TFC Health News: COVID-19 Update
COVID-19 Update
The administration at Toccoa Falls College has been closely monitoring the new coronavirus known as COVID-19 and has been working with public health officials, experts and medical professionals to take appropriate steps. The health and safety of students, faculty, and staff is our top priority.
TFC is encouraging students planning overseas travel this semester, specifically during Spring Break to reconsider those plans. For TFC-sponsored trips this summer, we are monitoring the situation and will provide updates in the future.
About COVID-19
The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to the flu – fever, cough, and shortness of breath. This infection spreads easily because it is a new virus and no one has developed immunity to it yet.
You can learn more about this using the following link:
Taking action
TFC encourages students, faculty, and staff to take appropriate caution and follow good sanitary practices. There are simple steps to take that can limit the spread of the virus, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces with 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.
Before spring break
Before leaving campus, students, faculty, and staff going on spring break should take any necessary items they may need should they be ill, face a quarantine, or should TFC need to move to online classes. This would include laptops, electronics, medicines, books, class notes, etc.
Travel
Toccoa Falls College does not recommend international travel and notes that the State Department has warned U.S. citizens against traveling on cruise ships and has an updated website on countries that are experiencing issues with COVID-19. As well, on March 11, President Trump ordered travel restrictions between the U.S. and much of Europe. Please consult this page regularly if you are or are considering traveling out of the country.
Students who travel overseas, go to areas with active COVID-19 outbreaks, or who have been exposed to people who have the virus must self-report to the TFC Office of Student Affairs.
If you’re ill
As there are more and more cases around the country, it is possible that people may come into contact with COVID-19. If anyone has become ill with COVID-19 symptoms, they should contact their healthcare professional immediately for guidance. Once they have information from their physician, students should contact the Office of Student Affairs as they will work with those individuals regarding directions for coursework, employment, when to return to campus, etc. DO NOT RETURN to campus if you are ill.
Prayer
The administration urges students, faculty, staff, and alumni to keep this situation in prayer and ask for God’s intervention to stop the spread of COVID-19 and for God’s healing on those who have been infected.