Coronavirus Update – March 5, 2020
New CDC Recommendation on Travel to Italy…more.
Posted in: Coronavirus
New CDC Recommendations on Travel
The CDC has updated travel guidance for Italy, China, Iran and South Korea. View these travel updates for specific information.
Key Points
- NEW: Travelers returning from Italy, China, Iran or South Korea should stay home and monitor their health during travel and for 14 days after returning to the United States.
- Travelers who feel sick with fever or cough or difficulty breathing should seek medical advice. Call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room.
New Jersey Update
A 32-year-old Fort Lee man is New Jersey’s first resident to be diagnosed with coronavirus. He was hospitalized at Hackensack University Medical Center on March 3, 2020, where he remains in isolation and is doing well. NJ Department of Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli stated “Any case of novel coronavirus in our state is concerning, however most New Jersey residents are at very low risk of contracting COVID-19.” (Update March 9: Multiple cases have been reported in New Jersey.)
Montclair State University takes the situation seriously and is monitoring the current COVID-19 situation across the United States and abroad and making recommendations as the situation unfolds.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Current Status of the Virus at Montclair State University?
- There are currently no confirmed cases on our campus .
- 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 still 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 .
- 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 .
- 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.
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.
- 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.
What is Montclair State University’s Policy on Class Absence?
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.