Like colleges across the country, Longwood has been preparing to work with students who under state Department of Health and federal Centers for Disease Control guidance are asked to self-quarantine, either based on recent travel or possible contact with positive cases.
Currently at Longwood we have one student who is self-quarantining based on those recommendations. Out of an abundance of caution, the Virginia Department of Health has had the student tested for the virus on Tuesday, March 10. The results are not yet available and we will continue to communicate with campus.
The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is closely involved and in regular contact with us, and has told us no one else on campus needs to self-quarantine at this time. However, if you have flu-like symptoms, as always you should stay in your residence, and be in touch with your professors to let them know you need to miss class. You can contact the University Health Center at 434-395-2102.
In the event someone in our community does test positive for the virus, we are prepared to help them continue to self-quarantine and take any additional steps recommended. With our assistance, the Virginia Department of Health would contact those who may have been in contact with that person.
We know some in our community are wondering about campus events and possible travel. We are closely following VDH and CDC guidance. That guidance continues to indicate the risk to the general population remains low, and currently does not indicate a need to cancel campus events. There are also no generalized travel restrictions. However, please be aware that there is more specific guidance for individuals over 60 and those with severe underlying health issues, which anyone in those categories should consult. For the most updated travel guidance from the CDC, please check here https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html.
We continue to implement a comprehensive plan to keep campus clean. The VDH guidance remains to focus on hand-washing, using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, avoiding touching your face, and covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing and sneezing. VDH guidelines on coronavirus prevention can be found here: http://www.vdh.virginia.gov/surveillance-and-investigation/novel-coronavirus/
All campus updates will continue to be posted at alerts.longwood.edu.