Tarleton keeps close eye on coronavirus

By Alexis Burkett

Multimedia Journalist

Tarleton State University has sent out numerous emails the past couple weeks addressing the university’s plan of action to protect against the Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The emails have been sent to students across campus, to prevent campus contamination with the virus. As this outbreak spreads through the United States, students, parents and faculty are concerned with the status of well-being and what precautions will be taken in the case of emergency.

Dr. James Hurley, Tarleton State University President, had sent out a university wide email reinstating that Tarleton will follow Texas A&M guidelines for the coronavirus outbreak. He stressed the importance of the well-being of Tarleton students and faculty.

Hurley had said that “All nonessential university-sponsored international travel, including study abroad, will be suspended until further notice. Costs already incurred by students will be fully reimbursed.”

He has also sent emails about May commencement ceremonies being cancelled, as well as all other on-campus activities and events.

In a more recent email sent out on March 24, Hurley states that commencement ceremonies are postponed until Aug. 7-9. Hurley also said that classes will be online for the entirety of the spring semester.

“The rapidly changing public health landscape necessitates that all courses remain online through the remainder of the spring semester,” Hurley said.

Tarleton is working with local and state agencies regarding COVID-19. Procedures are in place to contain a breakout of any infectious disease. Tarleton remains free of any cases of COVID-19, and no university-sponsored trips have been made to restricted countries (China, South Korea, Italy, Iran) this semester.

If any students have symptoms associated with COVID-19, such as fever, cough, shortness of breath or anything else stated by the CDC, should contact the Student Health Services. Faculty and staff are advised to contact their healthcare provider.

For the most recent update, please visit https://www.tarleton.edu/coronavirus/march-24-update.html. You can find more information about COVID-19 at https://www.cdc.gov/.