We write with an update on COVID-19 as it relates to the campus community. Late in the day on Monday, the government of Madrid ordered all schools to be closed in response to the spread of COVID-19. As a result, our spring term study abroad program in Madrid has been cancelled. This affects 24 students, all of whom are working with the Center for International Programs to develop alternate plans which might include study abroad elsewhere or staying on campus for spring classes.
We will continue to monitor developments related to COVID-19 domestically and internationally, and will communicate with impacted students directly.
Campus custodial staff have recently transitioned to using more aggressive cleaning supplies. We urge you to keep your own living spaces as clean as possible. Please refer to information provided by the Centers for Disease Control for resources for home.
If you are diagnosed with COVID-19 by a medical professional, please share that information with us. We ask that students who have a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 or are persons under investigation by a local health department notify the Student Health Center healthsv@kzoo.edu for further information and guidance. We ask that faculty and staff who have a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 or are persons under investigation by a local health department notify Human Resources for further information. This information will help us provide appropriate support to our entire campus community.
Spring Break is coming soon. Each of us needs to consider our own health and that of others as we make decisions about travel during the upcoming break. Our individual decisions have a direct impact on the health of our campus community. Please carefully reconsider travel plans if they will take you to areas of significant COVID-19 outbreak. Domestic information can be found at the CDC website and international information can be found at CDC international travel website.
Remember to continue robust prevention practices, including:
• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose, sneezing, or coughing.
• If you are unable to wash your hands, use hand sanitizer with at least a 60% alcohol content.
• Cough and sneeze into tissue, or into your sleeve. Throw the tissue away and wash your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Consider “elbow bumping” in lieu of shaking hands or fist bumping.
• Stay home and away from others when you are sick.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Thank you for being careful and considerate of others in our community.