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Calhoun County now has a confirmed case of COVID-19. Remember do your part to protect yourself and others from any infectious disease: 1. Cover your coughs and sneezes 2. Wash hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds 3. Practice social distancing- trying stay 6 ft away of other people 4. Do NOT touch your face, eyes, nose, or mouth. 5. Clean and disinfect frequently used surfaces For more information and full list of confirmed cases in Alabama http://alabamapublichealth.gov/infectiousdiseases/2019-coronavirus.html #PreparedNotScared

We have received notification from Alabama Dept of Public Health that Calhoun County now has a confirmed case of COVID-19.

Our campus and local leaders have been working tirelessly to keep our community safe from COVID-19, and we are thankful there are still no confirmed cases within Calhoun County. We can continue to “flatten the curve” by following social distancing guidelines and good hygiene practices. Here are some helpful tips: - Don’t be a spreader! Remember, you can shed the virus without being ill, then spread it to more vulnerable populations like the elderly or those with compromised immune systems. So, avoid gatherings. - Wash your hands! Can’t find hand sanitizer? Washing your hands is more effective anyway. - Avoid touching your face unless you have just washed your hands. Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. - Clean and disinfect your surroundings, including your cellphone. The surface of your phone has a collection of germs. Make sure you’re wiping it down at least once a day. - Sneeze or cough into the crook of your arm or a tissue. If you must cough or sneeze in your hands, be sure to wash them. - Stay home. Period. Social distancing is the best defense against fighting the spread of COVID-19. When you must go out, try to maintain six feet of distance between yourself and others. If you are sick, don’t go out. - Get some fresh air. Take a walk or a bike ride on the Ladiga Trail (keeping your distance between others). If you decide to visit Little River Canyon National Preserve for a hike or to see the falls, please note that the JSU Canyon Center is closed for the next two weeks. The National Park Service will keep its roads, trails, and overlooks open, but the indoor restrooms, movie theater, and gift shop are closed. For questions, call the Canyon Center at 256-845-3548 or NPS offices at 256-845-9605. - Go to the doctor if you are sick. The Student Health Center is still open, and services are free to faculty, staff and students. Hours are Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Transportation for students from campus to the health center, if needed, is available by calling 256-782-5885. - If you think you may have COVID-19 contact your primary care provider or plan to visit the Student Health Center. Be sure to call ahead. They may route you through a special entrance away from other patients. - If you are diagnosed with COVID-19, please let the university know by sending an email to Dr. Oye Akisanya or Dr. Phyllis Waits. This information will be kept confidential on a need-to-know basis to help us keep the campus community safe.We understand this is an unusual time for all of us. The best thing we can do is come together as a community and look out for one another. Updates/Reminders Most JSU offices are now closed until after Spring Break, but staff is still monitoring voicemail. If you need to reach someone, please leave a message. The department will return your call as soon as possible. Search the directory online here for contact info. The Technology Support Center (TSC) will be providing technology and user account support via email on Thursday and Friday, March19-20. Please contact the TSC by emailing techcenter@jsu.edu. Staff will review the requests and respond accordingly. Thank you, Dr. Don C. Killingsworth, Jr. Acting President

