Important Message about COVID-19 from President Chillo (3.24.2020)

Every day brings new challenges and guidance as COVID-19 continues to impact our communities.  The University has been informed that a current student has tested positive for COVID-19.  The University is working with the student to identify those that she/he has been in contact with as of the individual’s last day on-campus (Monday, March 16).

As the University has been taking the necessary steps to ensure the safety of our students and employees based on recommendations of the CDC and our local health officials, I ask that all of you heed these recommendations.  For the health and safety of our Thomas More community and the communities that we all live in, you should remain at home and take appropriate measures to consolidate and reduce the needs of our campus.  As we communicated on March 22, only essential personnel should be working on-campus.

We are facing an unexpected public health crisis that continues to evolve every day. The most important thing each of us can do to combat the virus is to be informed, be prepared, and practice the precautionary measures recommended by the CDC.  I strongly encourage our students and alumni to listen to these recommendations and to practice them to ensure that you and your families remain safe.  The virus is affecting all age groups and how you respond makes all the difference to you and the people around you.

Per the CDC’s guidelines:

• The best way to prevent the illness is to avoid being exposed. Since the virus is thought to spread from person-to-person, the best actions we can take is to stay home.
• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in a public place, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Practice social distancing, placing emphasis on this if you’re around someone who might be of higher risk.
• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.
• Avoid cruise travel and non-essential air travel, while also keeping in mind our University 14-day self-quarantine policy for international travel.
• Prepare your family – find local information on COVID-19, know the signs and symptoms, take steps for those at higher risk, create a household plan, and stay informed.

Please keep our fellow Saint who is dealing with this virus firsthand in our thoughts and prayers. As always, the best place to find resources regarding the University’s response to COVID-19 is on our website – www.thomasmore.edu/covid-19. On the page, students will also find resources for successfully navigating online learning, as well as other information on support services for students.

With best regards,

President Chillo