Novel coronavirus updates

by Bruce Schultz, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs  |   

UPDATE (Feb. 10, 2020): Please take a moment to review the latest updates regarding the novel coronavirus outbreak.


ORIGINAL STORY (Feb. 4, 2020) — Important information on novel coronavirus:

Dear UAA Community,

Due to the growing concern about the novel coronavirus, this message is intended to provide the most up-to-date information about the virus and about the risk here in Alaska. This is a rapidly changing situation, and the Office of Emergency Management and the Student Health and Counseling Center (SHCC) are monitoring information provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization and the Alaska State Department of Epidemiology. We will keep you updated through the Green & Gold and SHCC website. 

History of the situation 

As you may know, illness related to this virus was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in December 2019 when people developed pneumonia without a clear cause. Initially, many of the cases of illness were in people that had some relationship to the Huanan Wholesale Seafood Market, which also sold live animals. Coronaviruses can infect both people and animals. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can evolve and infect people and then spread between people. The virus was identified as a novel coronavirus by mid-January. It has been confirmed that it can spread between people. 

Since it was initially identified, there have been approximately 20,704 cases of illness and 427 deaths. The virus has spread to 26 countries. The United States has 11 identified cases. Alaska currently has no cases and no one under investigation as a possible case.  

What you need to know

To protect yourself and others: 

Practice good hand hygiene—wash your hands thoroughly at frequent intervals, before eating and drinking, and after restroom use. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. 

Practice good respiratory etiquette—cough into your elbow, and dispose of tissues in a trash can.

If you have traveled from China within the past 14 days, please notify the Student Health and Counseling Center at 907-786-4040. 

If you have a mild respiratory illness, stay home if possible. If you develop symptoms which you are concerned about, seek medical care. It is best to call first if you are not in an emergency situation and let the clinic know your symptoms and if you have traveled recently. If you miss class due to illness, let your instructors know and, if necessary, your advisor.

Symptoms of the novel coronavirus (2019-NCoV) infection and criteria for evaluation of students, faculty or staff  

  • Fever and symptoms of a lower respiratory infection (i.e., cough or difficulty breathing), AND
    • In the last 14 days before symptom onset, a history of travel from Hubei Province, China.
    • In the last 14 days before symptom onset, close contact with a person who is under investigation for 2019-NCoV infection.
  • Fever and symptoms of lower respiratory infection (i.e., cough or difficulty breathing) requiring hospitalization, AND
    • In the last 14 days before symptom onset, a history of travel from mainland China.
  • Fever or symptoms of lower respiratory tract illness (i.e., cough, difficulty breathing) AND
    • In the last 14 days before symptom onset, close contact with a person ill with laboratory-confirmed 2019-CoV.

Health care options nearby 

The Student Health and Counseling Center on campus:

  • Rasmuson Hall, 8 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Friday
  • Phone: 907-786-4040

Primary Care Associates:

  • 4100 Lake Otis Pkwy., Suite 100
  • Phone: 907-563-4006

Providence Express Care:

  • 2900 Seward Hwy., Suite D (Midtown Mall)

Providence Emergency Room:

  • 3200 Providence Dr.
  • Phone: 907-212-3111

Travel restrictions

The State Department has issued level 4 travel advisory “Do not travel” to China.

U.S. citizens who have traveled to Hubei Province will be quarantined for 14 days upon return.

U.S. citizens who have traveled to other areas of China will complete a self-quarantine in their home for 14 days upon return.

Foreign nationals who have traveled to China will be denied reentry into the U.S. 

More information

Bruce Schultz
Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs
907-786-6108 | brschultz@alaska.edu
Mary Woodring
Director of Student Health
Student Health and Counseling Center
907-786-4040 | mwoodrin@alaska.edu
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