CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Austin Peay State University President Alisa White announced that an off-campus student and a university staff member tested positive for the new coronavirus.
They are the university's first confirmed cases of COVID-19. The student hasn’t been to campus in several weeks, and the staff member was last on campus on March 14.
University officials said they notified all campus community members who were in contact with the student or staff member and told them to take the necessary precautions for self-quarantining.
“Although this is news we hoped to avoid, it is not unexpected given the rapid spread of this virus across the country,” White said in an email to campus. “Still, I know it is a cause of concern.
“I urge our students, employees and community members to continue to take care of themselves,” White continued. “We are hopeful the student and staff member both have a full and rapid recovery.”
Austin Peay officials encouraged students to leave campus if they are able to, and the University has moved all face-to-face classes online or to other non-face-to-face formats for the rest of the spring semesters and through summer classes.
“This crisis is ever-changing and has impacted our campus, our community, our families and our lives,” White said. “None of us has faced these challenges before, and I appreciate the support you have shown as we move forward.
For more information about Austin Peay’s response to the coronavirus, click here.
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What is COVID-19 (a.k.a. the new coronavirus?)
According to the World Health Organization, coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Examples include the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV)and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. COVID-19 stands for "Coronavirus disease 2019," which is when this strain of the coronavirus was discovered.
What are the symptoms?
The CDC says patients confirmed to have the 2019-nCoV reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Or at least two of the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Repeated shaking with chills
- Muscle pain
- Headache
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
At this time, the CDC believes symptoms could appear as soon as two days after exposure, or as long as 14 days.
Prevention
The CDC is recommending "common sense" measures such as:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- 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 mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
