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.