Per JSU: "The university continues to adjust operations in response to COVID-19. In accordance with the Center for Disease Control’s new recommendations regarding social distancing, the university is making the following modifications to operations to help keep our campus safe. On Tuesday and Wednesday, March 17-18, all non-essential JSU personnel will test their ability to continue operations while working remotely. Essential personnel, as identified by their supervisors, will report to campus these two days.  The university will extend Spring Break by two days, beginning on Thursday, March 19, for all faculty, staff and students. Offices will be closed through Sunday, March 29. Some essential staff may need to be available on Thursday and Friday, March 19-20, to assist students with registration and payment. Supervisors will notify these individuals. On March 27, the administration will evaluate and announce when 12-month staff will return to campus.  Classes will resume online following Spring Break on March 30. The administration will evaluate and announce on April 3 when and if the university will resume in-person classes this semester. Students who need to reach faculty or advisors during this time should email them directly. Priority registration for the summer and fall semesters has been changed as follows: March 17 – Seniors, 96+ hours earned, 8 a.m. March 17 – Juniors, 64+ hours earned, 12 p.m. March 18 – Sophomores, 32+ hours earned, 8 a.m. March 18 – Freshmen, 12 p.m. Hours of Operation: Housing will remain open for students who wish to remain on campus. Please check out through your RA if you choose to leave. Dining: Jack Hopper Dining Hall will be open regular hours March 16-18; beginning Thursday, March 19 through Sunday, March 29, it will be open for Brunch, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and for Dinner, 5-7 p.m. In the TMB Food Court, Chick-fil-A, Freshen's, and Mein Bowl will be open March 16-18, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. then closed for spring break. The Gamecock Diner, The Peak Cafe, Starbucks, Jazzman's, and WOW are now closed until further notice. The Red Rooster will be open Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Student Health Center will remain open as follows: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Transportation for students from campus to the health center, if needed, is available by calling 256-782-5885.​ On-call counseling is available to students. Please call campus police at 256-782-5050 and they will connect you with an on-call counselor. The University Police Department will remain open 24/7. Call 256-782-5050 if you need assistance. The Recreation and Fitness Center will reduce hours to Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, 12-8 p.m. Intramural sports and Adventure Rec activities are cancelled until further notice. Guest and dependent passes are not available for purchase at this time. The Gamecock Express will suspend operations after 7 p.m. tonight until further notice. Houston Cole Library will be open March 17-18, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and will be closed during Spring Break. Library virtual reference chat will be available from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20. All electronic resources currently available through the library’s web pages will remain remotely accessible through the duration of the semester. The Bookstore will be open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until Friday, March 20, then closed March 21-29. The Mail Center will provide delivery through Wednesday. Departments can pick up mail Thursday and Friday, March 19-20. The center will be closed next week. Student Success will provide tutoring services and students will be able to request an online tutoring session by emailing acetutoring@jsu.edu. Once the form is filled out, a tutor will reach out to students directly to set up an appointment for their session. For students who already have assigned Success Coaches in ACE, coaches will be contacting them directly to set up a time to meet. We suggest that students have access to a computer or smartphone with strong internet in order to complete the session. To find out which subjects ACE offers tutoring in, visit their website. We understand graduating seniors are concerned about spring commencement. The administration has not yet made a decision and will revisit this issue following Spring Break.  As we dismiss for Spring Break, we urge all faculty, staff and students to be mindful of the spread of COVID-19 around the nation, practice social distancing, and maintain awareness of travel restrictions by continuing to visit our website as well as the CDC website. We wish you a happy and health spring break and appreciate all the work everyone has done to convert our campus to best serve our students and community as we move ahead. Thank you, Dr. Don Killingsworth, Jr.  Acting President"

March 16, 2020 9:45 AM We received word this morning from staff at Regional Medical Center Anniston that the COVID-19 test performed on the Person Under Investigation within the JSU family was negative. This is excellent news for the patient and all of us here at Jacksonville State University. We wish to express our gratitude to the medical professionals at RMC Anniston for providing their assistance during this time. We also thank the student for cooperating with self-isolation and wish him a speedy recovery. We are aware that additional people connected with JSU have also been tested within the past few days as testing has become more widely available in our state. If we learn that a student, staff, or faculty member has been diagnosed with COVID-19, we will share that information with the campus community. As you are likely aware, the number of COVID-19 cases in the State of Alabama climbed over the weekend. While no cases have been confirmed currently in Calhoun County, it is important that we all remain vigilant, practice good hygiene, and limit contact with others in public spaces. Please continue to wash your hands, cover your cough, sanitize your cellphones, and practice social distancing. Thank you, Dr. Don Killingsworth, Jr. Acting President

Guidance as of 3/15/2020: Large events and mass gatherings can contribute to the spread of COVID-19 in the United States via travelers who attend these events and introduce the virus to new communities. Examples of large events and mass gatherings include conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies. These events can be planned not only by organizations and communities but also by individuals. Therefore, CDC, in accordance with its guidance for large events and mass gatherings, recommends that for the next 8 weeks, organizers (whether groups or individuals) cancel or postpone in-person events that consist of 50 people or more throughout the United States. Events of any size should only be continued if they can be carried out with adherence to guidelines for protecting vulnerable populations, hand hygiene, and social distancing. When feasible, organizers could modify events to be virtual. This recommendation does not apply to the day to day operation of organizations such as schools, institutes of higher learning, or businesses. This recommendation is made in an attempt to reduce introduction of the virus into new communities and to slow the spread of infection in communities already affected by the virus.  This recommendation is not intended to supersede the advice of local public health officials. Printer Friendly Version

