Sonoma County Frequently Asked Questions About Novel Coronavirus

From Sonoma State University:

February 28, 2020

Coronavirus is a type of virus that causes diseases ranging from the common cold to more serious respiratory disease. The novel coronavirus was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, in December 2019 and has since resulted in thousands of confirmed cases in China. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that patients with the COVID-19 coronavirus have mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath. Severe illness is more common in people with underlying health conditions and weakened immune systems and in older adults.

What are the symptoms?

Although some cases have been fatal, others infected may exhibit no or mild symptoms. It may take up to 14 days for symptoms of the virus to appear. Symptoms of the virus include: feeling sick with fever, coughing or difficulty breathing. The elderly and those with a less effective immune system are considered higher risk.

What should I do if I have symptoms of coronavirus?

Students who are feeling unwell and have traveled to mainland China, South Korea, Japan, Italy or Iran since Feb. 3, 2020, should apply a face mask when around others and notify a member of the Student Health Center team by calling 707-664-2921 before visiting the Student Health Center. Faculty and staff are encouraged to contact their primary care providers for support.

If you have symptoms of influenza-like illness or other respiratory infections, please stay at home until you have contacted the Student Health Center or your health-care provider to seek medical attention as soon as you are able. If your symptoms are accompanied by a documented fever of greater than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, do not return to class or work until your fever is gone for at least 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medications.

Additional information about the seasonal flu, including details about symptoms, the flu vaccine and healthy habits, is available here.

What should I do to protect myself?

With increased flu activity in Sonoma County and the outbreak of novel coronavirus in China, South Korea, Japan, Italy and Iran, SSU encourages campus members to take certain active measures to protect against influenza-like illness and respiratory infections. The most important of these measures are:

• Wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based rub frequently and avoid touching your face as much as possible.
• Cover your cough or sneeze.
• Get a flu shot, if you have not already done so. It is not too late and you are more likely to encounter influenza viruses than you are to be exposed to COVID-19. Flu shots are available for students at the Student Health Center pharmacy for $15. Faculty and staff should contact their personal medical provider’s office for flu vaccination.

Should I be wearing a mask? Will SSU provide masks?

The CDC and the California Department of Public Health recommend that only individuals who are exhibiting flu-like symptoms should wear a mask until they are evaluated by a health-care provider. The campus has a large supply of masks and appropriate PPE (personal protective equipment) should that guidance change.

Is SSU prepared in case there are coronavirus impacts in Sonoma County?

University officials are in regular communication with the Centers for Disease Control and state and local public health. We will continue to follow guidance, provide updates and adjust strategy when and if recommended.

How will we be notified if there is an issue that impacts campus?

The university will send a notice to campus through the campus email system. Communications also will be posted on the SSU website.

What is the university doing to support SSU students who are studying abroad?

The university is in regular communication with our students who are studying abroad in high-risk areas and have contingency plans should they be at elevated risk.

Where can I get additional information?

Accurate and up-to-date information about the coronavirus is available on the CDC’s website and the Sonoma County Department of Health Services website. If you have additional questions that are not covered here about the university's plan for coronavirus, please email emergency@sonoma.edu.

This press release was produced by Sonoma State University. The views expressed here are the author’s own.