NKU Extends Spring Break; Will Begin Alternative Instruction March 23

A majority of area colleges and universities are making similar changes.

(Highland Heights, Ky.) – Northern Kentucky University is joining other local and regional colleges and universities by shifting to alternative instruction.

Beginning March 23, NKU will move from in-person classes to online delivery in wake of Coronavirus concerns.

“We made this decision with health and safety of our campus in mind, as well as for our entire community,” said President Vaidya.

To give faculty and staff time to prepare for online instruction, NKU is extending their spring break for students through Saturday, March 21.

While in-person classes are being halted for the time being, NKU will remain open and will continue normal operations, such as residence halls, dining halls and campus buildings.

Additionally, all non-essential university sponsored events with more than 150 attendees will be cancelled through the end of the semester. Finals week and spring commencement will go on as scheduled, unless otherwise notified. All university-sponsored international travel has also been suspended through the end of the semester.

The Northern Kentucky Health Department has these recommendations if you are sick:

• Keep in mind this is a virus and treat the illness as you would with any other virus, like the flu. If you have runny nose, cough, fever or other common respiratory infection symptoms, take Tylenol- or Motrin-like products and stay home until you are fever-free for 24 hours.
• If you think you need medical care, call your healthcare provider for their instruction before leaving home.
• NKU’s Health Services has set up a telephone triage for those who are sick and need a consultation. Please call 859-572-5650.
• Visit an emergency department if you believe you have an emergency. The Kentucky Health Department recommends people only go to the emergency room for an illness that would have taken you to the hospital BEFORE COVID-19.
• All other questions about COVID-19 can be directed to the Kentucky Department of Health hotline at 1-800-722-5725.

Finally, we will continue to emphasize proper habits for good health:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially:
  • Before, during and after you prepare food,
  • Before you eat and after you use the bathroom,
  • After handling cash,
  • More frequently when someone in your home is sick.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Frequently clean doorknobs, light switches, phones and other items commonly touched with disinfectant wipes.
• Avoid contact with people who are obviously sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then discard it in the trash.
• With spring-break travel this week, stay up-to-date with the latest travel information from the CDC.