Dear Members of the Methodist University Community,
You may have heard that North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper has declared a state of emergency in North Carolina. At this time, there is no reason for this to have a direct effect on classes or other events at Methodist University. While there are now 7 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in North Carolina, none are on the MU campus, nor in Fayetteville, nor in Cumberland County. The Governor has made this declaration so that the state will be eligible for federal money to help people who need testing or treatment. At this time, the Governor has made it clear that he is not calling for school closures, nor is he calling for cancelation of events like the ACC Tournament, which he says he plans to attend. MU classes will continue to meet, as will MU events, unless health authorities advise us otherwise.
Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself further:
- Wash your hands carefully and regularly.
- Avoid large public events if you are in an at-risk category (see the CDC website for more information).
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
- Cover with your sleeve or a tissue if you cough or sneeze.
- Stay home if you feel sick.
- Avoid shaking hands, hugging, kissing, and other close contact.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces used by multiple people.
- Avoid sharing things that come near the face – drink bottles, cell phones, etc.
- Report to a health facility if you experience fever, sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath.
We continue to monitor the situation very closely. Again, if health authorities advise us to take further steps, we will do so and inform you immediately. Our Epidemic Response Team is working on this around the clock. This team includes two infectious disease experts from the county health department, as well as experts from our own campus. We also receive regular guidance from Cape Fear Valley Medical Center.
As before, we urge you to remain calm, take appropriate preventative action, and keep yourselves informed. We have reason to be alert, but at this time, we have no reason to be alarmed.
Best regards,
Stanley T. Wearden, Ph.D.
President
William H. Walker, Ed.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs & Dean of Students