Dear MBKU Community:
As President of MBKU, I’d like to speak to you directly about COVID – 19 (Coronavirus).
I’m sure you have been watching as the world is dealing with COVID – 19 cases. As you know the virus has now spread to the US and is causing concern both for personal safety and how the virus will affect our lives. As Governor Newsom has declared a State of Emergency for California, you may be wondering how COVID – 19 may affect operations at MBKU. The MBKU Administrative team has been working non-stop since the onset of this crisis to determine our best course of action in the event the situation worsens.
First, and foremost, we are concerned about your health and safety. We have put into place policies regarding how we will handle the illness itself. In the last few days, you have received notices explaining what students and employees should do in the event you are ill. Additionally, we have emphasized standard practices to lessen the spread of the flu such as hand washing, not touching the face, the use of hand sanitizer and other recommendations.
Second, the MBKU Administration is fine-tuning our plan that will guide us in the event schools are closed by the government in an effort to contain the spread of COVID – 19. Many countries have already closed schools in an effort to contain the spread of the disease and, should the situation worsen, the US may follow with a broad order to close schools. Right now, school closures have been very limited to areas that have been highly impacted.
I have no way of knowing at this time if it will be necessary to close MBKU. In the event closure is necessary, our goals are as follows:
- To continue didactic work remotely so students may continue studies.
- To offer opportunities to make-up laboratory work once school reopens.
- To provide meaningful clinical experiences in the event clinic operations are impacted.
- To do everything we can so each student may continue their path to graduation without interruption.
The most important goal is to make everyone as safe as possible while continuing operations as best we can.
We hope we will not have to put in place this contingency plan for MBKU. However, if it is necessary, we will communicate details to you by email, social media and messages from your program Dean or area Vice President.
There is no reason to worry or panic. I encourage everyone to do their best to continue your day-to-day work but stay safe and practice good “flu hygiene.”
Thank you for your cooperation.
– Kevin L. Alexander, OD, PhD
President