For more information, visit wofford.edu/coronavirus.

SPARTANBURG, S.C. — Over the weekend, the state of South Carolina had four confirmed cases of COVID-19, including a Spartanburg County man who recently returned from Italy.

We have no confirmed cases on campus, and the college is in close contact with students who have returned from abroad. All students who have returned from high-risk locations are in self-quarantine off campus.

In addition, a few U.S. colleges and universities have canceled in-person class attendance as this respiratory illness has spread to 34 states. These cancellations have occurred primarily in areas of the country where the virus is spreading rapidly. While that is not currently the case in South Carolina, the college does have an academic continuity plan that calls for switching to online instruction on a temporary basis if local conditions require it. Please check your email regularly for updates.

Wofford College also has plans in place that include housing accommodations in the event someone should be isolated because of illness, and the college’s housekeeping staff are continuing to use best practices while cleaning surfaces in common use areas in all buildings.

While the college continues to monitor information from leading health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is imperative that everyone that’s part of our campus community take this health issue seriously and practice behaviors proven to limit the spread of illness.

Everyone’s responsibilities

Students, faculty and staff are all strongly encouraged to stay home and minimize direct physical contact with others when sick. Faculty have been advised to be more flexible with absences due to illness and supervisors are encouraged to do the same. Factoring in different roles and possibilities for exposure, appropriate or temporary work accommodations can be options. Please refrain from attending any social events if you are sick.

All should implement the following measures:
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
  • If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer for at least 20 seconds.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
  • Minimize direct contact by keeping the recommended “social distance” of minimally 3 to 6 feet from others. Do not shake hands.
  • Eat well and get plenty of rest.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Spring Break

Spring break is March 30-April 3, and everyone should visit the CDC and U.S. State Department websites to make informed decisions regarding travel. The college discourages travel to affected areas. Several countries are under travel advisories, and more could be added as the situation evolves. The college will send an email in the coming days requesting that students and faculty submit their spring break travel plans. This information is being collected for the safety and health of our campus community.

Managing fear and anxiety

It’s natural to feel a range of emotions, including fear and worry while staying up to date on COVID-19 through the news and social media. View tips on managing fear and anxiety from the University of California Berkeley around this health issue. The Wofford College Mental Health Crisis Line is also available 24/7 at 864-597-4393.

If you’re not feeling well

  • If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, call ahead before going to the Wellness Center. You may call the Wellness Center at 864-597-4370 for an appointment.
  • Employees can have video or telephone medical visits 24/7 through Teladoc.com.
  • Avoid contact with others.
  • Refrain from using the college’s dining facilities. If you’re sick, contact the Wellness Center and they’ll work with AVI to coordinate meal delivery.
  • If your family is nearby, consider going home until your symptoms clear.
  • Students are responsible for notifying professors and instructors if they must miss class because of illness and for developing a plan to make up assignments.
  • Do not travel while sick or use public transportation.
  • Call Spartanburg Regional’s Nurse on Call service at 864-591-7999 if you need help after hours.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.

International Programs

The college remains in contact with students studying abroad this semester. Arrangements have been made for students to take courses remotely in many programs. Students may choose to do so from the United States, with the option to return later in the semester (if feasible).

Students currently overseas are advised to closely monitor the latest developments in their countries and are discouraged from traveling to impacted areas.

The college’s study abroad programs in China and South Korea are suspended for spring and summer 2020. Other summer and fall 2020 programs are scheduled to run as planned until further notice.

Please contact Roberta Bigger, dean of students, if you have any questions or concerns: BiggerRH@wofford.edu.