Social Distancing

Per the CDC’s recommendation, social distancing involves “remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance” whenever possible to limit the ability of the virus to spread.

Social distancing is not the same as self-quarantine or isolation, two other practices being utilized to minimize the coronavirus spread. The key difference is that a quarantine or isolation restricts the movement of people within a certain area or zone to limit transferring and spreading an infection. Social distancing places no such locational constraints, rather it is a behavioral practice to lower the risk in most circumstances.

Purpose

Due to the increase in the spread of infectious diseases, Mount Aloysius College is taking measures to protect its students, faculty, staff, and their families from potential exposure to disease.  One of these measures is social distancing.

Policy

Social Distancing is an attempt to limit the spread of disease through human to human contact.  Actions to minimize contact between infected and healthy individuals will range from the use of sick time, limitation or cancellation of events, remote working, and actually physically distancing yourself from others.

Social Distancing measures may include:

Maintaining a personal distance between oneself and a person showing symptoms of illness.

Recommend minimum distance is three to six feet.  Avoid shaking hands or any physical contact.

Maintaining significant personal distance from students and coworkers via the use of sick time when you are experiencing symptoms of an illness.

Limit meetings that can be held via conference call.

If you have personally traveled or have been close to a person who traveled, use extra caution.  No face to face meetings should take place for a period of 14 days while you monitor yourself for symptoms.  If you become ill, do not report to the workplace and contact your healthcare provider.  Contact Health Services via phone to report the risk.

Students who must be on campus during this time or will return to campus after leaving for any reason should minimize contact with others on campus.

Students who have left campus and return will need to monitor themselves for a period of 14 days.  If you become symptomatic (fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose) contact Health Services via phone.

Beyond keeping whatever distance is possible and keeping encounters to a minimum people must be mindful of their hygiene routine, making sure to wash hands or use hand sanitizer frequently.

Clean your hands often

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Cover coughs and sneezes

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Clean and disinfect

• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

Mount Aloysius College requirements

Consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for travelers returning to the United States from China, Mount Aloysius College is requiring a 14-day quarantine period for travelers from CDC Level 3 countries before they return to campus. At this time, these countries include: China, Iran, Italy and South Korea.

Students and employees who traveled to one of these countries must isolate themselves from others in their place of dwelling while monitoring for signs and symptoms of illness as described below. Of note, many students may be returning to a home away from campus. However, students and their families should follow the same recommendations and advice included in this document.

If you are returning from a country with a CDC Alert Level 2 or “watch” level you should follow many of the below recommendations — including maintaining vigilant hygiene practices, self-monitor for symptoms and assess temperature twice per day for 14 days after return.

If you feel sick

If you spent time in a CDC Alert Level 2 or Warning Level 3 country during the past 14 days and feel sick with fever or cough or have difficulty breathing:

• Take your temperature.
• Seek medical advice. Call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room. Tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
• Avoid contact with others.
• Do not travel while sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Clean your hands often by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60%-95% alcohol immediately after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty.

Prevention is the best way to limit the spread of disease. If you find that you are not feeling well after returning, then please seek medical care as described. Otherwise, quarantine yourself for the specified time so that if you do become ill, the risk of spread of your illness to others is minimal.

Health Services guidance for home quarantine

• Stay home except to get medical care — as noted above, call ahead before visiting your doctor.
• Separate yourself from other people and animals in your home.
• Wear a facemask when you are around other people or pets.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; wash your hands afterward with soap and water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer (see above).
• Clean your hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based sanitizer; use soap and water preferentially if your hands are visibly dirty.
• Avoid sharing personal household items.
• Clean “high-touch” surfaces daily with a household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Monitor your symptoms and if they develop or worsen then call your health care provider BEFORE seeking in-person care.

Guidance for household members during quarantine

• Help with basic needs in terms of food, medications, and other personal needs.
• Stay in another room or be separated from the patient as much as possible; use a separate bedroom and bathroom if possible.
• Prohibit visitors without an essential need from coming into the home.
• Household members should care for any pets.
• Clean your hands often with soap and water or with an alcohol-based sanitizer; use soap and water preferentially if your hands are visibly dirty.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• The patient and household members should wear disposable facemasks when in the same room; throw masks away after using them.
• Avoid sharing household items with the patient.
• Clean “high-touch” surfaces with a cleaning spray or wipe.
• Wash laundry thoroughly: use disposable gloves while handling; wash hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer after removing gloves

Returning from a country without a coronavirus warning

At this time, domestic travelers and travelers to countries that do not have an elevated CDC Warning Level do not need to take any action other than monitoring their health and practicing good hygiene and prevention. However, if you begin to have symptoms it is important to follow up with your health care practitioner.