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Per JSU: “As of this evening, JSU still does not have COVID-19 results to share for the Person Under Investigation tested on March 12. This student’s condition is improving, but the student remains in isolation until we receive official diagnostics. We will share the results as soon as they become available. The two students from Northwest Georgia who were possibly exposed to COVID-19 never exhibited symptoms and their self-quarantine period has now expired. They are to be praised for immediately notifying the University of their exposure, voluntarily isolating, and keeping the University informed of their condition. We are grateful for their cooperation and thankful they are well. On Monday, University classes will continue transitioning to be delivered via distance/online learning until April 3. Exceptions to this contingency will be made on a case-by-case basis and will include experiences such as clinicals, practica, internships, or other unique situations. We recognize this is a significant change for many of our students who were registered for in-person classes and/or hybrid. We also recognize the hard work faculty have put forth in converting these types of classes so student learning can continue. The University applauds the tremendous efforts of our faculty and students. Further, the University is providing the necessary resources for students and faculty as we continue to address these challenging times. The University is continuing to adhere to social distancing guidelines. Campus will be open for regular business on Monday, March 16. All housing and dining locations remain open, as well as the Recreation and Fitness Center. Reminders and Updates Some Academic Deadlines Extended  The final date to drop a class without academic penalty has been extended to April 6. The last day to drop passing or withdraw with academic penalty has been extended to April 21. Housing University Housing will remain open. For more information, please visit the Housing website (http://www.jsu.edu/housing/ ). Check often for updates. Dining Campus dining locations will be open regular hours. Gamecock Express Campus routes are currently running Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Blue Route, Gamecock Village is currently running Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. Blue Route, The Point currently running Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. For students who need transport to the Student Health Center we have a Fleet Van currently running from Ayers Hall Central Stop directly to Student Health Center (no other stops), Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Campus Bookstore The Campus Bookstore will be open Monday-Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Houston Cole Library The library is temporarily closed to the general public. Therefore, faculty, staff and students must show ID for access. Beginning Monday, March 16, the library will be open reduced hours, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., through Friday, March 20. The library will be closed during Spring Break, reopening Monday, March 30, with reduced hours, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. iPads Available for Checkout  A limited number of iPads are available for students needing them for coursework. These may be checked out at the circulation desk in the lobby of Houston Cole Library. Recreation and Fitness Center The Recreation and Fitness Center will be open regular hours, but no fitness classes or intramural sports will be offered. Student Workers Student workers (Federal Work Study and University Aid) should report to work as usual. If a student worker does not want to work, the student should contact his or her supervisor. Graduate Administrative, Research and Teaching Assistants will continue to work; responsibilities may change as a result of classes transitioning to online. They should contact the department head or supervisor. Academic Center for Excellence (ACE) and Learning Services The Academic Center for Excellence and Learning Services are transitioning to online offerings, including tutoring and the English Competency Exam remediation course. For assistance from ACE, please call 256-782-8223 and for assistance from Learning Services, please call 256-782-5570. Disability Support Services Students with disabilities should check with their Disability Support Services representative to ensure continuity of services for online courses and formats. For questions, please call 256-782-8380 or visit the website (http://www.jsu.edu/dss/index.html). RMC Student Health Center The Student Health Care Center will be open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.” For JSU’s webpage concerning COVID-19: http://www.jsu.edu/coronavirus/index.html

COVID-19 Update: March 14, 6:15 PM Per JSU: “The University believed we would have COVID-19 test results to share with the JSU family early this morning. However, at this time, we still have not received this information. We share your frustrations and would like to explain what we understand about the situation. Initially, the only diagnostic test that could be run for COVID-19 came from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta. The State of Alabama received very few of these test kits from the CDC. Those tests were to be performed in the state laboratory. Subsequently, commercial laboratories were allowed to run the same test. Three commercial laboratories in Alabama now have the capability to perform COVID-19 testing. Unfortunately, at this time, all of those laboratories are overwhelmed with tests to run. As of now, we have not been provided with the outcome of the test results that we are all awaiting. We did get some good news tonight. On March 6, we announced that two students from Northwest Georgia were placed under quarantine following possible exposure. They are both healthy and asymptomatic. Both will be removed from self-isolation by tomorrow. Thank you for your continued patience. The administration is working over the weekend and will update you as soon as we can.” For information concerning JSU and COVID-19: http://www.jsu.edu/coronavirus/index.html

Public Health Emergency President Trump declared a National Emergency this afternoon. Governor Ivey has declared a Public Health Emergency this evening. The full proclamation can be found on the Office of the Governor's Website. There is no reimbursement available at this time, however, local governments should track COVID-19 related expenses. Schools All schools will close starting on Thursday, March 19. Target date to reopen is Monday, April 6. Situation will be reassessed as needed. Public Information 211 can be called for basic information. A COVID-19 Hotline has been established for specific health related questions: 1-888-264-2256. Calhoun County specific info remains available at: http://www.calhounema.org/idtf

