Critical Information Concerning Coronavirus

March 2, 2020

Dear Lincoln University Community,

As news regarding the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak continues to evolve, we want you to know that we are working closely with the Chester County Health Department and the Pennsylvania Department of Health to monitor COVID-19 conditions and make decisions about the best steps to take concerning the health of our students, faculty, and staff.

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person just like the flu or a cold through the air by coughing or sneezing; through close personal contact, like touching or shaking hands; by touching an object or surface with the viruses on it; and occasionally, through fecal contamination. There are currently no cases of COVID-19 in Chester County or Pennsylvania. At this time, the virus is not spreading in the community, so there is no need to change daily routines.

We have protocols in place to minimize the spread of illness to our students, faculty, and staff and we are reviewing our emergency preparedness plans in the event of a widespread outbreak that requires more action. We have and will continue to work with the Chester County Health Department to implement plans and protocols quickly. Currently, our custodial crews are performing additional cleanings of classrooms and touch surfaces such as desktops and door handles. We are doing our very best to prevent the spread of illness.

All students, staff, and families are advised to follow the same practices that help prevent the spread of the flu and other illnesses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners that are at least 60-95% alcohol are also effective.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes. The main way that the flu spreads is from person to person is in the droplets produced by coughs and sneezes, so it is important to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or cough/sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands.
• Make an appointment to get your free flu shot on campus at Health Services.
• Do not share personal items such as drinks, food or utensils.
• Do not attend class if you are sick. Refer to the Student Handbook for specific attendance policies.  
• Sick individuals should remain at home for at least 24 hours after there is no longer a fever or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medicine like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Our priority is the health and well-being of students, faculty, and staff. We will remain vigilant with the ongoing situation and will notify you of any additional changes to our strategy to prevent the spread of COVID19.

We recommend you regularly check Chester County Health Department’s website current information about COVID-19 in Chester County at https://www.chesco.org/4376/2019-Novel-Coronavirus.

For more information about COVID-19, visit CDC: Coronavirus Prevention & Treatment.

Should you have any questions or concerns beyond what has been provided, please contact your health care provider or Lincoln University’s Office of Health Services at 484-365-7338.

Please review and share these printable resources:

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Flyer - Be Informed. Be Prepared.
• Poster: Stop the Spread of Germs
• Poster: Wash your Hands
• Poster: Fight the Flu

Sincerely,

Brenda A. Allen
President