March 2, 2020
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
Danley Hall, Suite 204
1100 E. 14th Street, PMB P-8 • Ada, OK 74820-6999
580-559-5213 office • 580-559-5788 fax • www.ecok.edu
Greetings Campus Community,
East Central University is actively monitoring the spread and impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and is pursuing measures to ensure the health and safety of the ECU community. A team of faculty, staff and administrators are scheduled to meet this week with the regional director of the Oklahoma State Department of Health to review our infection control protocol.
It is important for the University community to know that while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers this to be a serious public health concern, the immediate health risk to the general public in the United States is considered low at this time.
The ECU community is reminded that this is also cold and flu season, and we ask that you practice healthy habits:
- Frequent hand washing
- Staying home when you are ill, as rest allows the body to heal and decreases the spread of disease to others
- Covering your cough/sneeze with a tissue or your upper arm, then promptly washing your hands with soap and water
- Refraining from sharing food, drink, or utensils
- Getting plenty of rest and sleep, and drinking plenty of fluids, especially when ill
- Getting the seasonal flu vaccine to prevent the flu, which is much more common than the new coronavirus
If you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough or difficulty breathing, visit your primary care physician. Student Health Services is a resource for students with symptoms of the flu and other illnesses. The complete clinical picture with regard to COVID-19 is not fully understood. Reported illnesses have ranged from mild to severe. The CDC believes at this time that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure.
Travel restrictions and advisories may change frequently as this is a rapidly evolving situation. Travelers should be prepared for restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. We are reviewing scheduled international travel, using guidance from the U.S. Department of State, CDC, the World Health Organization (WHO) and various other sources. If you have questions regarding upcoming or proposed international travel, please contact the faculty sponsor leading the trip, the Global Studies Office (Dr. Mara Sukholutskaya), or the International Student Office (Jessika Bailey).
As Spring Break approaches, members of the ECU community are also encouraged to heed the advice of the CDC and the U.S. Department of State when considering personal travel plans.
Additional Resources:
- CDC Coronavirus Summary
- CDC Travel Advisories
- US Department of State Travel Advisories
- Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
- Oklahoma State Department of Health
Let’s work together to keep the campus healthy.
Sincerely,
Katricia G. Pierson, Ph.D.
President