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.
- Coronavirus & Travel Restrictions - China (Delivered Feb. 10, 2020) — University of Alaska President Jim Johnsen
- As you have no doubt heard, both the CDC and the State department have issued travel warnings for China, with the State department issuing a Level 4 “Do Not Travel” warning. The State department notes that most commercial carriers have reduced or suspended routes to and from China, and that “Travelers should be prepared for the possibility of travel restrictions with little or no advance notice.” Under these circumstances, the university must prohibit travel at UA expense to China. Read President Johnsen's memo for more information.
- Emerging Novel Coronavirus Outbreak (Updated Feb. 10, 2020) — Alaska Department of Health and Social Services
- The Alaska Section of Epidemiology is closely monitoring the rapidly-emerging outbreak of novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Additional cases have been identified in a growing number of other international locations, including the United States. There are currently no confirmed cases in Alaska. Public health alerts and guidance are posted to the Human Coronavirus page.
- 2019 Novel Coronavirus Situation Summary (Updated Feb. 10, 2020) — U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- CDC is closely monitoring the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus that was initially detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. CDC will update guidance as needed and as additional information becomes available. For the latest information and guidance, visit the 2019 Novel Coronavirus website.
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
- 4100 Lake Otis Pkwy., Suite 100
- Phone: 907-563-4006
- 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
- CDC Novel Coronavirus 2019
- WHO Novel Coronavirus disease outbreak news
- Alaska Department of Health and Social Services Human Coronaviruses
- UAA Green and Gold Novel Coronavirus guidance
Director of Student Health
Student Health and Counseling Center
907-786-4040 | mwoodrin@alaska.edu
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