, 1 p.m.:
There is one presumptive case of COVID-19 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. This means that someone tested positive for COVID-19, and the results have been sent to the CDC for confirmation. The patient has been isolated.
Governor Asa Hutchinson will sign an executive order declaring a public health emergency, and urges Arkansas residents to reconsider out-of-state travel. Out-of-state travel will also be restricted for state employees.
A-State functions will still continue normally.
“The New York Times” COVID-19 map, showing the locations of known COVID-19 cases by county.
Categories: Life
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