Possible out-of-state Coronavirus case could impact NKY

NKU has taken precautionary measures by disinfecting potentially contaminated areas and canceling youth activities planned for spring break following a case of possible Coronavirus impacting the NKU community, according to a campus-wide email by Provost Sue Ott Rowlands. There have, however, been zero confirmed cases at NKU.

On Saturday, elementary, middle and high school students were on NKU’s campus for a youth camp in Landrum Hall. NKU personnel were later informed by the parent of two students that a family member, who recently visited them, was being tested out-of-state for “likely” Coronavirus.

“The family is following Northern Kentucky Health Department instructions to self-quarantine and await the test results, which are due later this week,” according to the release.

NKU has cleaned and disinfected Landrum Hall and all affected areas, following CDC recommendations with guidance from the Northern Kentucky Health Department. NKU has also canceled all youth activities planned from today through Saturday, March 14. According to the release, the cancellation is intended to follow CDC’s recommendation to limit person-to-person contact, which is how the virus is believed to be spread.

“We still have zero confirmed cases of Coronavirus at NKU,” the release reported.

As Coronavirus continues to spread around the world, NKU has made several plans to limit impact on the university’s community. Last week, NKU canceled two study abroad programs planned for spring break because there were confirmed cases of Coronavirus in the program’s destination areas. 

The university has also created a preparedness team to remain vigilant of potential campus impact of the virus. The team has a webpage for the campus community to stay up-to-date with news about the Coronavirus and how NKU continues to respond. Next week, the team will join the President’s Cabinet for Coronavirus tabletop exercise to better prepare the campus, according to the release.

This weekend, Kentucky has confirmed four cases of Coronavirus in the following counties: Harrison, Fayette and Jefferson. Each person tested positive for the virus has been placed in isolation. More information about the state impact of Coronavirus can be found on the Kentucky Department of Health’s Coronavirus webpage.

Students who are sick and need a consultation can reach NKU’s Health Services at 859-572-5650 or visit their local healthcare provider. 

The release has issued the following precautions for health and safety: 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially:
  • Before, during and after you prepare food,
  • Before you eat and after you use the bathroom,
  • After handling cash,
  • More frequently when someone in your home is sick.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Frequently clean doorknobs, light switches, phones and other items commonly touched with disinfectant wipes.
• Avoid contact with people who are obviously sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then discard it in the trash.
• With spring-break travel this week, stay up-to-date with the latest travel information from the CDC.