Coronavirus Update

March 11, 2020

To our LSUE students, faculty and staff,

We are aware of the ongoing efforts throughout the nation and world with the CO-VID 19 (Coronavirus) pandemic and we, along with the entire LSU system, are closely monitoring the situation.  Here is the latest updates for you as we will continue to notify our LSU Eunice community when any new information is available.

 

All the best,

 

Dr. Nancee Sorenson

 

  • There are no confirmed cases of coronavirus at LSU Eunice or LSU’s main campus in Baton Rouge. We know of at least one person in Baton Rouge who has expressed concern about exposure to the virus, and that has led to much public speculation. After investigation, it was determined that the individual in question is asymptomatic and not within the threat parameters set by the Centers for Disease Control and the Louisiana Office of Public Health. As of this time, there is no reason to believe anyone at LSU is clinically affected. We continue to follow the advice of public health officials to protect the health and well-being of our community. We encourage you to be cautious of rumors and speculation on social media or in other sources where factual information is not provided.
  • If anyone at LSU Eunice has concerns about being exposed to the virus, they should contact their health provider, and students may also contact the WellSmart Health Clinic inside the Acadian Center. We pledge to immediately inform the campus if there are any confirmed cases of coronavirus at LSU Eunice.
  • We are aware that other universities around the country are closing and/or moving to online classes. LSU is also considering these options, and last week, asked faculty members to prepare for the possibility of moving to an online format. At this time, with no confirmed cases at LSU, we are not yet opting to close or move entirely to online classes. The goal is to complete the spring semester, whether in person or online, so that all students get full credit for the semester and can matriculate or graduate without delay.
  • If LSU Eunice were to close, students who live on campus who are unable to leave will be accommodated. We recognize that some students are unable to travel home, and we absolutely will continue to provide those students with a place to live and with meals. Even if dining halls were to close for eating in, meals will still be provided to students who cannot leave campus.
  • Spring break is coming. We encourage the campus community not to travel during spring break. We realize many students had plans for spring break, and some have already spent money on those plans. But we ask you to consider where you would be traveling to, and what the situation would be like when you get there. Would the travel put you in close contact with others? Would it expose you to people from places where the virus is more prevalent than it is in Louisiana? Please use good judgment.
  • International travel of any kind is not recommended, and university-related travel must go through the university’s High-Risk Travel process. Travel to countries with a Level 3 or 4 designation will be denied, and travel to countries with a Level 1 or 2 designation will be seriously examined before a decision is made. While the university cannot control your personal travel, please know that international travel of any kind is not advisable, and that you may be required to self-quarantine when you return from that travel, depending on what country you have visited.
  • Non-essential business travel is strongly discouraged at this time. In general, it is best to avoid any travel that is not absolutely essential, whether that travel is business-related or personal.
  • We have received questions about upcoming events for the spring, from awards ceremonies to commencement to athletic events. Currently, because there are no cases of the virus at LSU Eunice or inside the LSU system, most events are still being held as planned. However, we are closely monitoring this situation, which is constantly changing, and are looking at all upcoming large-scale events and will communicate any cancellations to you as soon as we know them.
  • We have also received questions about summer classes, intersession, and summer camps. Since those events are still several months away, we will continue to follow developments and make decisions on those things as we get closer to them.

 

For the latest information on the virus, on travel advisories, and for any updates for the LSU Eunice and LSU community, please visit our website as well as follow LSU Eunice and LSU’s official social media channels.