Health Advisory Update: About the Coronavirus

Message from the Director of the University Health Center:

Many members of the Montclair State University community are following the news about the current outbreak of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the potential impact to their communities and wish to take appropriate steps to mitigate any risks. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) continue to monitor the emerging and rapidly evolving situation and have provided some updated guidance. What is new is that imported cases of COVID-19 in travelers have been detected in new countries outside of China.

Travelers

If you are traveling you can view the most recent information found on the following websites:

• CDC
• U.S. State Department
• World Health Organization

If you have symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness (cough, fever, shortness of breath) either during or after travel, you are encouraged to seek medical attention and share your travel history with their health care provider.

Preventing Illness

It is recommended that everyone follow these everyday prevention practices:

• Get a seasonal flu shot.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• 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. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning.

Members of the Montclair State University community are reminded that although this infection is a serious public health concern, the immediate health risk to the general U.S. public is still considered low at this time. There have been no risks identified on our campus. There is far more risk of getting sick from the flu in the United States than getting the new coronavirus.  

Montclair State will continue to communicate recommendations received from The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Department of Health and Human Services, and the NJ Department of Health (NJDOH).

Where to Go for Up-to-Date Answers to Common Questions

• The World Health Organization answers common questions in a video.
• The Centers for Disease Control provides guidance and current recommendations.

Questions

Students may email askanurse@montclair.edu or call The University Health Center with any questions at 973-655-3459. Employees may email ohd@montclair.edu or call Occupational Health at 973-655-5014.

Update: Monday, March 2, 2020.