The health and safety of our students and employees is a top priority for Barton College. Barton remains vigilant as it continues to monitor world updates regarding the coronavirus. While we do not have any cases of coronavirus on Barton’s campus, we continue to be proactive in our preparations and in our campus messaging, as we share preventive measures to avoid becoming ill during this flu season.
As you may be aware, the state of North Carolina has identified its first case of the new coronavirus (COVID-19). Barton College continues to work closely with the Wilson County Health Department in actively monitoring this situation and preparing to respond according to guidelines and directives by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). At this time, the College will continue normal operations and follow the directives of the Wilson County Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
Travel
None of the College’s current study abroad or spring break travel trips have been held at a destination with a current travel advisory or restriction. Please follow CDC direction if you are planning any upcoming international travel.
Symptoms
The symptoms of COVID-19 include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of Breath
If you experience any of these symptoms, stay home or in your residence hall room and do not come to work or class.
If You Experience Any Symptoms
Resident Students
- Stay in your residence hall room and do not go to class, the Culinary Center, or other spaces on campus. The College will make arrangements to deliver Culinary Services meals to you.
- Call the Student Health Center at 252-399-6397 Monday-Friday between 9am and 4pm, and they will advise you on resources and next steps. If you experience symptoms after hours or over the weekend, please call the Professional On-Call Staff Member at 252-289-7993.
- If you have not already called the Student Health Center, send an email to healthcenter@barton.edu to have Health Services’ staff determine if communication to your faculty members about class absences is appropriate.
Commuting Students
- Stay home and do not come to campus.
- Call your primary healthcare physician and they will advise you on resources and next steps.
- Email the Student Health Center at healthcenter@barton.edu to have Health Services’ staff determine if communication to your faculty members about class absences is appropriate.
Employees
- Stay home and do not come to campus.
- Call your primary healthcare physician and they will advise you on resources and next steps.
- Inform your supervisor that you will be away from the office and return when your physician has confirmed you are well.
- Email the Student Health Center at healthcenter@barton.edu or contact Vicky Morris, AVP for Human Resources, at vamorris@barton.edu or (252) 399-6330 to inform them of your physician’s instructions.
Barton College will follow appropriate protocols to protect confidentiality while promoting community welfare.
Prevention
As the CDC notes, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. (If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.)
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- The CDC does not recommend that people who are not exhibiting symptoms wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a healthcare facility).
For Questions
The College will continue to email and post updates to the campus community, including specific directives for action and decisions regarding campus operations.
Students
For questions, please contact Joe Dlugos, Dean of Student Life, at jadlugos@barton.edu.
Employees
For questions, please contact Vicky Morris, AVP for Human Resources, at vamorris@barton.edu.