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March 31, 2020 | Notification of a Confirmed Case of COVID-19

Chris Hart, Dean of Operations

March 31, 2020

This timely warning to all members of the Spalding University community is to comply with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act).

Members of the Spalding University Community,

The outbreak of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues to be a growing concern locally, nationally and globally. The well-being of the community is our University’s first priority.

With that concern guiding every decision we make, we are writing to inform you of recent events relative to COVID-19.

Over the past two weeks, we’ve sought to continually provide you with updates in the form of emails, social media posts, and briefings about Spalding’s response to – and preparedness for – COVID-19.

The latest information and resources about the virus, including an archived link to this notice, can be found on the Spalding University website:

This one-time communication is part of a federally required safety notification related to COVID-19.

Earlier this afternoon, we received a report that one staff member has tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. This individual has been hospitalized since Saturday, March 28 and continues to receive inpatient treatment. Faculty, staff and students who may have had contact with this individual on or shortly before March 28, 2020 are being contacted separately.

As of Monday evening, March 30, at least 163 confirmed positive cases have been reported in Jefferson County, out of a total of 480 cases statewide. The increase in positive cases shows the importance of the steps we have taken in accordance with state and federal governmental and public health directives and recommendations including: self-quarantine guidelines, remote learning and telecommuting, cancellation of events and other social distancing strategies.

The most important health measure we can take as a community to stop the spread of COVID-19 is social distancing.

Here is additional information about social distancing and why it is important:

  • Social distancing is deliberately increasing the physical space between people to avoid spreading illness, according to Johns Hopkins University. Staying at least six feet away from other people lessens your chances of catching COVID-19.
  • The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person – between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet); or through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
  • It’s important to stay informed through visiting the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which provides pages of resources. The Kentucky Department for Public Health has created an informational webpage for COVID-19 at  kycovid19.ky.gov and a COVID-19 hotline at (800) 722-5725.
  • What are the differences of social distancing, self-quarantine and self-isolation? It’s recommended that everyone who is well practice social distancing at this time and keep a safe distance from others. … Self-quarantine is appropriate for people who have been exposed to the virus and who are at risk for coming down with COVID-19. Health experts recommend that a self-quarantine lasts 14 days, which provides enough time to know whether or not a person will become ill and contagious to other people.  … Self-isolation is for keeping people who have tested positive for COVID-19 away from those who are not infected. Self-isolation can take place at home or at a hospital or care facility.

We appreciate your continued support as we work together to navigate a fluid, unprecedented period for our country brought on by the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

Sincerely,

Christopher B. Hart

Chief of Staff/Dean of Operations
Office of the President
Spalding University