Update
March 26, 2020
March 26, 2020 at 5:30 p.m. EDT
Dear Asbury Community,
As we have discussed in the last few weeks, the COVID-19 outbreak is ever changing, sometimes requiring response and updates in a matter of days or hours. However, I am committed to remaining transparent and providing open communication on developments that impact Asbury students, faculty, staff and the surrounding community.
Late on Wednesday, March 25, we received notification from a faculty member who recently tested positive for COVID-19. The faculty member’s onset of symptoms began during Spring Break, several days after being on campus on Friday, March 13.
The faculty member is self-quarantining off campus, in accordance with guidance from the Jessamine County Health Department (JCHD) and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
While we believe the risk of exposure to anyone on our campus is low, the JCHD will be contacting anyone who may have had direct contact with this faculty member after onset of symptoms. The CDC definition of “direct contact” is being within six feet of the person for a prolonged period of time (ten minutes or longer). I do want to reiterate that we, along with the JCHD, believe that the risk to our campus community is extremely low.
It is our responsibility, as directed by the CDC, to maintain the privacy and anonymity of those individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 and those who may be part of any contact investigation. Please remember to honor this commitment to privacy for those who contract the virus.
Additionally, we urge you to follow the CDC guidelines and precautions to keep you and your family healthy (guidelines and website below).
In the event of additional positive cases impacting our community, we will communicate directly with those who may have been exposed. Please continue to monitor the COVID-19 webpage at www.asbury.edu/covid19plan for ongoing developments and responses. In addition, for general Asbury COVID-19 related inquiries, please email Covidquestions@asbury.edu. You can expect a response within two business days.
Our prayers go out to our faculty member suffering from COVID-19, along with their family and friends. We lift up the entire Asbury community during these trying times. Please join us in doing the same as a unified community.
Many blessings,
Kevin J. Brown, PhD
President, Asbury University
CDC Guidelines
The Centers for Disease Control website (https://www.cdc.gov) offers practical information on identifying symptoms and what to do if you have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19.
How do I know if I was exposed?
You generally need to be in close contact with a sick person to get infected.
Close contact includes:
- Living in the same household as a sick person with COVID-19,
- Caring for a sick person with COVID-19,
- Being within 6 feet of a sick person with COVID-19 for about 10 minutes, OR
- Being in direct contact with secretions from a sick person with COVID-19 (e.g., being coughed on, kissing, sharing utensils, etc.).
What should I do if I am a close contact to someone with COVID-19 but am not sick?
You should monitor your health for fever, cough and difficulty breathing during the 14 days after the last day you were in close contact with the sick person with COVID-19. You should not go to work or school and should avoid public places for 14 days.
Mild Symptoms:
- If you are at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19, contact your healthcare provider early, even if your illness is mild. Your healthcare provider will evaluate your health and decide whether you need to be tested.
- If you are NOT at higher risk for serious illness from COVID-19, you do NOT need to be evaluated in person and do NOT need to be tested for COVID-19. Keep in mind that there is no treatment for COVID-19 and if you are mildly ill, there is no need to call your healthcare provider. You should stay home away from others.
Severe Symptoms:
If you develop emergency warning signs for COVID-19 get medical attention immediately.
Emergency warning signs include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath,
- Persistent pain or pressure in the chest,
- New confusion or difficulty waking up,
- Bluish lips or face.
