Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)
Prevention tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
EKU is working diligently with state and local public health agencies and our healthcare provider partners to offer vaccination opportunities for EKU students and employees. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
- Get a COVID-19 vaccine. Any of the currently available vaccines from Johnson & Johnson, Moderna, and Pfizer offer a high level of protection against COVID-19 and serious illness.
- Wear a mask, especially while indoors or when gathering in groups.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- 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.
These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.
EKU officials continue to monitor COVID-19 and other emerging diseases that may impact our community. We are in a strong place today in our response to COVID-19. Tools such as vaccinations, boosters, medical treatment, community awareness and personal measures (masking availability, hand hygiene and staying home when ill) are key in managing this disease. Given the prevalence of COVID-19, and the institution of preventative measures such as vaccines, cases are being monitored in Student Health Services for those who are symptomatic. We will institute a variety of tools, including a dashboard, should a variant emerge that warrants close monitoring of community spread.
We ask that our community continue to monitor their individual personal health, seek medical care when they are in need, practice good hand hygiene and stay home when ill.
Helpful Links:
- The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) has set up a new 24/7 COVID-19 hotline: 1-800-722-5725.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention COVID-19 website
- Kentucky Governor Beshear and staff press conferences on COVID-19, including archives
- World Health Organization: Novel Coronavirus
- Centers for Disease Control Handwashing
- Fun flu awareness and handwashing video from the CDC
- Kentucky Department for Public Health: COVID-19
