COVID-19

As COVID-19 (coronavirus) began to spread rapidly across the United States, tough decisions had to be made to protect our students, faculty, and staff. The virus posed a tremendous risk to our campus community and it quickly became clear that it would not abate by the end of the semester. After much deliberation, the following decisions were made:

Classes were conducted online for the remainder of the spring semester.
Commencement Exercises, originally scheduled for May 15, were rescheduled for October 30-31. Read more here.
Classes will resume on campus for Fall 2020. Read more here.

General Information About COVID-19

Sources: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
and the World Health Organization (WHO)

What is a novel coronavirus?

A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified.
The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.
A diagnosis with coronavirus 229E, NL63, OC43, or HKU1 is not the same as a COVID-19 diagnosis. Patients with COVID-19 will be evaluated and cared for differently than patients with common coronavirus diagnosis.

What is the source of the virus?

Rarely, animal coronaviruses that infect animals have emerged to infect people and can spread between people. This is suspected to have occurred for the virus that causes COVID-19.
Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) are two other examples of coronaviruses that originated from animals and then spread to people.
More information about the source and spread of COVID-19 is available on this CDC page: Situation Summary: Source and Spread of the Virus.

How does the virus spread?

The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Common symptoms include mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. Read more about COVID-19 symptoms.

How can I help protect myself and others?

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home if you’re sick. See guidelines below for more.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person to person:

Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet)
Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes

Visit the CDC’s COVID-19 Prevention and Treatment page to learn about how to protect yourself from respiratory illnesses, like COVID-19.

What do I do if I have symptoms?

Stay home except to get medical care.
Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home.
Call ahead before visiting your doctor.
Wear a facemask if you are sick.
Cover your coughs and sneezes.
Clean your hands often.
Avoid sharing personal household items.
Clean all high-touch surfaces every day.
Monitor your symptoms.

Detailed information is on the CDC website: What to Do If You Are Sick.

Will warm weather stop the spread of COVID-19?

It is not yet known whether weather and temperature impact the spread of COVID-19. There is much more to learn about the transmissibility, severity, and other features associated with COVID-19. Some other viruses, like the common cold and flu, spread more during cold weather months, but that does not mean it is impossible to become sick with these viruses during other months.