No Confirmed Coronavirus Cases At Grace, But 1 Student Tested
No Confirmed Coronavirus Cases At Grace, But 1 Student Tested
Posted
David Slone-dslone@timesuniononline.com
No Confirmed Coronavirus Cases At Grace, But 1 Student TestedWINONA LAKE – Like many other colleges around the globe, Grace College & Seminary in Winona Lake is keeping a close eye on the developments regarding the novel coronavirus.
In response to information received by the Times-Union Wednesday morning that a Grace student has the coronavirus, Dr. Drew Flamm, Grace vice president of advancement and marketing, said, “We do not currently have any confirmed cases of the coronavirus.” He did say at least one student was tested for it, but the test results take a few days to come back.
Grace students just returned to campus from spring break.
If any student feels sicks, he said they would be directed to stay home or go home. He also encouraged anyone feeling any of the symptoms of the coronavirus to be tested and follow the guidelines of the Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH).
“We’ve assembled a coronavirus response team that’s monitoring the situation very closely,” Flamm said. They are staying in close contact with other colleges, state and local leaders and “various conversations are going on,” he said.
Flamm said Grace has been sending information out to students for weeks on the coronavirus.
Purdue University is moving the remainder of its classes to an online format starting March 23 and has cancelled all university-sponsored travel and events. Indiana University temporarily suspended classroom teaching for two weeks after their scheduled spring break at all I.U. campuses. When the break ends, students will be taught remotely. Notre Dame announced Wednesday that classes will be canceled next week and will move them online.
Flamm said Grace has not made any such decisions on online classes at this time. Scheduled trips to areas affected by coronavirus were cancelled and travel trips to those areas also have been barred.
He said Grace will get out any new information it receives as quickly as possible.
The Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce issued a statement Wednesday night, recognizing that the recent outbreak of the coronavirus is “concerning” for many and that the Chamber is “committed to public health and safety.” At this time, all Chamber meetings and events remain scheduled as planned, but the Chamber encourages people to stay informed about recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization “as you make personal decisions regarding event and meeting attendance. We kindly ask that you wash or sanitize your hands thoroughly before attending a meeting or event, and if you are feeling ill, please do not attend.”
The Chamber urges for the response to coronavirus be grounded in facts, not driven by fear.
“Should this situation continue to escalate in our community, the Chamber will take the recommended and necessary precautions to make sure our community is safe. If we do need to take cautionary measures and cancel/reschedule any of our upcoming meetings or events, we will notify you immediately,” the statement says.
Parkview Health is offering resources for information, screening and treatment of novel coronavirus (COVID-19). An informational web page and phone screenings have been set up to help direct patients to appropriate care, according to a news release.
People with symptoms or concerns specific to COVID-19 should use one of these options:
• Visit parkview.com/covid19screening for detailed self-triage information.
• Call 877-PPG-TODAY (877-774-8632) for a free phone screening.
Both options are available 24/7 and offer prompt guidance while limiting exposure to others. These free, easy-to-use resources provide patients with recommended actions, including whether they should stay home or seek treatment with a provider, the release states.
COVID-19 can cause fever, cough and difficulty breathing and spreads through close contact with others. Joshua Kline, MD, chief medical officer, Parkview Physicians Group, explained that the majority of people with COVID-19 have minor symptoms and do not require medical care or testing.
“Parkview is committed to ensuring patients receive care through the safest and most effective means possible,” said Kline. “The majority of people with suspected COVID-19 can help mitigate the spread of disease by taking advantage of resources available online or over the phone. The good news is most people won’t need treatment or testing. They can isolate and manage symptoms at home.”
The number of Hoosiers who have tested presumptively positive for COVID-19 remains at 10, according to the ISDH. This number reflects only tests performed at ISDH.
One individual with a positive test announced Wednesday is a resident of Howard County. Three others with positive tests already announced Wednesday are in Johnson County. Seven Indiana counties now have cases of COVID-19. The other residents who have been diagnosed live in Marion, Hendricks, Adams, Boone and Noble counties, according to a ISDH news release.