Upcoming international travel

Mount Aloysius College has no college-planned trips to CDC Warning Level 3 countries on the restricted travel list. Faculty and staff travel to these countries also has been restricted and would require approval from the risk task force.

Further, the college strongly discourages personal travel to these countries. Travelers to these countries will be required to quarantine themselves in their dwelling for 14 days before being permitted on campus.

Before booking travel and departing the country, travelers should check the CDC website for the latest threat level rating for their destination. The CDC website also includes answers to frequently asked questions regarding travel abroad. This is a rapidly evolving situation with government policies and recommendations changing as the situation changes. Travelers should exercise caution when traveling abroad as quarantines and re-entry restrictions, particularly for non-U.S. nationals, could be implemented as the situation evolves.

While traveling domestically or abroad, take the following precautions:

• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean your hands often by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at 60%–95% alcohol; soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty. It is especially important to clean hands after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.

Domestic travel recommendations

The potential public health threat posed by COVID-19 is high, but individual risk is dependent on exposure. For members of the general American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to the virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low. More cases are likely to be identified in the coming days, including more cases in the United States. It’s also likely that person-to-person spread will continue to occur, including in the United States. If you travel domestically, take the following routine precautions:

• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean your hands often by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%–95% alcohol. Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty. It is especially important to clean hands after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.

Upon returning from domestic travel, if you feel sick with fever, cough or difficulty breathing, particularly within 14 days after you left, you should:

• Seek medical advice — call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room. Tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
• Avoid contact with others.
• Not travel on public transportation while sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to avoid spreading the virus to others. Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. If soap and water are not readily available, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%–95% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Hygiene and prevention

To prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus and other respiratory infections, the CDC recommends the following prevention measures:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Voluntary Home Isolation: 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 using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  •  CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Watch the video above to hear a message from President Mills related to coronavirus updates (recorded on March 23, 2020)

Dear MAC Community,

I am contacting you in response to Governor Wolf’s announcement last night mandating all nonessential, “non-life-sustaining” businesses to close. Higher education has been deemed a nonessential business.

I wanted to inform you that this announcement will not further affect our current operations.

In alignment with the Governor’s mandate, the College will continue to offer remote learning to our students, and we will be ensuring the safety and smooth transition of our students as they move off campus.

The following will continue as planned:

• Dining operations will continue as scheduled for those students still on campus;

• Faculty are continuing work to transition face-to-face classes to remote coursework, which will begin on Monday, March 30 as scheduled;

• The Health Services office remains open with a call first policy; and

• The Counseling Center, the Center for Student Success, the Learning Commons, and the Registrar will continue providing remote services.

I know there has been a lot of changing information during the past two weeks both in your personal and academic lives. I understand how this can be overwhelming, and I want you to know that your professors, the staff, and the Mount Aloysius administration are fully dedicated to helping you during this time.

Please continue to monitor your MAC email for updates from the College. There is an office contact list at www.mtaloy.edu/coronavirus which you can use to reach any department.

Thank you, and stay safe.

Dr. John W. Mills

President, Mount Aloysius College

Dear MAC Community,

First of all, I want to say thank you for your patience and goodwill towards Mount Aloysius College as we work through these trying times. The way that the Mount Aloysius College community takes care of each other is what brought me here, and I am not surprised to see that sense of caring in action and stronger than ever during this time of global crisis.

The safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our highest priority. As this unprecedented situation continues to unfold, campus leadership has determined that the best course of action is to move all classes to a remote learning format for the rest of the spring semester.

Beginning March 30 and for the rest of the spring 2020 semester, all courses will move to a remote learning format. This applies to all course formats and locations.

• Students will be expected to move out by Wednesday, April 1. An email will be forthcoming with check-out procedures and options. All students will be required to schedule a move-out time in order to limit the number of students in any building at a certain time and to practice social distancing guidelines. We understand this may present challenges for some students, and we will work with any student who needs assistance. Again, an email with more information will follow this announcement.

• Students involved in student teaching, nursing clinicals, internships and other off-campus education formats will receive additional updates from their program chair or dean.

• In addition, all on-campus athletic, academic, and co-curricular events have been canceled for the remainder of the spring semester.

• We are postponing Commencement at this time. It is very important to us that we honor and celebrate our graduating students, and we are discussing alternative plans for this event.

Prorated Reimbursements

In the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy, we are also very mindful of the financial strain that some of our students are facing during this time.

