Campus Press release 3-2-2020

COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus): What You Need to Know

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring an outbreak caused by a novel (new) coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Chinese authorities identified the new coronavirus, which has resulted in hundreds of confirmed cases in China, including cases outside Wuhan, with additional cases being identified in a growing number of countries internationally, including in the United States and Canada. There are ongoing investigations to learn more. There are no confirmed cases in Georgia, and the immediate risk of this new virus to the American public is believed to be low at this time. What Fort Valley State University is Doing University officials continue to monitor this evolving global public health situation closely, and we are committed to keeping our community informed about the university’s actions and the best way to stay healthy as events develop. Coronavirus Symptoms Symptoms of coronavirus are similar to the seasonal flu, which remains a higher risk for the community. This is also the time of year when we typically see a rise in cases of seasonal flu. Prevention There is currently no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Currently there are no additional precautions recommended for the general public to take. However, as a reminder, CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including: · 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. · Get a flu vaccine. Resources and FAQs We recognize that many of you are receiving or have questions of your own related to the coronavirus. Please reference the FAQs published by the University System of Georgia, as well as the additional resources and information specific to Fort Valley State University provided below. · University System of Georgia Coronavirus FAQs ( https://www.usg.edu/coronavirus ) · Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html ) · Georgia Department of Public Health ( https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus ) · U.S. Department of State (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/ea/novel-coronavirus-hubei-province–china.html ) Coronavirus Symptoms What Should Students, Faculty or Staff Who Have Recently Traveled to China and Other Affected Countries Do? Because of the ever-expanding global outbreak, the federal government recently announced that all individuals (which may include students, faculty, or staff) who have traveled to China in the past 14 days and returned on or after February 3, 2020, will be requested to remain at home and be monitored for Covid-19 symptoms by the Georgia Department of Public Health. Students, faculty or staff whose family members have traveled from China in the last 14 days (and are being monitored for symptoms) do not need to be excluded from school. International Travel and Study Abroad Programs Currently, China, South Korea and Italy are under a level 3 warning from the CDC which means there is a widespread, ongoing outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that can be spread from person to person. Older adults and people with chronic medical conditions may be at increased risk for severe disease.

Here are links to up-to-date country-specific coronavirus-related information from the CDC: · CDC site on South Korea · CDC site on China · CDC site on Italy As of January 30, 2020, the U.S. State Department adjusted its travel advisory for China from “Reconsider Travel to China” to “Do Not Travel.” Based on this guidance and the Centers for Disease Control’s recommendations related to the new strain of coronavirus, the University System of Georgia and its institutions have suspended travel to China for spring semester study abroad, conferences, and research. All international university-related travel must be reviewed and approved by the appropriate FVSU office (Provost/VPAA for faculty and HR for staff). FVSU also encourages those individuals traveling internationally for personal business to notify the Office of Human Resources and enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive current embassy alerts and messages for your destinations. For the most current travel advisories, visit the State Department’s website and the CDC’s website. For students who are planning to participate in FVSU faculty-led summer study abroad programs, the FVSU Office of the Provost will provide updates on the status of the program.