To students, faculty, and staff:
As members of our community return from spring break, when many of us have been traveling, we would like to provide an update on the global outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19). Rest assured that UMW’s medical and emergency management officials have taken proactive steps and are continually monitoring the situation and are regularly in touch with the Virginia Department of Health (VDH).
There are no confirmed cases in our community or in Virginia. At this point, VDH recommends self-quarantine only for individuals who have traveled to or been in close contact with residents of China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea. In addition, the same protocol is recommended for anyone who has been in physical proximity with someone who has a confirmed case of COVID-19.
We realize many students, faculty, and staff have traveled widely during the past week. While the risk of contracting COVID-19 is lower if you have not traveled to any of the four countries named above or been in close contact with someone who has, we urge all members of the campus community to practice vigilance in regard to their health.
As a means of ensuring your safety as well as the safety of the campus community, we ask that you inform student health via this link of where you have traveled in the past several weeks.
The symptoms associated with COVID-19 are similar to the common flu – fever, cough, shortness of breath, and other respiratory complaints. Students who are ill or think they may be ill should stay away from class, and they must contact their instructor via email or telephone to discuss appropriate adjustments. Faculty will be provided guidance on ways to accommodate students who may temporarily need to participate or complete assignments remotely. Faculty members who have questions about how to do this may find assistance through the Center for Teaching and Digital Learning Support.
As with any cold or flu, it is important for everyone to follow these self-care habits to reduce the chance of infection:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid eating or drinking after others or sharing e-cigarettes.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- 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.
There is currently no treatment available for COVID-19; for more than 80% of people who contract the virus, cases are mild and the virus runs its course. However, if you test positive with coronavirus, VDH recommends self-isolation for 14 days so as not to expose anyone else to the virus.
Here is more information about self-isolation and self-quarantine.
If you have medical questions or are in need of a thermometer, please call the Student Health Center at 540-654-1040. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or 654-4444 on campus.
For any other questions or concerns, please email healthupdates@umw.edu or call/leave a message at 540-654-1999.
Further information on COVID-19 can be found at Virginia Department of Health, Centers for Disease Control, and/or by dialing 211 (press 9).
We continue to work closely with local, state, and federal health officials, and we will regularly update the campus.
Your well-being is a top priority. In our commitment to minimizing the health risks to our students, staff and faculty, we will provide as clear and timely communications as possible.
Sincerely,
Juliette Landphair, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
University of Mary Washington
Jlandpha@umw.edu