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Image of NSU logo and COVID-19 information

POSTED MARCH 22, 2020 - INFORMATION MAY HAVE CHANGED

 

Faculty, staff and students,

According to covid.sd.gov, Brown County has its first confirmed case of COVID-19. The confirmed case is a male between the ages of 60-69 who had recently traveled.

Beadle County (Huron, S.D.) reported six new cases and Governor Noem, in today’s press conference, urged residents of that county to immediately take proactive measures to protect themselves and their families from COVID-19. Key measures include following strict hygiene practices:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Refrain from touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects.

For students, staff or faculty living in Beadle County, S.D., please heed Gov. Noem’s suggestions.

  • Commit to telework
  • Self-isolation
  • Stagger work schedules

We have been preparing for this news and this first confirmed case illustrates the stark reality that although Northern, Aberdeen and South Dakota are located hundreds of miles from any highly impacted areas, our community is still susceptible to this pandemic.

We urge you to follow the above precautions, for the safety of yourselves and your family and friends.

Campus will remain closed to the general public until further notice. We encourage students, faculty and staff to limit face-to-face meetings and interactions starting immediately. This means continued changes and altered practices to essential business operations on campus and through remote work.

As online classes begin tomorrow (March 23), we ask for your patience and understanding as we all adapt to this situation. We also want to thank you for your willingness to acclimate to this new learning environment. If you have any concerns or issues accessing online content, please email access@northern.edu.

We remain in communication with local and state officials regarding this fluid situation. Please continue to watch for new developments by visiting covid.sd.gov and northern.edu/coronavirus.

-NSU Senior Cabinet