Photo By Lori Dugan/Eastern Arizona College
Republican Lincoln Day Luncheon postponed
By Kris McBride
THATCHER — Eastern Arizona College (EAC) President Todd Haynie has announced that the College campus is not closing at this time, but in order to mitigate the growing risk of COVID-19 transmission it may be necessary to implement social distancing practices after students and faculty arrive back from spring break on Monday, March 23. These may include virtualizing classes, limiting the size and number of campus gatherings, restricting College-sponsored travel, and ensuring student attendance policies do not penalize those with legitimate health concerns.
“As of today, there are no confirmed cases in Graham County, and we believe the risk of transmission to our campus is currently low,” stated Haynie. “However, we know that community spread is occurring in various parts of the United States. We feel it is necessary to prepare in the event we need to take additional steps to mitigate and slow the potential spread of the virus and to help protect the College community following spring break.”
Haynie reminded the campus community to redouble hand hygiene efforts, observe good coughing etiquette,
keep at least six feet from anyone who is ill, and to clean work areas.
“The most important step you can take right now is to stay informed and make sure your students, friends, and family are following CDC guidelines.”
EAC will continue to monitor the situation over the break and will provide instruction and updates as appropriate on the College website http://www.eac.edu/covid-19.shtm and through other official College channels. Decisions will be based solely on official reports from the CDC, the Arizona Department of Health Services, and the Graham County Health Department.
Haynie noted that the EAC Residence Halls remain open for international students and student-athletes unable to go home for spring break due to intercollegiate sports events and travel restrictions.
Republican Lincoln Day Luncheon postponed
Due to keynote speaker Governor Doug Ducey being unable to attend due to having other duties regarding the COVID-19 situation, the Graham County Republican Party’s annual Lincoln Day Luncheon scheduled to be held at EAC’s Gherald L. Hoopes Activities Center on Monday, March 16, will be postponed, according to Graham County Republican Party Chairman John Duane Rhodes. There has not been a new date set for the luncheon but Rhodes stated it will just be a postponement and not a cancellation.
