Update

March 11, 2020

Asbury University is closely monitoring the rapidly growing number of cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) worldwide and now in the state of Kentucky, and has developed a Task Force to monitor the situation daily. Along with closely monitoring reports and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American College Health Association (ACHA), the Task Force is also creating policies, safety precautions, and action plans in the case further action needs to be taken. The health and safety of all members of our Asbury Community are our top priority. At the time of this post, there have been NO confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Asbury’s campus.

Please keep yourself advised of the Kentucky State Health Department’s updated and latest information:
https://chfs.ky.gov/agencies/dph/pages/covid19.aspx

With Asbury’s Spring Break approaching, please review these important reminders.

1. The most important thing you can do to prevent getting sick is to wash your hands, frequently, for at least 20 seconds. When handwashing is not available, utilize alcohol-based hand sanitizer. In addition:
   • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
   • Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you sneeze or cough.
   • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
   • If you are ill, keep a safe distance from others to reduce the risk of transmitting germs.
   • If you are seriously ill, seek medical advice from a health care provider or from an emergency department.
   • Don’t share food or drinks.
2. Local officials suggest there is currently no basis for changing business as usual regarding housing or campus events due to COVID-19, if you practice the previously described hygiene etiquette.
3. Out of an abundance of caution and utmost concern, we are asking that extreme attention be taken when traveling over Spring Break and in the months ahead. We recognize that many students have travel plans over Spring Break.
   • We request that you complete the Asbury University travel registry by Friday, March 13 at 5 p.m. You should have received this link in a separate email on Tuesday, March 10, 2020.
   • We encourage all travelers to monitor the CDC’s travel recommendations and suggestions for prevention. Educate yourself and consider the risks associated with your destination. Staff and faculty anticipating work-related travel should discuss travel risks and recommendations with their supervisor.
   • Allow for additional time while travelling, anticipate more stringent security and recognize the quickly changing circumstances surrounding the spread of COVID-19.
   • The US Government has advised against non-essential travel to other countries. Every person traveling from a Level 2 or Level 3 country for COVID-19 MUST self-quarantine off campus for 14 days upon returning to the US. Today, the countries of concern include China, Iran, Italy, Japan and South Korea, but new countries could be added at any time.
4. We ask that you monitor your health closely both while traveling and upon your return. If you should experience any cold/flu symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath), or develop them while traveling or at home during Spring Break, we ask that you NOT return to campus until you have seen a doctor and been fever-free without fever-reducing medications for at least 24 hours.
5. If you have had known exposure to a person with COVID-19, you MUST self-quarantine off campus for 14 days.
6. Asbury University does not have the capacity to provide space for those who need to self-quarantine. You will not be allowed to return to residential housing on campus during your self-quarantine period.
7. Asbury University will work with faculty to help students who cannot attend class, due to quarantine, with alternate academic plans to complete courses.
8. Deep cleaning will continue to take place over Spring Break including all high-touch surfaces and common areas around campus.
9. We will continue to take precautions, monitor this ever-changing situation, coordinate with public health officials and communicate any new developments with updates as necessary. We remain committed to our campus community’s well-being and safety.
10. For the most up-to-date national and worldwide information, please visit the websites for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.

Asbury University will continue to provide updates as needed. We want to assure our students, faculty and staff that we do not anticipate any disruption of our normal schedules, but we are taking actions and precautions to be proactive and are prepared should the need arise to alter any normal business of the University.