Just two days after Lipscomb canceled all spring break mission trips due to concerns over the coronavirus, the COVID-19 virus made its first appearance in Tennessee just south of Lipscomb’s campus.
Despite this announcement from Gov. Bill Lee Thursday morning, as well as Williamson County’s immediate precautions to cancel all school for Friday and Monday to deep-clean all facilities, President Randy Lowry informed faculty in an email that there were no cases of the virus nor were there any significant risks reported on Lipscomb’s campus.
Even though there is no direct threat to Lipscomb right now, Lowry did announce the precautions Lipscomb has already taken, which include the relocation of the Florence study abroad students and the aforementioned cancellation of all spring break international mission trips, as well as new restrictions and recommendations that the school is implementing.
Of these restrictions, the most notable is the travel ban that is being enforced on students and faculty. The terms as presented in the email are listed below:
“In terms of employee business-related travel and other school-sponsored travel, such is fully restricted until further notice to any country or area that meets any of the following criteria:
- Has a rating by the CDC at a Level 2 or higher, or
- Has a rating by the U.S. Department of State at a Level 3 or higher, or
- Is restricting or banning travel.
Any employee or student who independently visits a location that meets any of these criteria is restricted from campus for a 14-day isolation period. If this situation applies to you, employees should inform your supervisor and students should inform Dr. Randy Bouldin, vice provost for academics.”
The email also asked anyone who is not feeling well and experiencing a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher to isolate themselves. Individuals who are not sick should also take precautions by washing their hands and being vigilant to employ other hygiene practices.
For more information, the University has set up this site to provide information to students, faculty and family. In addition, the pharmacy department has created this informational video.
Lipscomb is keeping a constant watch on the spread and effect of this virus. Officials will continue to monitor this situation and meet frequently to make important decisions regarding the safety of the Lipscomb community as coronavirus continues to develop.