College monitoring corona virus outbreak

Posted on Wednesday, March 04, 2020

LaGrange College is actively monitoring the outbreak of the respiratory illness COVID-19 caused by a new coronavirus identified in China.

“Campus officials are meeting regularly to review, and to update as needed, the college’s emergency preparedness, pandemic response and business continuity plans,” said Dawn Coker, Vice President of Human Resources. “We are also constantly monitoring travel advisories.”

Michele Raphoon, Coordinator of Global Engagement, said no students nor faculty members are currently studying abroad. 

“All of our Interim Term travelers returned healthy in January,” she said.

There have been no cases of the corona virus reported in the area at this time; however, community members are encouraged to monitor the CDC website and the State Department.

“We continue to stress the importance of observing every-day preventive actions to help contain the spread of respiratory viruses,” Coker said. Those measures include:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If a tissue is not handy, cough into your elbow.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

These everyday habits can help prevent the spread of several viruses.

Coronavirus symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. If members of the campus community experience flu-like symptoms, they should contact WeCare at 706-298-4914, option 1.  Employees and dependents covered on the LaGrange College health plan may also call Telemedicine at 844-484-7362 or visit an urgent care center.

 

Category: College

Keywords: COVID-19, coronavirus