In response, Mount Aloysius College is committed to issuing prorated reimbursements for housing and meal plans in some form. Student reimbursements will differ based on factors including (but not limited to) housing location, meal plan selected, and college scholarships. The reimbursement may also take various forms (such as fall 2020 credit for returning students). As we finalize details over the coming weeks, we will communicate with residential and meal plan students. We know there will be questions related to this matter. We ask that you please be patient and wait for the next communication.

In closing, please continue to take care of yourselves and those around you. We will get through this. Eventually, we will look back and know that we did our best for this college and for each other.

John W. Mills
President, Mount Aloysius College

Dear Faculty and Staff,

IMPORTANT: Please check your email and the MAC Portal page daily for updates on this situation.

As many of you have already heard, Gov. Wolf has issued a two-week, statewide shutdown in response to the coronavirus. This includes asking nonessential businesses to close their doors. Higher education has been deemed a nonessential business.

With a number of students still living on campus and remote education underway at the College, the campus will remain operational in a limited, modified capacity.

In alignment with the CDC’s guidelines on social distancing and in response to Gov. Wolf’s message, we are asking all employees not to report to work until further notice unless deemed essential.

Essential employees will be immediately notified by their supervisors and arrangements will be made to work in-person or remotely.  As things progress, the list of essential employees may change to meet operational business needs.

Full-time and adjunct faculty will continue with their current workload as planned.

TO: The Mount Aloysius Community
FROM: Dr. John W. Mills, President of Mount Aloysius College
March 12, 2020

Dear Mount Aloysius Community,

While Mount Aloysius College has no reported cases of coronavirus, the safety of our students is our top priority and we are taking every precaution in light of the spread of this virus.

In response to the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and in coordination with the CDC’s guidelines on social distancing, the college is implementing the following measures.

• We will be extending spring break for students by one week (March 14 through March 28).

• After the extra week, the campus will shift all in-person classes to remote learning (online courses) for the following two weeks (March 29 through April 10). This timeline may be extended at a later date based on the pandemic trends.

• 7- and 8-week online courses will begin on Monday as scheduled, and courses that are currently delivered online will continue as scheduled.

• Information on the resumption of clinicals, internships and student teaching will be addressed during the first week of spring break. You will receive more details from your department chair.

• The residence halls will close as planned at 6 p.m. on Friday, March 13. We will be working with any student that needs to remain on campus. More information about residence on campus will be in the follow-up email to students. We will make a decision about the return of in-person classes by April 3.

• Little People’s Place will be closed from March 13 through April 3. We will continue to monitor the situation in that time.

• Our campus will remain open and operational, and all office and support personnel are available to answer questions.

• At this time, there are no plans to move Commencement which is scheduled for May 16, 2020.

• All of MAC’s current policies, messages, and information related to the coronavirus can be found at www.mtaloy.edu/coronavirus.

Additional Information

Students, you will be receiving another email with information about online learning and campus services. The extra week will provide you with additional time to become familiar with Canvas and online learning. The most important things for you to know at this point are:

• Follow the guidelines for staying healthy.

• Take all of your educational resources (books, computers, etc) with you when you leave campus (if this creates hardship based on travel plans, please see the follow-up email for more information).

• Check your email regularly as we continue to share updates.

The faculty, administration and I will work closely with you during this challenging time and take every step to ensure a quality and successful academic experience.

Faculty, you will be receiving additional information from your Dean in the near future.

Staff, our campus will remain open and operational at this time.

Parents, Mount Aloysius College is fully committed to the well-being of our students and slowing the spread of the coronavirus while also supporting our students’ educational goals and needs during these challenging times. We take extreme pride in the quality of our academic programming, and that will not change in any way.

We encourage you to stay up-to-date with information related to the coronavirus and campus operations by visiting www.mtaloy.edu/coronavirus.

This is an unprecedented time in higher education for everyone and we will continue to face daily questions with which we do not have immediate answers. We appreciate your patience and good-will as we navigate the situation in the coming weeks.

Finally, I know many of you have had to change plans for different reasons over the next couple of weeks because of what is happening nationally and globally, and I appreciate your resiliency as we work together as a community during this challenging time and make the rest of your semester as productive as possible.

John W. Mills, President

Dear students,

As you saw in the President’s email, in response to the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and in coordination with the CDC’s guidelines on social distancing we will be extending spring break for students by one week. After the extra week, the campus will be shifting to remote learning (online courses) for at least the following two weeks (March 30 through April 10).

What you need to know at this point

• It is crucial for you to check your email regularly in the coming weeks. The college is closely monitoring the situation and will be sending regular updates to the community.

• You will receive further instruction on how to prepare for your online courses and be successful in Canvas. You will be added to a “Building with Canvas” course to help you with the transition no matter what your background is with online learning.

