COVID-19 Update
March 17, 2020 5:30 PM
Our campus and local leaders have been working tirelessly to keep our community safe from COVID-19, and we are thankful there are still no confirmed cases within Calhoun County. We can continue to “flatten the curve” by following social distancing guidelines and good hygiene practices. Here are some helpful tips:
- Don’t be a spreader! Remember, you can shed the virus without being ill, then spread it to more vulnerable populations like the elderly or those with compromised immune systems. So, avoid gatherings.
- Wash your hands! Can’t find hand sanitizer? Washing your hands is more effective anyway. Avoid touching your face unless you have just washed your hands. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds.
- Clean and disinfect your surroundings, including your cellphone. The surface of your phone has a collection of germs. Make sure you’re wiping it down at least once a day. See cleaning tips from Apple.
- Sneeze or cough into the crook of your arm or a tissue. If you must cough or sneeze in your hands, be sure to wash them.
- Stay home. Period. Social distancing is the best defense against fighting the spread of COVID-19. When you must go out, try to maintain six feet of distance between yourself and others. If you are sick, don’t go out.
- Get some fresh air. Take a walk or a bike ride on the Ladiga Trail (keeping your distance between others). If you decide to visit Little River Canyon National Preserve for a hike or to see the falls, please note that the JSU Canyon Center is closed for the next two weeks. The National Park Service will keep its roads, trails, and overlooks open, but the indoor restrooms, movie theater, and gift shop are closed. For questions, call the Canyon Center at 256-845-3548 or NPS offices at 256-845-9605.
- Go to the doctor if you are sick. The Student Health Center is still open, and services are free to faculty, staff and students. Hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Transportation for students from campus to the health center, if needed, is available by calling 256-782-5885.
- If you think you may have COVID-19 contact your primary care provider or plan to visit the Student Health Center. Be sure to call ahead. They may route you through a special entrance away from other patients.
- If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, please let the university know by sending an email to Dr. Oye Akisanya or Dr. Phyllis Waits. This information will be kept confidential on a need-to-know basis to help us keep the campus community safe.
We understand this is an unusual time for all of us. The best thing we can do is come together as a community and look out for one another.
Updates/Reminders
- Most JSU offices are now closed until after Spring Break, but staff is still monitoring voicemail. If you need to reach someone, please leave a message. The department will return your call as soon as possible. Search the directory online for contact info.
- The Technology Support Center (TSC) will be providing technology and user account support via email on Thursday and Friday, March 19-20. Please contact the TSC by emailing techcenter@jsu.edu. Staff will review the requests and respond accordingly.
Thank you,
Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr.
Acting President