CAMPUS NOTICE
January 27, 2020
| SUBJECT: | 2019 Novel Coronavirus Update: IMPORTANT Information for the UC San Diego Community |
UC San Diego continues to be vigilant in monitoring the progression of 2019 Novel
Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) worldwide. Our leadership and health care experts are in
continuous contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the
California Department of Public Health, and the San Diego County Public Health
for updated information on the outbreak, and for any changes in the protocols
to screen, identify and diagnose potential cases of 2019-nCoV. If cases occur,
UC San Diego will collaborate with the CDC and San Diego Public Health to prevent,
isolate, and control the spread of this infection.
We understand that members of the community are worried about the virus and how it may impact us. Rest assured, your health and wellbeing is our top priority.
Our goal is to keep you informed and to provide a safe campus environment for all
students, employees and visitors. This Q&A may provide helpful information about 2019-nCoV. .
Q: Is 2019-nCoV spreading in the U.S?
A: No. At this time, there is no evidence of transmission to other people in close contact with the five persons in the U.S identified with 2019-nCoV. The confirmed U.S. patients had all visited the city of Wuhan, China where the virus was first identified. To repeat, to date, the virus 2019-nCoV has not been found to be spreading in the U.S.
Q: How can I protect myself?
A: The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
Everyday preventive actions to reduce exposure include:
* Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap
and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
* Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
* Stay home when you are sick.
* Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
If no tissue is available, cough into your sleeve or clothing, not your hands.
* Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Q: I am a student and think I may have a respiratory virus. Can Student Health Services help me?
A: Yes. Student Health Services has developed triage screening (by phone and at front desks) and implemented additional protocols to identify persons who might be infected with 2019 n-CoV. Please call 858-534-3300 for guidance and to determine if you need to be seen by a provider. You may also go to http://myStudentChart.ucsd.edu/shs/ and login with your Student AD to send a message to “Ask-a-Nurse.” Q. Does a student with respiratory illness need to visit Student Health to receive a note to be excused from class? A. The student should call Student Health Services to be evaluated. If the student is advised by Student Health to avoid public areas, this guidance will serve as a “note” to excuse the student from class. Q: Should I wear a respiratory mask on campus? A: It is not necessary to wear a respiratory mask unless you have travelled from Hubei Province, China in the past 14 days AND you have symptoms of an active respiratory illness such as fever and coughing or sneezing or if you have other health reasons to wear a mask. Student Health provides masks to students being evaluated who have fever or respiratory symptoms, regardless of insurance. Q: I feel anxious about the news and want to talk about it. Does the university have resources for me? A: Yes. If you are experiencing heightened feelings of anxiety about the virus and would like to access counseling services, there are resources available. If you are a student, please call Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 858-534-3755. If you are a campus employee, call the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) at 858-534-5523. If you are a UC San Diego Health employee, please contact your Employee Assistance Program provider aligned with your medical coverage or call 619-543-3200. Q: How are our International Students being guided at this time? A: UC San Diego is tracking the locations of our international students and providing guidance to students who may travel to high-risk areas in China. Currently, no UC San Diego student is studying abroad in these locations. At this time, the CDC recommends travelers to avoid all nonessential travel to China. It also recommends that travelers practice easy health precautions, including avoiding close contact with people who are visibly sick, practicing excellent hand hygiene and covering coughs and sneezes. We will continue to communicate with you as new information is learned. Please visit the CDC website, which is updated daily, for the latest information. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
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Pradeep K. Khosla Chancellor
Patty Maysent
Alysson M. Satterlund
Stacie San Miguel, M.D. |