Moravian College Opens Its Doors to Essential Workers
Anyone who is a part of the Moravian College community knows at this point that the College campus is closed for the duration of the 2019-2020 school year due to the coronavirus.
The pandemic, which is affecting the nation and the world more than anyone thought it would, is putting the healthcare workers in our community at risk of infection, as well as their families and friends.
As a result, many healthcare workers are isolating themselves after their work shifts, some even taking to sleeping in their cars so as not to potentially expose their families to COVID-19.
Moravian College, founded on a core belief of helping those in need, has decided to open their doors to them.
Moravian is offering 38 beds in college-owned houses for doctors and nurses, according to The Morning Call. “We can provide spaces for them to go for a night and get some rest, get a shower and get back to the hospital,” said President Grigsby.
Moravian College has also made Johnston Hall available to hospitals for overflow patients if necessary. “There’s a long history of Moravian converting its physical space into a hospital,” said Grigsby. “We’re dedicated to this community.” He cited the College’s role in healthcare during the Revolutionary War, when the Brethren’s House on South Campus served as a field hospital for wounded American soldiers.
This isn’t the only step that Moravian College is taking to help the Lehigh Valley during this crisis.
The president’s community email update included the announcement that the math and computer science department has been using 3D printers to make stethoscopes and face shields for St. Luke’s and for the Bethlehem Township Volunteer Fire Department.
