Austin Peay State University
Austin Peay State University officials announced Thursday afternoon classes are suspended until March 23 and all classes are moving to online instruction in an effort to diminish the spread of the coronavirus.
President Alisa White sent out a letter stating they are not aware of any members of the campus community who have the virus but are joining state and nationals efforts to diminish the risk. She says She says Spring B and Spring II registration will be extended until classes begin March 23.
In addition, White says all non-athletic University-sponsored events are canceled until further notice.
She is encouraging students living on-campus who can travel to their home or permanent residence to do so. However, she adds if leaving campus is not an option, the Unversity is prepared to continue supporting residential students, including access to limited dining options.
According to White, the University remains open, but employees are to consult with their supervisors regarding alternate work arrangements as needed. Essential personnel is required to report on a normal schedule.
She adds these decisions are in the best interest of public health, including that of students, faculty, staff, and administration.
White says the campus Coronavirus Task Force is continuing to monitor the environment and to post updates to the Unversity’s website. For updates click here.
In addition, APSU’s 36th Annual Candlelight Ball, scheduled for Saturday in Nashville, has been canceled.
Christian County Health Department Update
Christian County Health Department (CCHD) officials report there are currently no cases of coronavirus in Christian County.
According to a CCHD post on social media, the public will be informed should they have a confirmed case. They also want to remind providers in the community of the requirement (per 902 KAR 2:020) to contact the Christian County Health Department should they have a suspected case.
Christian and Trigg County Public Schools
Both school districts are making plans for possible lengthy closures as advised by Governor Andy Beshear. They add they are beginning to get “non-traditional” student instruction plans together in case of the closures and at this time neither district has announced a closure. More information here.
Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools
An elementary school in Montgomery County, Tennessee dismissed students early Thursday due to a “suspected but unconfirmed case of coronavirus”.
Officials with the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System say students at Moore Magnet Elementary were let go at 11:00 and will be arriving home four hours earlier than normal. Officials say bus drivers will follow their normal drop-off protocol and students will be returned to the school if required where parents and guardians can pick up the children.
In addition, all school activities in CMCSS are canceled Thursday.
Effective immediately, CMCSS officials say all school- or district-sponsored travel on for-hire charter buses, planes, etc. for students and employees will be suspended until April 8. The Communicable Disease Team (CDT), comprised of leaders in the school system and the Montgomery County Health Department, will continue to monitor the health and attendance of students and employees and provide further guidance ahead of April 8.
Hopkinsville International Festival
The 11th Annual Hopkinsville International Festival scheduled for March 27-28 has been canceled due to the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.
Superintendent Tab Brockman says the decision was made after consulting with local health and safety officials. He points out public safety is foremost and all officials agreed that canceling this year’s festival was in the best interest of public health.
Brockman says the International Festival, held at the Planters Bank-Jennie Stuart Sportsplex, will not be rescheduled this year since Parks and Recreation already has a full calendar of events in place for the remainder of the year. Refunds for vendors and others involved with the Festival will be arranged through the Parks and Recreation office by calling (270) 887-4290.
According to Brockman, the annual celebration of world culture brings together 4,000 attendees over two days and includes representatives, performers, and vendors from a variety of different countries.
Murray State University
Murray State University officials say they continue to proactively monitor and assess the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and are working closely with all appropriate authorities in regard to the matter.
According to a MSU health update, Spring Break for students remains as scheduled – Monday, March 16 through Friday, March 20.
Beginning on Monday, March 23, university officials say instruction will continue through online or alternative delivery methods, but not through face-to-face instruction, through Sunday, April 5. During this time period, Murray State will remain open and staff operations will continue as normal. This also includes campus sites at Fort Campbell, Hopkinsville, Madisonville, Henderson, and Paducah. Officials note campus residence halls will be open and dining opportunities will be available.
Officials add all previous travel restrictions remain in effect.
According to MSU officials, the University’s Work Group continues to meet daily and will re-evaluate future plans and decisions prior to Friday, April 3.
For MSU health updates, click here.
Rockcastle United Methodist and Dyers Chapel United Methodist Church
Two local churches have announced they will cancel services in light of the recent spread of COVID-19.
Pastor Charles Williams tells the News Edge Kentucky Annual Conference United Methodist Church Bishop Lenard Fairley invited congregations to follow Governor Beshear’s Wednesday request to close for the next two weeks.
Williams is the pastor at Rockcastle United Methodist Church and Dyers Chapel United Methodist Church, both located in Trigg County.
Western Kentucky University
Western Kentucky Unversity is changing operations to better protect communities and help reduce the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.
President Timothy Caboni announced at a news conference Wednesday there are no cases of COVID-19 confirmed on or near the WKU campuses, but now is the time to take action.
Caboni said the university is extending spring break for students through Sunday, March 22, and added that residence halls will remain open on schedule for any student who needs to return to campus. He noted this will allow WKU faculty time to transition courses currently taught face-to-face to an alternative delivery method.
Beginning March 16 through April 5, Caboni stated anyone planning an on-campus, non-athletic event involving more than 50 people will need to reschedule, cancel or virtualize that event. He added decisions on athletic events will be made in consultation with the NCAA and Conference USA.
Also beginning March 16, WKU is suspending all but mission-critical, university-funded travel, both international and domestic.
For the latest updates, click here.
