Coronavirus Update – March 4, 2020

Worried about Coronavirus (COVID-19)? – Prepare, Don’t Panic

(March 4, 2020)

It is understandable that you may be worried about COVID-19 given how the virus has spread to many regions in the world. The virus is a new strain, and while for most people it causes a mild illness, unlike other coronavirus infections, in some people it has caused a severe illness and even death. As increased testing occurs, that death rate will likely decrease when it is known more accurately how many are actually diagnosed but fully recover.

Although the risk to the U.S. is low at this time, it is helpful to arm yourself with facts and not fear, so that you make good decisions for yourself and your family.

Here Is What You Need to Know:

What Is the Current Status of the Virus at Montclair State University?

• There are currently no confirmed cases in New Jersey, and no cases on our campus
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• Health authorities throughout the world are focused on this illness.  Montclair State University has professional, highly trained staff members who are closely following developments. We are working closely with the State of New Jersey, and our officials are well-informed and able to make decisions based on the best available evidence. President Susan Cole and the leaders of our institution are committed to protecting the health of the students, faculty, and staff.

How Do I Protect Myself and My family?

Individual risk is dependent on exposure to the actual virus. For members of our campus community and the larger U.S. population, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low.

If you have been exposed to a suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus or you have traveled to an area with elevated risk, you are not in the same low risk category. You should consult with your healthcare provider for specific advice. For the most current information, The Centers for Disease Control have published recommendations for travelers.

The best way to prevent any viral infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes it. Stopping transmission (spread) of the virus through everyday practices is the best way to keep people healthy. This includes simple things like:

• Stay home when you are sick
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• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • Wash/sanitize after being in public places – you are touching many surfaces!
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick – keep 6 feet away
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• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or elbow. Throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

What Symptoms Should I Watch for?

Symptoms of this infection include fever, cough and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. The illness causes lung problems and pneumonia. Milder cases may resemble the flu or a very bad cold, making detection difficult. It’s important to know that 80% of cases are mild and resolve on their own which is why staying home and avoiding ill people are important measures. Those at greatest risk for severe illness and hospitalization are those with chronic medical problems and the elderly.

What Is the MSU Student Policy about Class Excuses for Illness?

montclair.edu/policies/all-policies/class-absence-documentation/

• The staff of the University Health Center encourages responsible class attendance and honest dialogue between students and instructors.In the event of significant illness, a student may be provided with a REPORT OF VISIT with recommendations for absence from class or work. These notes are written at the discretion of the clinician and are reserved for serious illness. All REPORT OF VISIT notes are written on the provider’s prescription pad or official letterhead. Copies should not be accepted as documentation. To protect our student’s confidentiality, no diagnostic or treatment information will be provided.REPORT OF VISIT notes will not be provided for minor illness or given to students that have not been seen at the University Health Center. Retroactive class excuses will be written only in extenuating circumstances. A student that was seen by a healthcare provider other than the University Health Center should be referred to that provider for documentation of illness.
   
  In the event of extended illness in which a significant amount of classes will be missed, the student will notify the Dean of Students (DOS) and the DOS will notify professors via email.

Will Montclair State University be screening everybody who is returning from areas known to have COVID-19?

• The University is following guidelines from local, state, and federal authorities on all screening and response protocols. These evidence-informed protocols are the national (and international) standard. The recommendation is for travelers to monitor their health, and if they have fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing they should seek medical evaluation.
• Federal authorities are conducting screenings on departure and arrival and have implemented requirements on individuals traveling from several impacted areas. Individuals who have traveled to areas of concern and are experiencing symptoms are being screened when seeking care.

As the CDC and WHO issue new guidelines related to COVID-19, the University is adjusting clinical protocols accordingly to rapidly identify, evaluate, and support any students at risk.

What Should I Do if I am Concerned about Someone’s Health or Well-being?

As a community, it is important to look after each other.  If you are concerned about a student’s health – even if it’s not about coronavirus, the university has many places for assistance:

• Health or mental health emergencies – call University Police at 973-655-5222 and EMS will be activated.
• Health concerns? Students can go to the University Health Center – Blanton Hall, 1st floor 973-655-3459. All registered students are eligible for evaluation, no insurance is required for an office visit. There is no co-payment. The office maintains federal standards of confidentiality. The office is open until 6 p.m.; Monday-Thurday, until 4:30 p.m.; on Fridays, and Saturdays 11 a.m – 3 p.m.
• Stress, anxiety, mental health concerns? Students can go to the Counseling and Psychological Services – Russ Hall 1st floor 973-655-5211. All registered students are eligible for evaluation, no insurance is required for an office visit. There is no co-payment.  The office maintains very high standards of confidentiality. In addition, students can access “Let’s Talk” which provides walk-in informal, confidential one-on-one consultations with CAPS counselors. Walk-in hours are held five days a week at nine different sites on campus during the regular semester. Check CAPS website for schedule details.