Information Regarding the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)
Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Dear Campus Community,
The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (nCoV) outbreak is of tremendous concern to everyone across the globe. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has declared the risk to the United States and low, and no confirmed cases have been detected in Rhode Island, but Rhode Island College Health Services is remaining vigilant and advising everyone to adopt common sense measures to prevent the spread of any disease on campus.
Health Services is currently screening students who present with or report fever or symptoms of lower respiratory tract infection such as cough and shortness of breath. These students are asked about recent travel history within the last 14 days of the start of symptoms and any potential close contact with persons confirmed with 2019 nCoV. The goal of these guidelines is to identify and contain any potential spread of this virus.
The CDC has recommended that all Americans avoid nonessential travel to China: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/warning/novel-coronavirus-china
If you were in China in the last 14 days and feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you should:
- Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
- Avoid contact with others.
- Not travel while sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
I want to thank our team in Health Sciences for staying abreast of these issues. For updates, please visit: http://www.ric.edu/healthservices/
Yours in education,
Frank D. Sánchez
President
