Posted Thursday, March 12, 2020 6:46 pm

Drew C. Wilson | Times file photo

Barton College is halting classes and on-campus activities for a week as it awaits results of COVID-19 tests after "several members of the campus community" were screened for the coronavirus, President Doug Searcy announced Thursday.

Barton instituted a pause in classroom instruction and events effective 6 p.m. Thursday, with no classes scheduled from Friday through March 19. Classes will resume through distance learning at 9 a.m. March 20, Searcy wrote on a message posted to the college website.

"At the direction of the Wilson County Health Department, several members of the campus community have been tested for COVID-19," Searcy wrote. "As of yet, we have no results on these tests. Those members of the campus community are being monitored and quarantined at this point. Those having had close contact with these campus community members have been contacted by Student Health Services. All other members of the campus community should self-monitor for symptoms in keeping with best practices."

Barton students were given the option of returning home Thursday evening. Searcy said those who wish to remain on campus can do so.

"Barton College will remain open during this period and thereafter to offer support and guidance to students," Searcy wrote. "Faculty and staff will use the pause to prepare to shift to remote instruction."

Students exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms - shortness of breath, fever and cough - should call Student Health Services at 252-399-6397 or email healthcenter@barton.edu. The Student Health Center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays.

Students who experience symptoms after hours are encouraged to call the college's professional on-call staff member at 252-289-7333.

Click here to read the full message from Barton College President Doug Searcy.