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9 March 2020 Update from Dr. Guice
Dear Faculty, Staff and Students
Welcome back for the 2020 Spring Quarter. We want to keep you updated with the latest information about the coronavirus (COVID-19) and its impacts on our community. We are maintaining contact with local and state health officials as well as our higher education community and others.
Earlier this afternoon, Gov. John Bel Edwards verified that the State of Louisiana has its first presumptive case of COVID-19. Information on the virus continues to show that some people are at higher risk of getting very sick from the virus, including older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease.
The presumptive case was reported in a Jefferson Parish resident who was hospitalized in Orleans Parish. Presumptive cases mean a person is presumed to have an illness but will still need further testing to positively confirm they have the virus.
There have been no other cases reported in the state to date, and officials are working to stop the possible spread of the virus. Human coronaviruses spread just like the flu or a cold — through the air by coughing or sneezing; through close personal contact, like touching or shaking hands; by touching an object or surface with the viruses on it; and occasionally, through fecal contamination.
Health-care professionals say one of the most important ways to help stop the spread of any virus is frequent and thorough hand-washing with soap and water for 20 seconds or longer. We should also practice social distancing and avoid those handshakes and hugs that are common on our campus. I ask that each of us do our part to follow these guidelines and others issued by the CDC.
Our highest priority is the health & safety of our students, faculty and staff. We will also do our best to ensure that students’ academic progress continues and students can achieve their course goals this quarter. Registration for our Spring Quarter will continue and classes will begin as planned on Wednesday.
Our Emergency Response Team (ERT) meets regularly to ensure the safety and health of our students, faculty, and staff. To stay up to date on developments, please review the ERT website at ert.latech.edu.
Les Guice
President
3 March 2020 Update from Gov. Edwards
All State Employees:
As you have undoubtedly seen in media reports, there have been confirmed cases of COVID-19, commonly called coronavirus, in several states, with six deaths in the United States thus far. I wanted to take a moment to update state employees on the situation in Louisiana and on the steps you can take to prevent the spread of illness.
Though we do not currently have a confirmed case of COVID-19 in Louisiana, it is important to be prepared, which is what we have been doing since the outbreak in mainland China. Already in Louisiana, the Department of Health has been communicating on a very regular basis with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at the federal level as well as health providers, hospitals and doctors to proactively share information about symptoms and also guidance about when someone needs to be tested. We have the capability to test for coronavirus at the Office of Public Health’s State Laboratory, and we will be transparent with the public if we have a confirmed case in Louisiana, which we currently do not.
The same actions you take to prevent the spread of flu are also helpful in preventing any respiratory illness, including COVID-19: cover your cough, wash your hands often and well, and stay home when you’re sick.
If you have traveled to China, South Korea, Iran, Italy or Japan within the previous 14 days and experience fever, cough or another kind of illness, contact your health care provider as soon as possible and tell them your symptoms and about your recent travel.
In addition, it is still flu season and your chances of getting the flu are higher than of getting coronavirus. It is still a good idea to get a flu shot if you have not already done so or to take a flu antiviral if it is prescribed.
Yesterday, we held the first Unified Command Group meeting about coronavirus to ensure our state agencies are coordinating and communicating effectively across all departments about this illness. In addition, we have created a COVID-19 Task Force to lead Louisiana’s planning for different scenarios relating to the spread of coronavirus. It will offer guidance to state agencies, local governments, businesses and organizations.
As an initial step, the COVID-19 Task Force is recommending that all state agencies review and update their Continuity of Operations Plans (COOP) that were developed statewide in 2012 under GOHSEP’s direction to take coronavirus into account.
For updates on the state’s response to the coronavirus situation, visit the Louisiana Department of Health website.
Thank you for all of your hard work on behalf of the people of Louisiana. Together, we will work to keep the people of Louisiana healthy and to prevent the spread of illness in our state.
Sincerely,
Governor John Bel Edwards
28 February 2020 Update
As the number of cases of COVID-19 (coronavirus) increases in a number of countries – including the United States – Louisiana Tech University officials continue to monitor the spread of the virus.
No cases of the virus have been diagnosed in Louisiana, but state health officials remain vigilant and advise citizens to seek medical assistance if they develop a fever and symptoms of lower respiratory illness like a cough or shortness of breath.
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common throughout the world. These viruses can evolve and infect people and then spread through human-to-human contact.
Human coronaviruses spread just like the flu or a cold — through the air by coughing or sneezing; through close personal contact, like touching or shaking hands; by touching an object or surface with the viruses on it; and occasionally, through fecal contamination. Those most at risk for getting sick with coronavirus are those who have traveled to China and those caring for those who already have the virus.
Health-care professionals say one of the most important ways to help stop the spread of any virus is frequent and thorough hand-washing with soap and water for 20 seconds or longer.
The Louisiana Office of Public Health encourages everyone to protect themselves from illnesses such as the cold, flu, and also coronavirus:
- Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow. Do not use your hands.
- Clean surfaces frequently, such as countertops, light switches, cell phones and other frequently touched areas.
- Contain – if you are sick, stay home until you are feeling better.
If you need medical assistance, TechCare provides services for students, faculty, and staff. TechCare, Louisiana Tech’s Student Health Center, is located in the Lambright Sports and Wellness Center. The Center is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and is closed each day from 12:30-1 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome until 3:45 p.m. each day, or you may call 318.257.4866 for an appointment.
For after-hours or weekend care, individuals may visit QuickCare of Ruston at 1809 Northpointe Lane, Suite 102, or call 318.255.3762.