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Coronavirus Update 2-26-20

February 26, 2020

The health center building

On February 26th, the following email regarding the Coronavirus was sent to the Roanoke College campus community.

From Sandy McGee, MSN, FNP

Assistant Dean of Students

Director of Student Health and Counseling: 

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 was first identified in December during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China. COVID-19 is spreading from person to person in China, and limited spread among close contacts has been detected in some countries outside China, including the United States.

Risk of infection is dependent upon exposure. Close contacts of people who are infected with COVID-19 are at greater risk of illness. Those individuals with possible exposure to people with COVID-19 infection are being closely monitored by public health authorities in the U.S. and abroad, to limit the risk of transmission. The potential public health threat posed by COVID-19 is high, both globally and to the United States. For the general American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low. 

For more information:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

The global situation is changing daily. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) anticipates there will be a continued rise in the number of cases identified worldwide and in the United States. We advise that if you are traveling outside the U.S. during spring break that you check for updates from the CDC.

If you travel to an area of the world over break where the COVID-19 infection is spreading from person to person, or you have known contact with a person infected with COVID-19 during your travels, you can expect to be quarantined for up to 14 days after your return to watch for signs of infection. Please notify Student Health and Counseling Services BEFORE returning to campus if you may have been exposed to COVID-19 over spring break. 

There has been a noticeable increase of respiratory illnesses on campus including influenza.  Everyday preventive actions to avoid the spread of all viruses include:

  • 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.

Updates will be shared with the campus community as more information becomes available.