COVID-19 update, two faculty members test positive

Dear Students, Faculty, Staff and Parents:

It is with great concern that I update you this morning with the latest coronavirus (COVID-19) information. A few minutes ago, the Waco-McLennan County Public Health Department and local officials held a press conference and announced five positive tests of COVID-19 in the Waco area. Two of those positive tests involved Baylor faculty members.

The two faculty members recently traveled to New York City over spring break on non-University travel and began feeling ill upon their return. I can confirm that they did not return to the Baylor campus, and thankfully, have been in self-isolation since traveling home.

With this latest news, I am thankful of the aggressive, proactive actions we have taken as a University with your health and well-being as our top priority.

We ask that you do not be alarmed, but rather strengthen your personal health protection and heighten your social distancing practices, as well as follow the instructions of federal, state and local officials. If you are experiencing fever, cough or difficulty breathing, please do the following as soon as possible:

• For Students: If you are in Waco, call the Baylor Student Health Services nurse hotline at 254-710-4939, and they will advise if you meet the criteria for testing. Between the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, Baylor Health Services will be able to make appointments at this phone number for on-campus testing for the coronavirus, if warranted. For those students not in Waco, please contact your local healthcare provider.

• For Faculty and Staff: Call your healthcare provider for medical advice. Always call ahead before going to the doctor’s office or emergency room and tell them your symptoms. They will tell you what to do. Calling ahead will help the office protect themselves and other patients.

I understand that we are sharing a large volume of information with you as we enter online course instruction for the remainder of the semester and prepare for limited campus operations. Allow me to leave you with a few thoughts for today:

• Please pray for our two faculty members as they recover from this powerful virus.
• Please pray for our students and faculty as they prepare for online course instruction for the remainder of the semester.
• Please pray for our staff as they adjust their work schedules and operations in support of the University.
• Please pray for our country and elected officials as they make difficult decisions to protect the health and well-being of us all.

I know the God we serve hears our prayers. Thank you for being a part of the Baylor Family, and my prayers are with you.

Sincerely,

Linda A. Livingstone, Ph.D. President