About COVID-19
The symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to the flu. Health officials say the COVID-19 symptoms can include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell. 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 links:
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- The Springfield-Greene County Health Department
- A map of COVID-19
Taking action
The university encourages students, faculty, and staff to take appropriate caution and follow good hygienic 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.
Symptoms
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms of COVID-19 include fever (over 100.3), cough, and shortness of breath. Although people with COVID-19 often report mild symptoms, people over 60 and those with pre-existing health issues – including heart and lung issues – are especially at risk and should take precautions to avoid exposure by avoiding groups and maintaining good hygienic practices.
- The symptoms of COVID-19 can be found here.
- If you are at higher risk, see the CDC’s recommendations here.
- Key facts about COVID-19, its symptoms, and its spread can be found here.
- CoxHealth is offering free virtual visits for people who report COVID-19 signs.
Travel
Evangel University has canceled international and domestic trips and will re-evaluate as the situation changes. The university recommends checking with the State Department before any international travel to check on conditions and any travel bans or restrictions..
Students who plan to return to campus after travel overseas, to areas with active COVID-19 outbreaks, or who have been exposed to people who have the virus must self-report to the Health Services department at 417-865-2815, x7280 BryanS@evangel.edu.
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 university, and university staff will work with them individually regarding directions for coursework, employment, when to return to campus, etc. DO NOT RETURN to campus if you are ill. If you are on campus, check in with the Health Services Department.
CoxHealth is offering free virtual visits to anyone with COVID-19 symptoms. The website for a virtual visit can be found here.
Students may contact:
- The Office of Student Development at 417-865-2815, x7316 StudentDevelopment@evangel.edu
- Health Services at 417-865-2815, x7280 BryanS@evangel.edu
CARES Act (HEERF I), Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (HEERF II), & American Rescue Plan Act (HEERF III)
Through federal funding, Evangel University is delivering financial assistance to qualifying students to assist them during this pandemic. To view the details of these disbursements, click here.
Prayer
As a community of faith, the university asks 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. Many members of the Evangel administration are praying Psalm 91 and invite you to join. You can see Psalm 91 here.