Coronavirus Awareness & Prevention Efforts

Rockhurst Companions,

As you may have heard, reports of those exposed to or infected with the coronavirus (COVID-19) have risen in recent days and the Centers for Disease Control caution that, while the risk in the United States remains low, all of us should stay informed and take precautions to guard our personal health from this virus, as well as influenza and other illnesses.

The Rockhurst Crisis Management Work Group is closely monitoring this situation through local and national health organizations and encourages all on our campus to educate themselves on the spread of the virus and to practice and promote healthy habits that reduce the spread of all communicable diseases.

At this time, there are no confirmed cases in Kansas City or anywhere in the Midwest, but the CDC advises that it is likely that the virus will continue to spread. Cases can be tracked globally on this map created by Johns Hopkins CSSE.

So, what can you do to protect yourself and others?

• Learn more about the virus and how it spreads, keeping in mind that the threat to those in the U.S. is low at this time. Find out more at the Kansas City, Missouri, Health Department's information page or the CDC FAQ page.
• Find guidance regarding domestic and international travel recommendations, including delaying travel to countries that are designated as Alert Level 2 and Warning Level 3 at the CDC website. Be sure to practice good hygiene and health habits while traveling, even domestically, on spring break.
• If you are ill with flu-like symptoms, do not attend class or work - and seek medical attention by first calling your health care provider rather than visiting. 
• Follow CDC recommendations for coronavirus prevention and treatment, which are very similar to those for the flu.
• Learn the facts so that you do not carry false assumptions or stigmatize any particular country or group of people.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact either of us and we will direct you to the appropriate resources.

Matthew D. Quick, Ph.D.
Dean of Students/Vice President for Student Development and Athletics
Co-Chair of the Crisis Management Work Group
Matthew.quick@rockhurst.edu

Randy Hopkins
Director of Security
Co-Chair of the Crisis Management Work Group
Randy.hopkins@rockhurst.edu