The outbreak of the Corona Virus in China has a local connection. Dr. Ni Song is a professor of biology at Lamar State College Orange (LSCO) and a research scientist. Her hometown is in the epicenter of China where the virus has originated. She spoke with KOGT’s Gary Stelly on People in the Know about the problem in her family’s city in China.
The spread of the virus has become so serious that many cities in China have been locked down. Major metropolitan areas of as many as eleven million people are included in the lockdown. Ni Song has received information through social media from friends and family of the seriousness of the spread of the virus.
Local hospitals there are in a desperate shortage of protective supplies. Much needed are facemask and protective suits to help nurses and doctors from contracting the virus which has no proved effective treatment currently for the infection.
Since January 23 Ni Song’s family in China have been staying home because of the lockdown. They only go out once or twice to restock food for themselves. They go to the grocery store, get what they need, and get out as quickly as possible.
Lamar State College Orange is working to help with the shortage of surgical masks and other supplies for medical personnel in China. What are needed are the N-95 masks, medical goggles, and protective suits. LSCO will take all donations of these supplies or money to purchase the supplies themselves.
LSCO President Dr. Tom Johnson said the cashier’s office on the third floor of the Ron E. Lewis Library at the campus will accept any donation for the China virus project. The college will then make sure the supplies get to where the need is most serious.
Johnson appreciated the very successful Dual Credit Information session held during the first week of February. Around 150 people showed up anxious to know more about how high school students can take college classes now.
For only $150 a high school student can take a three-hour college level class and get credit for both high school and college. “It’s such a good deal, every high school student should be part of it,” Johnson exclaimed. For more information students can call dual credit advisor Cara Richard of LSCO at (409) 882-3398.
Even more exciting is the debut of the Lamar State College Orange Gators fishing club. In their first tournament the team of Brett Fregia and Jack Tindel placed seventh at the BassMaster College Series tournament.
The excellent finish by the Gators in that tournament has already guaranteed Fregia and Tindel a spot in the national championship. “Our anglers won’t rest, they’ll be working hard to get better and better so they can shine on a national stage,” Johnson praised. LSCO defeated several much larger colleges and universities in its first tournament much to the president’s satisfaction.
Dr. Johnson can be heard every two weeks on People in the Know. The program featuring news about Lamar State College Orange airs Wednesdays at 7:00 AM on KOGT.
-Dan Perrine, KOGT-
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