Coronavirus or as it is more scientifically called COVID-19, has been the headline of every news story since it’s outbreak in China. While it seemed to be of minimal concern when it was first mentioned, it is quickly beginning to spread through to other countries including the United States. Brenau University has assured us that they will begin taking necessary precautions to ensure that students remain unaffected by the outbreak.
Just two weeks ago, it was announced that two individuals in Forsyth county where diagnosed with the virus and were being quarantined in order to maintain the safety of the county. However, days later, three new cases were identified in Fulton county. It now seems as if concern over this incident is unavoidable, and our university feels as if a precautionary plan must be put in place in order to control any panic or concern that may ensue should this virus spread to Hall county.
Claire Fending, a junior at Brenau, said, “I am just happy that Brenau is taking the necessary steps to protect its students. Initially, I was concerned about the virus, but I feel much better knowing that Brenau is willing to put our safety over any athletic or academic obligation.
Brenau sent out a detailed email to its students that laid out it’s plan to conduct classes online if a member of the community did encounter the virus. The email states that teachers and faculty will be prepared to continue instruction online within 48 hours of receiving the notification. The email also included a series of preparatory steps students could take in order to best prevent contracting the virus.
These included, but were not limited to:
Washing your hands
Avoiding close eye contact with those who are sick
Staying at home when you are sick
Getting a flu shot
“I found the suggestions helpful. I knew nothing about the virus, so I did not really know how to prevent myself from getting it. Now I know that I must try to wash my hands really and more often.” Nikoletta Alvanou, a junior at Brenau.
Brenau has been transparent in letting the students and faculty know that they have developed a Coronavirus team that will constantly be morphing and adapting the plan of action in order to correlate with the evolving dangers and maintain the safety of the Brenau community.
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