March 11, 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
Dear ECU Students,
In response to the rapidly growing number of cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) worldwide, we ask that you exercise caution with your choices to travel during Spring Break. Even if you are not traveling abroad, you could still be exposed as the number of reported cases is currently rising, albeit slowly, in the U.S.
Since individuals may be contagious without showing symptoms, the virus can easily spread. This could happen at large gatherings and venues, in airports, on mass transit, at concerts, etc. Current symptoms reported for patients with COVID-19 have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. This virus seems to be spreading from person to person. Please note the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) presently discourages all non-essential travel.
Here is an excellent CDC resource that I strongly encourage any of you planning to travel for Spring Break to read and consult: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/spring-break-travel.
The Oklahoma State Department of Health has established a COVID-19 hotline, 877-215-8336, which has additional guidance information.
We recommend that everyone follow these everyday preventive practices while traveling or at home:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning product.
Your well-being and safety are very important to us. We will continue to monitor and plan for any new developments and will remain committed to providing you with up-to-date information as it comes available. Please continue to check your ECU email for campus updates.
Have a safe and fun Spring Break,
Sincerely,
Katricia G. Pierson, Ph.D.
President