Ensuring our community stays healthy is a top priority for Transylvania. While the coronavirus continues to generate significant news coverage, as of today there are no reported incidents in Kentucky and just 14 cases in the United States. Local, state and federal entities are, however, developing response plans in the event of a wider outbreak.
At the invitation of Mayor Linda Gorton, Transylvania officials will join community leaders and stakeholders next week to coordinate efforts citywide as Lexington develops its plans to prepare for and respond to the coronavirus. Additionally, a working group of university administrators will meet that same afternoon to discuss our campus protocols and action plans for responding to any possible health situation.
For our campus community, all cities where our students are currently studying abroad are being monitored by our Office of Global and Intercultural Engagement and we are in regular contact with those students. All May term and summer travel course locations will be evaluated closer to departure time. Scheduled travel to Asia for one staff member was cancelled out of an abundance of caution.
Moving forward, should we suspect any possible threat to our campus, we will provide further information to the community via email and publicly at transy.edu/health-alert.
- If you have questions about warning levels or travel plans, contact the Office of Global and Intercultural Engagement at 859-233-8125.
- If you have concerns about your health, please contact the university Health Clinic at 859-233-8127 or make an appointment online. Masks are available in the clinic for anyone wishing to wear one, and flu shots are still available for any member of the campus community.
- If you are feeling anxious or have concerns, we encourage our students to reach out to our Counseling Center at 859-281-3682, and we encourage our employees to reach out to The Woodland Group at 859-255-4864.
We also encourage everyone to continue to take preventative steps to limit the spread of any illness on campus.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- It is especially important to wash your hands:
- 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 residence is sick
- Before and after using public computers
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with your arm
- Frequently clean doorknobs, light switches and other commonly touched areas with disinfectant wipes
- Avoid contact with people who are ill
- Avoid sharing personal care items (cups, utensils, bedding, towels, etc.)
- Stay home from work or school if you are ill
For more information on this novel coronavirus, visit the CDC at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html.