JSU’s Coronavirus Response Team aims to prevent COVID-19, develop plans
(JACKSON, Miss.) – In response to the coronavirus outbreak across the nation but no reported cases in MIssissippi, Jackson State University’s Acting President Thomas Hudson shared the following information with the campus community:
As you are aware, the rapid spread of the coronavirus, known as COVID-19, has caused great concern for many universities throughout the United States and around the world. I would like to emphasize that, thus far, the vast majority of people who have contracted COVID-19 have only experienced relatively mild symptoms as a result.
However, at Jackson State University, our top priority remains the health, safety and well-being of our students, faculty and staff. Therefore, we have closely monitored this situation and have taken the following actions to limit the spread of COVID-19 on our campus:
- We have assembled a team of diverse campus personnel (JSU Coronavirus Response Team), whose function is to create and execute a plan to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on our campus and to mitigate its potential effects on our day-to-day operations.
- Our facilities management staff is currently conducting a deep, thorough cleaning of every building on the campus.
- We will be installing hand-sanitizer stations at various location throughout the campus.
Additionally, the following travel restrictions are now in place until further notice:
- All university-related international travel is prohibited.
- With few exceptions, all university-related domestic travel to areas where there have been confirmed cases is prohibited.
Furthermore, we are working with campus leadership to ensure that our colleges, schools and departments are prepared to conduct class activities online should that be required.
What You Can Do
The Center for Disease Control recommends the following everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of COVID-19:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Please keep in mind, that this is a quickly evolving situation, and we are working to provide the campus with the most up-to-date information we can as frequently as needed. In the meantime, please use the links below to stay informed.