COVID-19 Update - Necessary Precautions

I hope and pray that every member of the Southeastern family is safe and healthy.

Unfortunately, under the current circumstances, health and safety cannot be automatically assumed. 

The coronavirus that has upended our lives continues to spread around the world as we find ourselves in the midst of a pandemic that has touched virtually everyone in some fashion.

Unprecedented times call for unprecedented measures.  Accordingly, vast parts of our country’s population are essentially hunkered down, hiding from the virus.  Here in Louisiana, the most recent Executive Order issued yesterday by Governor John Bel Edwards includes a statewide “stay at home” order, with limited travel exceptions to procure essentials such as food, medicine or medical care. 

At present, almost all our faculty, staff and students are working and studying from home.  I could not be prouder of the efforts of our Southeastern family members thus far, and I know that all of us are being affected, stressed and challenged in ways not previously imagined. 

There is only one way forward through this and that requires all of us to work together.  We must continue to support each other and strive to act in ways that benefit the greater good.  As such, I implore each of you to ensure you are doing the following to help slow the spread of the virus:

Rigorously implement social distancing measures. This means avoiding contact with groups and other individuals, maintaining a separation from other individuals of at least 6 feet. 
Rigorously implement personal protective measures - washing hands frequently, using hand sanitizer, employing appropriate coughing/sneezing protocols, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, etc. More detailed instructions can be found on the COVID-19 resources webpage (link). 
I cannot overemphasize the importance of the above measures.  Our ability to control the spread of the virus is dependent on everyone strictly adhering to these practices.

Medical experts are now learning that many individuals who have been infected with the coronavirus show few or no symptoms yet are contagious, potentially spreading the virus to others who may be far more vulnerable.  This is why it is so important that the social distancing and personal protective measures, which I have referenced above, are followed by everyone.

I implore each and every Southeastern family member to take all of the necessary precautions seriously - you may be saving your own life, and the life of someone you or someone else deeply cares about.

I know that if we all do the right thing together, we will emerge from this unprecedented situation stronger than ever.  Southeastern truly is a family, and I want all of our family here with us when we return and resume our normal university life.  Please stay safe and healthy.

 

John L. Crain
President