NATCHITOCHES – With one confirmed case of COVID-19, commonly known as the coronavirus, in Louisiana, Northwestern State University is taking steps to educate the campus community about symptoms of the virus and preventive measures individuals can take.
As of March 9, NSU President Dr. Chris Maggio suspended all international travel/study abroad programs planned for the semester.
“Faced with uncertainty about the coronavirus, NSU has suspended all international travel indefinitely,” Maggio said. “We will continue to adhere to recommended protocols put forth by state and national health organizations and focus on the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff.”
Two weeks ago, NSU began issuing daily internal messages to students, faculty and staff and posted information on the university’s main web page about the virus and measures to stay healthy. Administrators from Student Affairs, Health Services, Residential Life and Environmental Health and Safety continue to follow guidelines issued by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the Louisiana Department of Health, World Health Organization and the American College Health Association.
“We will continue to keep the campus informed about the virus and its outbreak,” said Carla Walker, director of Health Services at NSU.
Walker said that although there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19, the best way to prevent infection is to avoid exposure. Individuals should wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based sanitizer. Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands and avoid close contact with people who are sick. Individuals who are sick should stay home. Coughs and sneezes should be covered with a tissue, which is immediately thrown in the trash. Frequently touched objects and surfaces should be cleaned and disinfected frequently.
Personnel with Red River Sanitors, NSU’s contracted janitorial service, have put forth extra effort in disinfecting doorknobs and other frequently-touched surfaces in campus buildings and ensuring that hand sanitizer dispensers are full. Residence halls also have sanitizer available in public areas.
Walker also asked the campus community to step forward with donations of alcohol-based hand sanitizer and antibacterial wipes that will be available to all students through the NSU Food Pantry. Donations can be dropped off at Health Services or at the Food Pantry. Food Pantry hours are noon-4 p.m. on Mondays, 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays, 12:30-4 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m.-noon Fridays. Hand sanitizer is available in the common areas of NSU buildings and residence halls.
NSU administrators reviewed the university’s Pandemic Response Plan that provides guidance in implementing a response to any pandemic communicable illness and will make decisions on travel and other issues as information is available.
The coronavirus situation changes daily, and the university community is encouraged to monitor the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at https://www.cdc.gov/ as well as the Louisiana Department of Health website at http://ldh.la.gov/.
