TC Statement on 2019 Novel Coronavirus COVID-19

This press release is related to developing events. Check for the latest updates at: https://www.texarkanacollege.edu/coronavirus

March 12, 2020

Dear TC Students,

Texarkana College is mindful that the concern over COVID-19 (Coronavirus) is a serious and evolving situation, and we are monitoring national, state and local official updates throughout the day, every day-and will continue to do so during spring break. At the local level, TC is in communication with the Office of Emergency Management who has been identified as the official point of contact in our region to disseminate official information of local contamination. At this time, there has not been any confirmed reports of people who have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus. If the Office of Emergency Management determines a local outbreak, TC will assess the situation and take appropriate actions.

We continue to receive questions about the impact of the coronavirus outbreak on our campus. At this time, TC does not anticipate closing the College, and existing policies regarding attendance and participation remain in effect. However, because circumstances evolve quickly regarding the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus, and in the interest of the safety and welfare of our students, faculty and staff, TC is prepared to provide alternate course delivery to students if the need arises. If there is a change in operations, all TC students, faculty and staff will be notified via our emergency alert system (RAVE), through official TC email, and a notice on our institutional website www.texarkanacollege.edu.

As we prepare for spring break, we hope you will find time for rest and recreation. We encourage you to check your student email account daily during spring break and please continue to take every personal preventative step necessary to ensure your health and the health of others. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) released the following precautionary measures to help prevent the spread of this and many other viruses:

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
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 using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing, and certainly if your commute includes public transit.
If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
Face masks should be worn if you have symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The purpose of a face mask is to prevent droplets from sneezing and coughing from becoming airborne.

To stay up to date and informed on official coronavirus developments, click on the following link to the CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. The Texarkana College library staff has also prepared a list of online credible resources that address health and wellness tips during a pandemic. It can be found It can be found alphabetically on the Library Guides page or from this link: https://guides.texarkanacollege.edu/pandemic.

Sincerely,

Dr. Jason Smith, President
Texarkana College