SIU creates emergency response team to combat Coronavirus

By Bethany Rentfro, Staff Reporter

As more cases of the Coronavirus are being diagnosed in the United States, many people are asking what SIU is doing to prevent the spread of the disease. 

SIU Chancellor John Dunn said the university has created an “all-hazards” preparedness team to evaluate and plan for all possible scenarios should the virus come to southern Illinois. 

This team will address plans for how classes will be handled and how the residence halls will be managed and related personnel policies. 

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According to a release from the university, the team includes representatives from student health, counseling, housing, academic affairs, student affairs, university communications and other areas. 

In the release, Dunn said students who are heading home for spring break to take the precautions recommended by the CDC to avoid exposure to the virus. 

See More: Center for Disease Control: Prevention,Treatment of Coronavirus 

“The decisions we make moving forward will be informed by agencies and experts who have access to the latest knowledge and best practices,” Dunn said. 

The release said anyone who thinks they might have the virus should contact their local healthcare provider before returning to campus. 

“Our primary goal is to ensure that we are doing everything possible to protect the health, safety and welfare of our campus community,” Dunn said.

Staff reporter Bethany Rentfro can be reached via email at [email protected]

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