• 7- and 8-week online courses will begin on Monday, March 16 as originally scheduled.  Courses that were originally delivered online will continue as originally scheduled. Please remember to sign in and engage next week to document your attendance.

• Resident Assistants will be hosting meetings in each residence hall this evening. Please try to attend – St. Joe’s and St. Gert’s at 4 p.m. McAuley at 8 p.m. Misciagna at 9 p.m. Ihmsen at 9 p.m.

• As planned, residential students are instructed to move off campus by March 13 at 6 p.m. Students leaving campus are instructed:

  • to take with them any devices, textbooks and other critical materials to be able to continue their coursework remotely. If this is not possible because of your travel plans, you must coordinate with Student Life before reentering the dorms.

  • to bring with them any personal effects, valuables or other items they may need for a potential extended period of time away from campus.

  • Please note: You are not required to move everything out at this time, but take these items in the case of extended absence from classroom learning.

• The college campus is NOT closing. While on-campus instruction will be suspended, the College will otherwise remain open for normal business operations until further notice.

  • Those who are not able to complete their online work from home or need further assistance with online learning may come to the library for assistance and a workspace.

  • For those who cannot leave campus for various reasons such as international students, athletes, and those facing other circumstances, the residence halls and dining center will remain open with modified service.

  • Card access for all residential students except those who are on the extended stay list will be shut off during the break. If you need accommodations for housing or if you need to retrieve belongings, contact Residence Life at 886.6472.

• There is currently no plan to alter Commencement plans. It is still scheduled for May 16.

Most importantly, the administration and faculty understand that this change to remote learning may present a number of challenges for you. Our transition plan will allow us to offer you a quality, remote education while working with you to be successful. This is an unprecedented time in higher education for everyone and we appreciate your patience.

Dr. Tracy B. McFarland
Vice President for Student Affairs

Mount Aloysius College is closely monitoring the Coronavirus Outbreak

International Travel –Spring Break Week

The spread of COVID-19, or Coronavirus, is a significant concern for Colleges & Universities across the country including Mount Aloysius especially due to upcoming Spring Breaks when many students travel internationally.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has published risks to those considering international travel including unpredictable circumstances, travel restrictions, challenges returning home, and difficulty accessing health care.  Anyone considering international Travel over the spring break week must consider all the risks to themselves as well others with whom they live and work.

There are currently no known or suspected cases of 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) at Mount Aloysius.  However, we are instituting several measures proactively to protect the campus community following the Break.

New Policy

Any student, faculty, or staff member who is traveling internationally, regardless of destination, is REQUIRED to inform the Director of Student Health, Ms. Shannon Grove, of their travel plans BEFORE leaving Campus.  You may do so by emailing sgrove@mtaloy.edu or calling 814/886-6391.

Those who intend on traveling overseas must be aware of the following:

• You may be subject to involuntary quarantine by the United States and/or Pennsylvania State governments upon returning to the United States. This applies regardless of your travel destination, and is contingent upon the government’s evaluation of public health risk. This includes those traveling on foreign and U.S. passports.
• Those who travel internationally, particularly during the upcoming spring break, may not be able to return to the United States as a result of federal travel restrictions or quarantines imposed by U.S. or foreign governments. While there is evidence that the United States government has been repatriating citizens quarantined overseas, there is no guarantee of expediency, and these costs are generally not covered by the government.
• College health officials may require anyone who has traveled to certain countries to impose a 14 to 21-day self-quarantine prior to returning to campus.  Please be aware that the College cannot provide accommodations for students or employees who miss significant work or class time as a result of travel quarantine or restrictions. Please be aware of this risk if you opt to travel internationally in the near future.

Countries for which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3, Avoid Non-Essential Travel, will require at least a 14-day self-quarantine period before a Student or Employee is permitted to return to campus.

Each of us is responsible for following good public health practices to minimize the spread of illness. Please practice good handwashing techniques and take frequent advantage of the alcohol-based hand sanitizers located in dispensing units throughout College buildings.

All Employees

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that employees who have symptoms of acute respiratory illness (e.g., fever, trouble breathing, consistent coughing) not come to work, “until they are free of fever (100.4° F or greater using an oral thermometer), signs of a fever, and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g., cough suppressants).”

As a result of the CDC’s recommendation, Mount Aloysius College is requiring that any employee who is experiencing symptoms of acute respiratory illness refrain from coming to work until the Symptoms have resolved.  Supervisors are asked to send employees home if they are exhibiting symptoms of acute respiratory illness.

Students and Faculty: Students who are experiencing symptoms of acute respiratory illness should refrain from going to class and limit their contact with others.

