Dear MBU Community,

As news coverage related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to intensify, it is understandable to feel uneasiness about this public health concern. Like universities and colleges across the country, MBU is continuing to closely monitor the outbreak. At the time of this email, no diagnosed cases have been reported in Missouri or Southern Illinois. While confirmed cases have now surfaced in the United States, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains that the “risk of getting COVID-19 in the U.S. is currently low.” In an effort to be proactive, MBU is taking necessary measures, as outlined below, to be prepared to protect our students, faculty and staff. 

• University leaders have reviewed MBU’s long-standing pandemic crisis action plan and are tailoring the plan to this particular prospective outbreak.
• The University is and will continue to follow recommendations set forth by both CDC and the St. Louis County Public Health.
• As students, faculty and staff prepare to travel internationally for spring and summer break, the University will continue to closely monitor CDC advisories and precautions for travel. To date, no countries where students are planning to travel through sanctioned travel studies or mission trips have been flagged by the CDC. 
• A web page on mobap.edu  has been established to advise the MBU community on any further updates (if warranted) related to the Coronavirus.
  
  

While the aforementioned measures are necessary and we take them seriously, I would like to also emphasize the importance of participating in the following simple preventative measures as recommended by the CDC, particularly as flu season continues.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; and before eating or preparing food.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue.

As we continue to closely monitor this situation, will you join me in praying for those impacted by COVID-19, particularly those living in countries that have seen serious outbreaks?  Your health and well-being is our top priority, and we will continue to provide guidance as the situation evolves.

Dr. Keith Ross
President