A statement from the president about the novel coronavirus

Dear Randolph community members,

As I’m sure you are aware, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) is closely monitoring the outbreak of respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus, which was first identified in December in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2,” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019 (abbreviated COVID-19). The disease can sometimes be severe or fatal.

The first case in the United States was confirmed on Jan. 21, and since that time, a total of 53 have been reported, 39 of which involve people who contracted the virus abroad. While there are no cases reported as of yet in Virginia, the CDC has announced that the virus is likely to spread in the United States.

The threat to our community at this point is low; however, this could change rapidly if the number of reported cases in the United States continues to rise. Randolph is closely monitoring the situation and staying in frequent contact with the local and state health departments. In addition, our Critical Incident Management Team is meeting to review our plans and procedures for any potential situations that may arise.

We will continue to provide updates as needed to our community to ensure that you have the resources you need to stay healthy and safe. In the meantime, I urge you to continue to follow those preventative hygiene practices that are important not just during flu season, but all-year long:

• Wash your hands often and carefully with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick AND do not go out in public when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue.
• Use disinfectant wipes to clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Get a flu vaccine.

Up-to-date information and guidance on the disease can be found on the Center for Disease Control website, located here: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html.

The Randolph College Health Center has created a web page with updates and information specifically for the Randolph College community about COVID-19.

Sincerely,

Bradley W. Batemen

President