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POSTED MARCH 3, 2020 - INFORMATION MAY HAVE CHANGED.

Faculty, staff and students -

As I’m sure most of you are aware, there is a worldwide outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, commonly referred to as the Coronavirus.

Northern has been in contact with the S.D. Board of Regents and Brown County Emergency Management regarding the outbreak. At this point, the threat of COVID-19 to South Dakota remains low. That being said, we must remain vigilant and have assembled a team to prepare for and discuss all possibilities.

Currently, the best thing you can do is take preventive measures. There are several sources that provide recommended practices, including the World Health Organization and S.D. Department of Health.

Avera Health Student Health Services, located in Student Center 254 (down the hall from Admissions), will be passing out alcohol-based hand gel throughout the week.

Other precautions against the flu and COVID-19 include:

  • Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze (with a tissue or into your sleeve).
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water (or alcohol-based hand gel).
  • Stay home if you are sick.

Since we are leading up to spring break, I also want to remind you of a few things.

  • I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable leave – please be safe and make responsible decisions.
  • If you are traveling (international or domestic), please be aware of the ongoing outbreak. This dashboard shows up-to-date cases of the COVID-19 virus.
  • During and after break, please be cognizant of your health and use the precautions outlined above.
  • These recommendations also apply to faculty and staff.

We are dealing with a scenario that is changing by the day, and it will take a campus, community, state, nationwide and global effort to contain this outbreak.

Our leadership team will continue to meet and discuss scenarios as situations change. We will also continue our collaboration with the Board of Regents, Brown County Emergency Management and others.

Updates will be provided at northern.edu/myNSU (top of the page, titled 'Information on the COVID-19 outbreak').

Be safe, have a great break and Go Wolves!

President Downs