Coronavirus Information For The UC Davis Campus

From the University of California, Davis:

February 14, 2020

What UC Davis is doing

Locally, the campus and medical center are in coordination with our local public health departments and the University of California Office of the President (UCOP) to provide ongoing clinical guidance.

However, UC Davis is monitoring the situation as it unfolds in California and around the globe and is working closely with the Yolo County Health Department and UCOP to provide our community with the most up-to-date information.

UC Davis and UC Davis Health have implemented measures to protect our community, should a patient be identified in the future. Additionally, all students seeking care at the Student Health and Wellness Center are being asked about recent travel or contact with those who have traveled to the area impacted by the Coronavirus.

The campus continues to operate normally. We are updating the community through our news channels Student Health and Counseling (SHCS), Global Affairs and Dateline as new information is learned about the Coronavirus.

There are currently no plans to cancel classes, and we will not plan to do so unless directed by our Yolo County Health Department. In addition, only the County Health Department has the authority to quarantine community members.

Coronavirus Updates

Find the latest UC Davis updates about the Coronavirus.

What you should know about coronavirus

Prevention

Good hygiene tips

It is currently cold and flu season. How can I help protect myself from viral infections, including the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

All members of the UC Davis community are reminded to practice preventative measures to stay healthy, including:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school
• Practice healthy habits: get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food
• If you have not received your annual flu shot, please schedule one with your provider to help protect yourself against the flu

*In addition, healthy students should not stay home for fear of catching an infection in class or on campus and healthy UC Davis employees should not stay home for fear of catching an infection at work.

It’s not too late to get your seasonal flu vaccine on campus from SHCS. Flu shots are covered for students with SHIP insurance and $25 for students without SHIP. You can make an appointment by calling the phone number above.

Signs and symptoms

Flu symptoms can include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscles and body aches, headache, fatigue, sometimes diarrhea and vomiting. Most people who get the flu do not need medical care or antiviral drugs. If you get sick with flu symptoms, in most cases, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people until you are fever-free.

Signs of Coronavirus infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. Any student who suspects they have influenza or the Coronavirus should contact UC Davis Student Health and Counseling Services (SHCS) at 530-752-2349.

Suspecting influenza or Coronavirus?

Any member of our community suspecting they have influenza or the Coronavirus should stay home. Students should call Student Health and Counseling Services at 530-752-2349, or call their primary medical provider prior to arriving at the medical office. This will allow us to provide you with information on your illness and to plan for your visit to the clinic, if needed. Faculty and staff should contact their provider’s office for additional instructions about seeking care.

What should I do if I think I have the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) or a respiratory viral illness?

If you have a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as a cough, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath:

• Stay home from school/work if you are having symptoms
• Wash your hands and stay well hydrated by drinking fluids
• Cover your cough, and avoid close contact with others
• Call your healthcare provider for advice if you think you have Coronavirus or if you are concerned

If you have traveled to Wuhan, China, or have been in close contact with someone who has encountered 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), within the 14 days before the onset of your symptoms, please notify your provider/clinic BEFORE entering their office. It is important to call ahead so your provider/clinic can be prepared for your visit.

SHCS, based on CDC guidelines, has developed additional screening (by phone and at our front desks) and has implemented additional protocols to help identify possible cases of Coronavirus to provide optimal care for those with symptoms and to protect other patients and staff.

UC Davis students should call SHCS at 530-752-2349 to speak with an advice nurse.

UC Davis faculty and staff should call their healthcare provider immediately for care.

Counseling

We also recognize some members of our campus community are directly affected by the virus without themselves being sick. The news, and especially the uncertainty, can feel very scary. Some also have concerns regarding family members and friends in other areas who are sick, or who are at increased risk.

We want to help if you are struggling, and students can call Counseling Services at 530-752-0871 to schedule with a counselor or to hear more about our counseling resources on campus. Mental Health Crisis Consultation Services are available in 219 North Hall, Monday thru Friday from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and in the Student Health and Wellness Center, Monday thru Friday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. No appointment is needed.

Faculty and Staff can contact the Academic and Staff Assistance Program (ASAP) at 530-752-2727.

Travel Advisory

Under UC Davis Travel Policy China will temporarily be considered a “Very High Threat” destination. Travel to high-risk destinations are subject to review by the Travel Advisory Committee. Faculty, Staff, and postdocs planning travel to China must e-mail a detailed itinerary of their proposed travel, along with information on their risk mitigation procedures, to travelsecurity@ucdavis.edu no less than three weeks prior to the planned departure date. Additional information on this policy can be found on the Global Affairs website.

UC Davis travelers are reminded to register their trips, which is required per UC Davis policy and provides customized, real-time travel updates and alerts.

Travel Information

• FAQs from Global Affairs

Travel Security

For travel security questions, travelers should contact:

• A.J. Leeds
  Travel Security Manager
  Global AffairsPhone: 530-752-4129Email: TravelSecurity@ucdavis.edu

UC Davis Experts

• Coronavirus experts

Other resources

• Yolo County Information
• CDC Information
• California Department of Public Health

This press release was produced by the University of California, Davis. The views expressed here are the author’s own.