UWF Notice: Coronavirus Advisory

The second U.S. case was confirmed today in Chicago. No cases have been reported at UWF or elsewhere in Escambia County. The university is coordinating with UWF Student Health Services, the Escambia County Health Department, UWF Emergency Management, UWF Environmental Health and Safety, and the UWF International Programs for local planning regarding the novel coronavirus using up-to-date guidance from state and federal health officials.

The CDC considers this new virus a public health concern based on current information. However, the immediate health risk to the general U.S. public is considered low at this time. The CDC and the World Health Organization are closely monitoring the situation and providing ongoing guidance. The CDC escalated its health warning to a level 3 as the coronavirus continues to spread, recommending that people avoid all nonessential travel to Wuhan, China. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/novel-coronavirus-china

What you can do

If you are concerned that you may have novel coronavirus, see your health care provider immediately.

Symptoms (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html) may be flu-like, ranging from mild to serious, and include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Person-to-person spread is occurring, although it’s unclear exactly how it is transmitted and how easily the virus spreads between people.

Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for the coronavirus.

There is no vaccine to prevent this virus, and the CDC advises that the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Here are everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Travel Information

Travelers should stay informed on CDC updates and travel notifications at: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/warning/novel-coronavirus-wuhan-china.

The State Department has issued a Watch Level 3 Alert for travel to China following an ongoing outbreak of the coronavirus. As the virus continues to spread, officials recommend that people avoid all nonessential travel to Wuhan, China.https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/china-travel-advisory.html

Helpful Resources

For more information about the coronavirus, prevention, symptoms, etc., please visit www.cdc.gov as a helpful resource.

Prevention Tips

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/about/prevention.html

Coronavirus – Travelers Health Information

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/novel-coronavirus-china