In line with an increase of coronavirus cases across the commonwealth, the number of reported student cases at Murray State University nearly doubled in the last week resulting in the highest case numbers since the beginning of the fall semester.
The number of student cases between Sept. 24 and Oct. 4 jumped from 24 to 43; the number of faculty cases increased from one to two.
On Oct. 5, MSU President Bob Jackson issued a campus-wide email which read in part, “It is imperative that we have a better week by wearing masks and adhering to all Racer Safe and Healthy Guidelines, including making good choices.”
Jackson’s email also included a reminder that university guidelines require masks on campus, in classrooms, when walking outside on MSU property, off campus and at all times when required per our guidelines.
The email also noted, “We have learned in the past few days that no one is immune from COVID-19,” and provided a link to a video featuring Jackson discussing the importance of wearing masks and risk of spread.
MSU Executive Director of Marketing and Communication Shawn Touney noted Kentucky’s numbers indicate a record week of new positive cases, and during the Oct. 5 coronavirus update Gov. Andy Beshear reported 543 new COVID-19 cases and confirmed the state and nationwide cases are escalating.
On Oct. 5, the Calloway County Health Department reported 19 new cases, contributing to the total 667 positive cases in the community. The CCHD reports 575 have recovered, 79 are isolated at home, three are hospitalized and 10 have died. The CCHD also reported that as of Oct. 1, the Murray-Calloway County Hospital calculated a 6.34% positivity rate.
Touney said strict and continued adherence in the weeks ahead is “vitally important - making good decisions at all times – on-campus and off-campus, during the day and in the evening, on weekdays and weekends.” He said in addition to adhering to the Racer Safe and Healthy Guidelines, the campus community is expected to follow Beshear’s executive order which limits social events and gatherings to 10 or fewer individuals.
MSU administration is in daily contact with state and local health officials regarding the rise in cases throughout the state and local community, Touney said, and is “monitoring the situation closely.” He said university officials continue to meet with student organizations and groups regarding strict adherence to health and safety guidelines and importantly, adherence after daytime hours and when off campus. He said officials have stressed strict adherence daily, and will continue to do so in the days ahead.
“We appreciate the many, many individuals on campus who are adhering to our health and safety guidelines, as well as those in leadership positions, particularly our Racer Safe and Healthy Student Ambassadors and other student leaders, who continue to reiterate these important points within their respective areas,” Touney said. “It is vitally important that we all adhere to our Racer Safe and Healthy Guidelines at all times, but particularly after hours.”
