Note: Information found on this page is no longer being updated. For the latest information, please visit the USD Coronavirus Website at sandiego.edu/coronavirus.
Recommendations contained in these past updates may have changed as new information has become available
February 28, 2020
International Travel Support
Coronavirus Update
February 27, 2020
Dear USD Campus Community:
As we approach spring break and the many opportunities for international travel by our students, faculty and staff, it is important for you to know that we are closely monitoring the developments related to the Coronavirus. Our primary focus is on the safety and well-being of our Torero community. There are currently no known exposures to the Coronavirus on the USD campus. We will continue to follow the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which provides guidance for international travel considerations and safety precautions.
The CDC had previously issued a Level III warning for travel to China and South Korea, which means that individuals should avoid non-essential travel to these countries. There are no university programs currently in these regions, and USD does not support travel to these areas at this time. We also prohibit USD employees from traveling on university business to these areas.
The CDC recently issued new Level II travel advisory elevations for Iran, Italy and Japan, which states some travel precautions and advises older adults and those with chronic medical conditions to consider postponing nonessential travel to these countries.
Further details can be found on the CDC website. If you have any upcoming travel or have traveled outside the United States in the past 14 days, it is a good idea to visit this site daily for the most current guidance and recommendations. The USD Health Center webpage will also continue to update content on its website.
We understand that members of our campus community are concerned about the virus. Our International Center staff members are reaching out to those studying abroad this semester and others planning international travel over spring break so that our campus travelers have the latest information and the support of the university. Should the CDC guidelines change related to a location where USD is operating a program abroad, the university is committed to providing support for those returning back to the United States.
I wish all of you a restful, safe and healthy spring break!
Sincerely,
James T. Harris III, D.Ed.
President
Updated Recommendations
February 1, 2020
In an effort to support the well-being of the university community, we have continued to monitor recommendations related to the 2019 novel Coronavirus (n-CoV). This situation is dynamic and rapidly changing with new guidance and recommendations issued.
While this is a serious public health threat, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) characterizes the immediate health risk from the new coronavirus as low for anyone who is unlikely to be exposed to this virus.
There are currently no known exposures to the coronavirus on the USD campus. Although this is a low risk situation to our community, we are taking high precautions and will continue to update the campus as circumstances warrant.
On January 31, 2020 the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services declared a public health emergency and announced new travel restrictions from China to the United States:
Effective 5 p.m. February 2, 2020, the U.S. has new travel restrictions and required monitoring. There will be a temporary ban on entry for foreign nationals who have been to China in the past 14 days. American citizens returning from Hubei in the past 14 days will be subject to health screening and up to 14 days of mandatory quarantine. American citizens returning from mainland China in the past 14 days will be subject to health screening and up to 14 days of monitored self isolation.
If you were in China and returned to the United States after January 18, 2020, this is important information for you:
- If you have traveled to Hubei in the past 14 days, please contact your healthcare provider and provide this information. You need to be screened, monitored and self-isolate up to 14 days after leaving China.
- If you have traveled in mainland China (outside of Hubei) in the past 14 days, you need to self-monitor and self-isolate for up to 14 days after leaving China.
If this applies to you, click here for what you need to know and do.
In addition to these new travel restrictions from China to the United States, earlier this week, travel restrictions to China were implemented by the U.S. Department of State and the CDC. State Department elevated China travel advisory to 'Do Not Travel' due to coronavirus. USD is suspending campus-related travel to China.
As with any health alert, the university is proactively working with campus partners, as well as local and state resources, to monitor the situation and to protect the health and well-being of the USD community.
The most current and reliable information can be found on the CDC website.
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Pamela Sikes, MS, FNP-BC
Director, Student Health Center
January 27, 2020
The University of San Diego is committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of our community, especially during this season of increased flu activity and an emerging public health situation related to a novel strain of coronavirus that originated in Wuhan, China. There are currently no known exposures to the coronavirus in San Diego or on the USD campus. As with any health alert, the university is proactively working with campus partners, as well as local and state resources, to monitor the situation and to protect the health and wellbeing of the USD community.
At this time, we encourage you to join in our efforts by learning about coronavirus.
What is the Coronavirus?
2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a virus (more specifically, a coronavirus) identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China. Early on, many of the patients in Wuhan reportedly had some link to a large seafood and animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread. However, a growing number of patients reportedly have not had exposure to animal markets, suggesting person-to-person spread is occurring. At this time, it is unclear how easily or sustainably this virus is spreading between people.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed five cases of the virus in the United States involving individuals who had recently traveled to Wuhan. There are many other possible cases being tested and we can expect more confirmed cases in the US.
What are the symptoms of Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)?
The symptoms of the coronavirus include:
- Fever above 100.4F, cough or shortness of breath AND
- In the last 14 days before symptom onset, a history of travel from Wuhan City, China or in the last 14 days before symptom onset, close contact with a person with laboratory confirmed 2019-nCoV or in the last 14 days, close contact with a person who is under investigation for 2019-nCoV.
What to do if you have the above symptoms and exposure to 2019-nCoV?
- Stay home from school and work
- Cover your cough
- Employees/Faculty/Staff, call your healthcare provider to discuss your symptoms and exposure. Students should call the Student Health Center.
- If you have traveled to Wuhan, China, within the past 14 days, notify your health care provider at the time of your call. It is important to call before heading into a clinic so that your provider can be prepared for your visit.
What is USD doing to support the university community?
The SHC is in direct communication with the state and county health departments. Wellness, at USD, follows the guidance of the public health departments and the Centers for Disease Control. We will continue to follow guidance, provide updates and adjust strategy when and if recommended.
USD has outreached directly to university community members we know may have been in exposure areas and we are offering direct support and guidance. Additionally, we are asking the whole community to practice strong prevention strategies such as washing hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands, avoid sharing drinks and food and avoid close contact with those who are sick.
You can learn more about the virus and prevention by reviewing: https://www.sandiego.edu/health-center/communications/coronavirus-update.php
What can I do now?
There is no vaccination for the coronavirus.
With flu activity continuing to increase in San Diego, now is the time to make sure that you are protected against the flu. It is not too late to get a flu shot, which is the best way to prevent the flu and its potentially serious complications. We ask you to join us in keeping your vaccinations up to date, washing your hands often, staying hydrated and helping us prevent the spread of infections.
To learn more about the coronavirus, please visit the CDC website for the latest and most reliable information. If you have additional questions or concerns, Staff/Faculty may contact their health provider. Students can visit the Student Health Center website.
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Pamela Sikes, MS, FNP-BC
Director, Student Health Center