We encourage students who are experiencing symptoms of acute respiratory illness to immediately make an appointment with the Health Services Office by calling 814-886-6515.

The Health Services office can provide written excuses for students who they treat, which can be used to address individual faculty member’s attendance policies. We ask that faculty consider providing opportunities for students who miss class to engage in alternative educational activities (e.g., assignments through Canvas).

International Student Travel: The College is currently working to identify opportunities for international students who may be unable to travel home to remain on campus. International students who are not able to travel home for the upcoming Spring Break should contact the Office of Residence Life (814) 886-6510 and follow the regular Spring Break Extended Stay process.  If the Coronavirus continues to be a concern as the semester progresses, additional information will be provided regarding housing options for any international students who may not be able to travel home for the summer.

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL (CDC) INFORMATION

Types of Notices

Please check the travel notice level of where you are traveling.

Warning Level 3 (Red): Avoid all non-essential travel to this destination. The outbreak is of high risk to travelers and no precautions are available to protect against the identified increased risk.

Alert Level 2 (Yellow): Practice enhanced precautions for this destination. The Travel Health Notice describes additional precautions added, or defines a specific at-risk population.

Watch Level 1 (Green): Practice usual precautions for this destination, as described in the Travel Health Notice and/or on the destination page. This includes being up-to-date on all recommended vaccines and practicing appropriate mosquito avoidance.

In case of symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness either during or after travel, travelers are encouraged to seek medical attention and share their travel history with their health care provider.

Coronavirus:  Respiratory Illness

CDC is responding to an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus. The outbreak first started in Wuhan, China, but cases have been identified in a growing number of other locations internationally, including the United States.

How it Spreads

Person-to-person spread

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Can someone spread the virus without being sick?

• People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
• Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

How easily does the virus spread?

How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained.

The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected. 

Symptoms

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.  Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure*:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

Diagnosis

At this time, diagnostic testing for 2019-nCoV can be conducted only at CDC. State and local health departments will be notified when a person is identified a person under investigation (PUI).

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions.

People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Prevention

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• 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 using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website

For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings.

These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.

Mount Aloysius College is closely monitoring the Coronavirus Outbreak

There are no known or suspected cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) at Mount Aloysius College.

Spring Break Travel Update

The College sponsored mission-trip to Honduras over Spring Break has officially been cancelled.  

Although Honduras has no reported cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) currently, the speed at which the virus is spreading and the number of countries reporting human-to-human transmission is too alarming to continue with the trip as planned.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has published risks to those considering international travel including unpredictable circumstances, travel restrictions, challenges returning home, and difficulty accessing health care.  These factors were considered in reaching our decision to cancel the trip. The College’s primary concern is for the safety and well-being of our students.

CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL (CDC) INFORMATION

Types of Notices 

Please check the travel notice level of where you are traveling.

Warning Level 3 (Red): Avoid all non-essential travel to this destination. The outbreak is of high risk to travelers and no precautions are available to protect against the identified increased risk.

Alert Level 2 (Yellow): Practice enhanced precautions for this destination. The Travel Health Notice describes additional precautions added, or defines a specific at-risk population. 

Watch Level 1 (Green): Practice usual precautions for this destination, as described in the Travel Health Notice and/or on the destination page. This includes being up-to-date on all recommended vaccines and practicing appropriate mosquito avoidance.

In case of symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness either during or after travel, travelers are encouraged to seek medical attention and share their travel history with their health care provider.

Coronavirus:  Respiratory Illness

CDC is responding to an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus. The outbreak first started in Wuhan, China, but cases have been identified in a growing number of other locations internationally, including the United States. 

How it Spreads

Person-to-person spread

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.

Spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects

It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Can someone spread the virus without being sick?

• People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
• Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

How easily does the virus spread?

How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained.

The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in some affected geographic areas. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected.

Symptoms

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.  Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure*:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

Diagnosis

At this time, diagnostic testing for 2019-nCoV can be conducted only at CDC. State and local health departments will be notified when a person is identified as a person under investigation (PUI).  

Treatment

There is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions.

People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Prevention

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• 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 using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website

For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings.  

These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.

Due to the increasing concern about the coronavirus in the United States, Health Services has composed a fact sheet that is attached to this email.  Any students,staff, or faculty should be educated on how to protect yourself, especially if you will be traveling inside or outside of the United States.  The CDC website continues to update the information as it changes. Please review any updated information prior to travel. Please reach out to the Director of Student Health Services with any questions or concerns. 

Ms. Shannon Grove

Director of Student Health Services

sgrove@mtaloy.edu

814-886-6515 or 814-886-6391