NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Trevecca Nazarene University will extend spring break and move to online-only instruction until March 30 amid COVID-19 concerns.
The university said while there are no confirmed cases of the new coronavirus at Trevecca, the decision was made in order to protect its students, faculty and staff.
"Our decision regarding face-to-face classes and campus operations has not been quick or easy," said Dr. Dan Boone, president of Trevecca. "The effort underway nationally is to flatten the curve of contagion that has spiked rapidly in other countries. Educational institutions are prime players in the spread of a virus. As members of a global family, we want to love our neighbors by minimizing the spread of the virus."
Spring break will be extended through March 17 for on-campus undergraduate students. Classes will resume on March 18 with only online instruction until at least March 30.
Student activities are being evaluated, but Trevecca said most have already been canceled through the end of the month. Only outdoor athletic events will continue at this time.
Residential students who need access to their residential halls or apartments to grab essential items are asked to contact their residence director to schedule a time to do so. Those students will not be allowed to move into on-campus housing until March 29 at the earliest.
Trevecca said the decision to resume on-campus instruction by March 30 will be made no later than March 23.
For more information, visit Trevecca's website.
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COUNTY-BY-COUNTY CASES IN TENNESSEE
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.
