Message to Students, Faculty, and Staff from President Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:

Please be advised that the Commonwealth of Virginia has a total of five presumptive positive or confirmed cases of COVID-19.  The first case was confirmed over the weekend.  All five cases are in Northern Virginia.  At this time, there are no presumptive positive or confirmed cases in our region.  For in-state monitoring, visit the Virginia Department of Health website at www.vdh.virginia.gov/coronavirus.

As COVID-19 continues to evolve both internationally and nationally, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is encouraging individuals to exercise good hygiene and healthy habits, such as: avoiding close contact with people who are sick; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; and not going to school and/or work when you are sick.  Also, cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash, and clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

The CDC has advised that handwashing is critical.  As such, 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.  And, always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.  The CDC’s COVID-19 information portal is available at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.

The University continues to monitor this evolving situation and will provide continued updates to the campus community.  For COVID-19 information and updates, visit www.radford.edu/coronavirus.

Sincerely,

Brian O. Hemphill, Ph.D.
President