We are closely monitoring the outbreak of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus

Posted: February 5, 2020

We are closely monitoring the outbreak of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, or COVID-19, recognizing our mission as a globally inclusive university that seeks to ensure the wellbeing of our students, faculty and staff - especially those who are arriving from or are traveling abroad. We are aware of the exposure risks, signs and symptoms of COVID-19, and are implementing procedures and protocols in accordance with guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

These efforts are precautionary in nature.Our campus is safe, and COVID-19 poses no current threat to the region - in Erie and Ruskin, Fla.

COVID-19 is a virus that has been identified as the cause of outbreak of respiratory illness that was first detected in Wuhan, China. For confirmed infections, reported illnesses have ranged from people experiencing few to no symptoms to fever, cough, difficulty breathing and pneumonia.

Eleven imported cases of COVID-19 infection in people had been detected in the U.S. as of Feb. 3. The immediate health risk to the general U.S. public is considered low at this time. Regardless, the CDC recommends that you seek medical care if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or were exposed to anyone ill who has recently traveled from China. Before you go to your doctor's office, emergency room, or to the campus Health and Wellness Center, call ahead to allow the healthcare provider's office to take any necessary precautions prior to your arrival.

To prevent the spread of this and most other viruses, the CDC recommends the following:

• Wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds or more under warm water with soap.
• Use alcohol-based sanitizer if unable to wash hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, face and mouth with unwashed hands.
• If you cough, sneeze or have a runny nose, always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.
• Throw used tissues into a trash can immediately and wash your hands thoroughly before touching anything or anyone.
• Do not share food, drink, utensils or dishes with others, and wash dishes, cups and silverware after use to prevent someone else from using contaminated items.
• If you have a persistent cough, you can wear a facemask to prevent spread to others, regardless of illness type.

Gannon's Health and Wellness Center in Erie has been busy in recent days with students and staff with strep and viral upper respiratory infections. There are currently no concerns of COVID-19 on campus. The Center has stated it will take all precautionary measures for patients who display flu-like symptoms and have recently traveled out of the country by contacting local public health authorities immediately for necessary testing and guidance.

COVID-19 is primarily centralized in China, including cases outside Wuhan. There are no Gannon students from the city currently, nor do any of our university travel plans include trips to the area.

We will continue to monitor the situation and inform the Gannon community of any changes.

For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19 visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.