Sonoma State University Updates Regarding Seasonal Flu And Coronavirus

From Sonoma State University:

February 28, 2020

TO: All Campus

FR: Dr. Kathleen Andersen, Interim Director, Sonoma State Student Health Center, and Missy Brunetta, Director of Emergency Services and Associate Risk Manager

RE: Update on coronavirus and seasonal flu precautions

Dear Campus Community,

Given concerns about the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) abroad, particularly in China, South Korea, Japan, Iran and Italy, we want to update you on what Sonoma State is doing to prepare for the possibility of an outbreak in our community and what steps you should take to prevent getting seasonal flu.

First, there are no confirmed cases of anyone contracting the coronavirus (COVID-19) at Sonoma State or in Sonoma County. As reported in the media on Tuesday, a patient was transferred to a Sonoma County hospital this week who had been a passenger on a cruise ship in Japan that had been stricken by the virus. The patient is currently in isolation in a specialized unit in a Sonoma County hospital.

As information about this coronavirus is rapidly changing, we recommend you monitor the County of Sonoma Public Health website for updates on local conditions. For updates on the national coronavirus situation, please refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Meanwhile, Sonoma State administrators and the Student Health Center are continuing to monitor the outbreak and are following the guidance of state and federal public health and emergency management agencies in preparing for a response if necessary. Ensuring the health and safety of those on campus is our top priority. We will continue to provide updates as needed.

If you or someone you know has recently been in contact with someone who has visited mainland China or is suspected of having the coronavirus, and is experiencing fever, cough or any symptoms of respiratory distress, please call your physician immediately. Students should call the Student Health Center at 707-664-2921 before coming in for a visit. Faculty and staff should contact their primary care providers for care. If you have flu-like symptoms, please put on a mask before interacting with others or going outside. Masks are not recommended by the CDC at this time for people without symptoms. All others are encouraged to take the usual precautions they would employ during any flu season.

These measures include:

• Get a flu shot.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover your cough or sneeze
• Most important, stay home when you are sick and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
• Call the Student Health Center or your private medical provider for advice rather than walking into any medical facility.

For additional information, visit Sonoma State’s FAQ page concerning the coronavirus and seasonal flu. For more information about the Coronavirus (COVID-19), visit the Sonoma County Department of Health Services web page or visit the Centers for Disease Control website.

If you have questions 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.