From: Richard C Trietley <rctrietley@viterbo.edu>
Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at 1:10 PM
Subject: Coronavirus Update and Information
Viterbo Students,
As you prepare for the start of spring break in just a few short days, we thought it would be helpful to provide you with an update on the Coronavirus situation. Our Director of Health Services, Sue Danielson, has provided comprehensive background information, tips for protecting yourself, and other educational links containing outstanding resources for your consideration. I would especially like to bring to your attention the spring break web link found in the email below for your review. If you are planning on travelling outside the United States and have any questions or concerns feel free to contact Mrs. Danielson or any of the other student affairs staff so that we may assist you.
Have a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable break! We look forward to seeing all of you back on campus March 16th.
Go VHawks!
RCT
Update on COVID-19 (Coronavirus 2019)
The spread of Coronavirus, now called COVID-19, is continuing to occur globally. As of March 2, 2020, there were 88,948 confirmed cases and 3,043 deaths globally. China accounts for 80,174 of the cases and 2,915 deaths. The United States currently has 16 confirmed cases plus 48 cases of people who have been repatriated back to the United States from Wuhan, China and from aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship. Recently, Italy, Iran, South Korea and Japan have increased their alert levels due to increases in cases of COVID-19 in these countries. Wisconsin continues to have only one confirmed case. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), continue to closely monitor the situation both in the U.S. and abroad. Currently the risk for COVID-19 in the United States remains low. There are indications that person-to-person spread is occurring, most likely between close contacts.
It is understandable that you may feel stressed and anxious about the situation. It is important that you get the facts to help you accurately determine your risks so that you can take reasonable precautions. Right now the greatest risk of infection is for people in China or people who have traveled to China. Risk of infection is dependent on exposure. Close contacts of people who are infected are at greater risk of exposure. Outbreaks of new virus infections among people are always of public health concern. The risk from these outbreaks depends on characteristics of the virus, including how well it spreads between people, the severity of resulting illness, and the medical or other measures available to control the impact of the virus. The fact that this disease has caused illness, including illness resulting in death, and sustained person-to-person spread can be somewhat concerning.
The symptoms of COVID-19 can be mild to severe, including fever, cough and shortness of breath. Severe complications can include pneumonia and death. There are ways to prevent and protect yourself from illness:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or into the elbow, then throw tissues away.
- Clean and disinfect regularly touched objects and surfaces.
- Get the flu vaccine!
At this time, masks are not recommended for everyday use. Masks are in short supply and are needed for close contacts of infected individuals and healthcare providers. On the Viterbo University campus, we are continuing to closely work with the county health department and monitoring the situation reports of the CDC and WHO daily. Influenza is on the Viterbo campus, and it is important that we remain vigilant regarding seasonal flu and prevention measures. Flu vaccine is still available in Health Services.
If you are planning on traveling for Spring Break, please read the following article for more information on COVID-19 and travel. The link is: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/spring-break-travel.
For more information, please follow these links for the CDC and WHO or contact health services at scdanielson@viterbo.edu :
https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Rick Trietley
Vice President for Student Affairs
Viterbo University
900 Viterbo Drive
La Crosse, WI 54601
608-796-3801 (W)
608-796-3803 (FAX)