Novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

FSU suspends travel to China; no reported cases at FSU

UPDATED 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2020

FSU is suspending travel to ALL of China. The CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to China while outbreaks of respiratory illness are ongoing. Travel to China outside of the Hubei Province must be deemed essential and approved by the traveler's Vice President in order to be processed. Travelers may not submit travel requests for the Hubei Province and are not authorized to travel to this area until further notice. (Posted 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, January 29, 2020)

University monitoring coronavirus (2019-nCoV); no reported cases at FSU

Florida State University officials are closely monitoring advisories and updates concerning the novel coronavirus originating in Wuhan, China.

No cases have been reported at FSU, in Leon County or in the state of Florida. FSU’s University Health Services is coordinating with the Leon County Health Department and the Florida Department of Health for local planning regarding the novel coronavirus using real time guidance from state and federal health officials.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers this new virus a public health concern based on current information. However, the immediate health risk to the general U.S. public is considered low at this time. The CDC and the World Health Organization are closely monitoring the situation and providing ongoing guidance. The CDC escalated its health warning to a level 3 as the coronavirus continues to spread, recommending that people avoid all nonessential travel to Wuhan, China. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/novel-coronavirus-china

In an abundance of caution, Florida State University is postponing all university travel to affected areas at this time. Contact university administrators with questions.

For faculty or staff matters related to this issue, please contact Tracey Pearson (staff) at 850-644-3694 or Rebecca Peterson (faculty) at 850-645-2202, both in the Office of Human Resources.

What you can do

If you have recently traveled from China, please take the following steps.  Watch for any changes in your health for 14 days after leaving China. If you get a fever or develop a cough or difficulty breathing during this 14-day period, avoid contact with others. Call your doctor or healthcare provider to tell then about your symptoms and your recent travel. Avoid using public transportation if possible. University Health Services offers courtesy transportation to and from the University Health Center to students on the main campus only (call the Medical Response Unit at 850-644-3349 to request transportation).

Any faculty or staff member who has returned from China should contact Associate Vice President of Human Resources Renisha Gibbs before returning to work.

Any student who has returned from China should contact the University Health Services (UHS) Administrative Office at 850-645-0620.

Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath. The CDC has confirmed that person-to-person spread is occurring, although it’s unclear exactly how it is transmitted and how easily the virus spreads between people.

Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for the coronavirus.

There is no vaccine to prevent this virus, and the CDC advises that the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Here are everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:

• 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.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Travel Information

Travelers should stay informed on CDC updates and travel notifications at: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/warning/novel-coronavirus-wuhan-china.

The U.S. State Department has issued alerts for travel to China following an ongoing outbreak of the coronavirus. As the virus continues to spread, State Department officials recommend that people avoid all nonessential travel to China and no travel to Hubei Province. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/china-travel-advisory.html

Helpful Resources

For more information about the coronavirus, prevention, symptoms, etc., please visit www.cdc.gov as a helpful resource.

Prevention Tips

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/about/prevention.html

Coronavirus - Travelers Health Information

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/novel-coronavirus-china

(Message posted 3 p.m. Monday, January 27, 2020)

If you have received an FSU Alert notification, additional emergency information and instructions will be posted here as they become available. Refresh this page for updated information any time the operational status of Florida State University may be in question.