March 12, 2020 Fact Sheet Are classes cancelled? As part of JSU’s social distancing plan, effective Friday, March 13, all JSU classes will begin to transition to online/distance education. Classes will not meet in-person beginning Friday. Information will be forthcoming regarding special situations such as practica, internships, clinicals, dual enrollment courses, etc. The academic deans are working closely with faculty to determine continuity in course delivery, and more information will be sent soon. Are events cancelled? Yes, all campus events have been cancelled, including student organization activities (both on campus and off) and external events hosted on campus until further notice. Additional details regarding operations will be sent later this evening. Should I cancel my organization event? Yes, all campus events have been cancelled, including student organization activities (both on campus and off) and external events hosted on campus until further notice. Additional details regarding operations will be sent later this evening. Are athletic events cancelled? Yes, all campus events have been cancelled, including student organization activities (both on campus and off) and external events hosted on campus until further notice. Additional details regarding operations will be sent later this evening. Is Graduation Cancelled? We will re-evaluate at the beginning of April. Does a JSU Student have COVID-19? This afternoon we learned that a student has been declared a Person Under Investigation for COVID-19. This status means that the student met the criteria for testing, but the test results are pending. The student felt ill Sunday evening after returning from out-of-state. The student has only been to three locations on campus since Sunday evening: the weight training area at Kennamer Hall, Stone Center classroom 125, and the Student Health Center. All locations are being cleaned and sanitized this evening. We will learn more about the student’s medical status within the next 24-48 hours. In the interim, the Person Under Investigation has been placed in self-isolation, and roommates have been moved to an alternate location and put in self quarantine. Will I get updates? Yes, we will keep students, faculty, and staff updated via the JSU website. Do I have to move out of my University Housing? University Housing will remain open. If you have questions, please visit their website: http://www.jsu.edu/housing/index.html. Check often for updates. Should I cancel my spring break plans? Our goal is for you to have a safe and restful break. We would like to ask that, while on Spring Break, you avoid travel to locations where COVID-19 cases have been reported. We say this because many domestic travelers across the nation have found themselves in situations where they may have been exposed to COVID-19. Due to that possible exposure, they return from the trip with work or school restrictions and self-quarantine recommendations. Students should monitor the CDC and State Department websites for travel advisories. Will the Gamecock Express still run? Yes, the updated route schedule is below. 7:00 am - 9:30 pm - 1 bus will run the Campus Route 7:00 am - 9:00 pm - 1 bus will run the Blue Route and go to The Pointe and Gamecock Village (this bus will not go to the RMC/JSU Health Center) 7:30 am - 1:30 pm - 1 bus will pick up at The Pointe and the Gamecock Village directly to RMC/JSU Health Center ONLY (this bus will not arrive at the RMC/JSU Health Center before 8:00 am. NO stops in-between. 7:30 am - 1:30 pm - 3 buses will run continuously from Central Stop (front of Ayers Hall) to RMC/JSU Health Center ONLY (this route will not arrive at the RMC/JSU Health Center before 8:00 am. NO stops in-between. 1:30 pm - 9:30 pm - 2 b buses will run continuously from Central Stop (front of Ayers Hall) to The Pointe to Gamecock Village to RMC/JSU Health Center. NO stops in-between. What are the Student Health Center Hours? The health care center is open Monday-Thursday, 8-4:30 p.m., with walk-in visits 8-11 a.m. and appointments 1-4 p.m. On Fridays, the center is open 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., with walk-in visits 8- 11 a.m. and appointments 1-2 p.m. It closes for lunch each day from 12-1 p.m. The center does not typically close over holiday breaks. Some visits, including medication refills, are by appointment only. JSU ID is required. For more information and appointments, call 256-782- 5310. If you are sick with coronavirus disease 2019, or suspected of being infected with it, follow the steps in this fact sheet to help prevent spreading it to people in your home and community. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/sick-with-2019-nCoV-fact-sheet.pdf Are dining locations open? Campus dining locations will be open with regular hours. Is the Bookstore open Yes, the bookstore hours are 8am – 4:30pm

To find out the symptoms that indicate the need for testing refer to the Criteria for Testing for COVID-19. If you are experiencing fever, coughing, and shortness of breath please do the following: - Stay home and limit your exposure to others. - Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. - Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe. - 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. - Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask (CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask, but facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of coronavirus to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.) - Prior to going to the doctor or the hospital, please call the numbers below, so they are prepared for your arrival and can limit exposure. For instructions prior to arrival, call: RMC Anniston 256-235-5211 RMC Stringfellow 256-235-8955 For more general information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html