FREE ACCESS: TRC students to return Monday, conversations started about coronavirus concern

Students with Three Rivers College will return from spring break as planned after a cyberattack on the college and state concern over the coronavirus.

On Tuesday, Feb. 25, the college detected a ransomware attack that locked down many systems. As a result, most classes have been cancelled since. However, Dr. Wesley Payne, president, said “significant progress” has been made over the past three weeks and classes are expected to resume Monday. Payne said “work continues” on the issue.

Around the state, universities, including University of Missouri in Columbia and St. Louis University, are moving to online classes due to rising concern over the coronavirus.

Payne said he’s talking with Health Department officials and Poplar Bluff R-I schools about the concern of the coronavirus.

TRC is in a different situation than the universities, Payne said.

The universities have more students — including international students — to be concerned about.

Payne said TRC is taking proactive steps, including deep cleanings before students return Monday and increasing communication about the concern.

“We’re doing what you do for preventative measures,” he said.

Currently, faculty is scattered for spring break, Payne said. While conversations have started, he said they’ll be continued next week when everybody is back together.

There are no confirmed cases in Southeast Missouri. According to Gov. Mike Parsons, 73 Missourians have been tested for the virus as of Thursday afternoon and two have come back positive. One positive patient from St. Louis County traveled to Italy and the other from Springfield traveled to Austria where they caught the virus, according to Parsons.

On Wednesday, the state launched a 24-hour hotline staffed by medical professionals for people seeking guidance on the coronavirus. Those needing advice can call 877-435-8411 at any time on any day, according to the Associated Press.

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A story about local school responses to the coronavirus will be in the Saturday edition of the DAR.

This story was updated at 6:30 p.m. Thursday to account for an additional confirmed case in Missouri.