To the campus community:
As classes and activities resume after Spring Break, we realize there is heightened concern about coronavirus (COVID-19). As of 1 p.m. today, Virginia’s Department of Health announced two presumptive cases in Fairfax and Prince William County (locally confirmed, but awaiting CDC analysis). Both are isolated incidents involving individuals who traveled internationally and from which there has been little to no community spread.
We have no reported cases involving UMW students, faculty, or staff. In an abundance of caution, we have asked that members of the campus community report via this form locations to which they have traveled. We appreciate the numbers of you who have self reported.
Be assured: The University’s Emergency Operations Team is monitoring the situation 24/7, and our director of Student Health is reviewing the travel forms.
At this point, we are following guidance from the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), which follows:
Self-quarantine is recommended 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.
Unless you are aware of any direct contact or have any notification of contact with a person with positive COVID-19, VDH recommends no special precautions and you should be safe to return to campus. If you display symptoms – fever, cough, shortness of breath, and other respiratory complaints – please stay home. Students who are ill or think they may be ill should 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.
We ask that all members of the community follow these self-care habits:
- 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. You may also access regularly updated FAQs.
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. To speak with a community health specialist, call the state hotline at 211.
For any other questions or concerns, please email healthupdates@umw.edu or call/leave a message at 540-654-1999.
Sincerely,
Juliette Landphair, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs
University of Mary Washington
Jlandpha@umw.edu