Initial Communication on 3/12/2020

Published: April 13, 2021

No cases.

There are currently no confirmed or suspected cases of coronavirus involving any Greenville University students or employees. (updated 3/11/2020). After Spring Break (March 9-13) classes will resume March 16.

• Students or employees experiencing symptomsfever, coughing, shortness of breathshould see a doctor for testing before returning to campus.

GU prepared.

Greenville University leaders continue to work with local and state health departments, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) to closely monitor developments. Recommended precautions are the same as those we already take for influenza. We know what to do.

You can help us and your community by following these standard precautions.

• 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 cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

GU has taken rigorous mitigation measures for our students and community members:

• An emergency response planning committee (ERPC) was established and has been meeting more than daily.
• The ERPC identified what departments are essential to the continuing operations of the university during a crisis.
• Essential departments have been required to prepare continuity of operation plans to ensure that they can provide vital services in a pandemic crisis.
• Frequently Asked Questions were prepared for employees.
• All University procedures were reviewed for impact from COVID-19 and adjusted accordingly.
• A website page devoted to communication and helpful resources is up and will continue to be updated as more information is available.
• GU leaders, as well as our community life and campus safety teams remain in close contact with local, state, and federal agencies to receive their recommendations.
• GU has an up-to-date emergency response plan that includes a pandemic response.
• We verified with the Illinois Public Health Department that our cleaning supplies are the correct ones to fight viruses.
• We stocked up on cleaning supplies.
• We significantly increased our cleaning regimen of public places.
• We posted cautionary signage on proper hygiene to avoid illness.
• We distributed hand sanitizer throughout campus.
• We will encourage social distancing if necessary.

GU Communicates.

We commit to sharing accurate and timely information as the situation evolves. Check back on this webpage often. We will post all communication and updates to this webpage as we communicate with our community.

• GU has a text alert system for students and employees, who had the opportunity to opt into this system when they first registered. Students who would like to confirm or update their registration may click here. All, employeesfaculty and staffmay confirm or update their registration on this staff registration form.

GUs ideal location.

GUs location in an area of low population density puts us at a lower risk for virus exposure.

• Campus is located within one mile of two approved testing sites, the local hospital and the county health department.
• These sites can confirm new cases within hours.

On Monday, March 9, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker issued a disaster proclamation for the state in response to the coronavirus. This precautionary step positions Illinois to receive federal funds to help manage the situation.

Tips to Avoid Infection

TheIllinois Department of Public Health(IDPH) recommends taking the following precautions to protect against infection.

• 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 with at least 60% alcohol.
• 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 cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Helpful links.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Illinois Department of Public Health

State of Illinois