Kentucky Wesleyan College President Dr. Thomas Mitzel has announced an immediate pause to all in-person classes and campus activities in light of a recent increase in positive COVID-19 test results and a move into Level 4 (Red) in the College’s threat level indicator table.
According to a release, “Classes will be delivered remotely, and all athletics and student life activities are cancelled through Sunday, Mar. 21. Residents are asked to limit movements unless otherwise necessary, and commuter students should not report to campus. Campus dining will adjust to remote services with grab-and-go options. The College will reassess the situation concerning a return to regular operations on Monday, Mar. 22. Further communications will be sent as updates are available.”
As of 5:15 p.m. Monday there were 13 total active cases among students (11 residential, 2 commuter) and none among employees, according to the College’s COVID-19 tracking site. However, 87% of on-campus quarantine and isolations spaces were occupied.
According to KWC, Level 4 (Red) initiates a campus quarantine because it indicates “widespread outbreak with threat of overwhelming our student support systems – including quarantine/isolation.” Another indicator is when “80% (24+) of on-campus quarantine/isolation spaces occupied.”
Mitzel said the decision was made due to the rising number of positive cases and limited quarantine space available on campus.
“Although we hoped not to have to enact this level of response, it is important that we do in order to keep our campus community safe,” he said. “We anticipate this proactive response will help limit the impact overall and help us resume and complete our spring semester in the safest manner possible.”
All students, faculty and staff are encouraged to monitor health and report any symptoms. If any member of the KWC community begins to experience symptoms, they should immediately contact the following:
- Students – VP of Student Affairs, Rebecca McQueen-Ruark-(270) 852-3285; [email protected]
- Faculty – VP of Academic Affairs, Dr. Paula Dehn-(270) 852-3117; [email protected]
- Staff – Director of Human Resources, Linda Keller-(270) 852-3110; [email protected]
