Angelo State Launches Corona Virus Update Website

SAN ANGELO, TX – Angelo State University has launched a website that provides students with updates on the coronavirus or COVID-19.

“The health and safety of all students, faculty, and staff at Angelo State University are our top priority, and we are taking a proactive approach to this situation,” said ASU President Brian May in a statement.

According to the website, the university is “coordinating with…healthcare partner, Shannon Clinic, and local health authorities to ensure…[they] have the best possible plans in place for prevention and response.”

Even though there are currently no known cases of COVID-19 at Angelo State or in the surrounding area, the school is providing tips for travel and prevention. The university is also providing guidelines in the event classes have to be canceled as a precautionary measure.

Students are advised to check CDC travel alerts and State Department advisories before traveling inside the United States. For students, faculty, and staff who plan to travel internationally, the school asks them to register before leaving or immediately upon return, using the linked travel form.

If travelers go to a country classified as Level 3 by the CDC, they will be required to report and self-isolate off-campus for 14 days before returning to campus. 

According to the CDC, China, Iran, South Korea, and Italy have been classified as a Level 3 Health Notice. The CDC asks that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to China and Iran and entry of foreign nationals from these destinations has been suspended.

Travelers to South Korea and Italy have also been asked to avoid all nonessential travel to these two countries.

As per OP 70.07, all international travel to countries classified as Level 3 or above by the CDC must be approved in advance.

Angelo State welcomes students from across the globe every semester and offers numerous study abroad programs for students that feature a multitude of countries and locations. The university is monitoring students who are currently studying abroad and will provide students with information about upcoming trips.

“Meghan Pace, Director of International Studies, is in regular contact with those who are currently abroad and will provide ongoing updates as the situation continues to develop,” said May. “We will provide additional information on summer semester study abroad programs in the coming weeks.”

If classes were canceled, students, faculty, and staff would be notified via ASU Alert and on the ASU website. In the event of a campus closure, courses would be scaled for online instruction. This would allow students to continue receiving instruction through Blackboard and other online resources.

The university has also provided students with the guidelines put forward by the CDC to prevent exposure and spread of any virus or respiratory disease:

• 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.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• 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 hands are visibly dirty.