Coronavirus updates

EVERTT, Wash. – Feb. 27, 2020 – The health of the Cougar community is our priority. We want to provide accurate resources for current information and preventative tips to help minimize the spread of illness. The best place for up-to-date local and national information about Covid-19 is through the Snohomish Health District and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

There are simple things you can do to help keep yourself and others healthy:

• 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.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

WHAT IS THIS NOVEL CORONAVIRUS (2019‑NCOV)?

2019‑nCoV is a newly identified coronavirus that is causing an outbreak of pneumonia illness. It was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. Since then, the virus has been identified in multiple other countries, including cases in the U.S.

According to the CDC, human coronaviruses are common throughout the world and usually cause mild to moderate illness in people. This new virus is a public health concern because:

• It is newly identified, so much is still unknown about it.
• Two other human coronaviruses, MERS‑CoV and SARS‑CoV, have caused severe illness.

WHAT IS THE RISK?

The CDC considers this new virus a serious public health threat. The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak an international public health emergency.

There are no confirmed cases among WSU community members.

Information about the symptoms, transmission and treatment for 2019‑nCoV is available on the CDC webpage.

CAN YOU TRAVEL TO OR FROM CHINA?

The CDC has issued a level 3 warning for travel to China and recommends avoiding all non‑essential travel to China. The U.S. Department of State updated its China Travel Advisory on January 30, 2020, to “Do Not Travel” to China.

Accordingly, we ask that members of the WSU community not travel to China, until such time as the CDC and Department of State downgrade their travel advisories.

If you must travel to China:

• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Avoid animals (alive or dead), animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat).
• 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.
• Older adults and travelers with underlying health issues may be at risk for more severe disease and should discuss travel to Wuhan with their health care provider.

Please follow CDC guidance on international travel here.

AS A REMINDER, WE ARE STILL IN AN ACTIVE FLU SEASON:

The flu shot is the best way to protect yourself from getting the flu.