PUC Update 3: New Protocol
Update Posted: March 02, 2020
Due to the recent community transmission of the virus in parts of the world including the U.S., the CDC has now expanded the definition beyond mainland China, to include Iran, Italy, Japan, and South Korea.
At this time, the updated recommendation is to contact Health Services at (707) 965-6339 if you develop a fever and lower respiratory symptoms, like a cough or shortness of breath, within 14 days of travelling from China, Iran, Italy, Japan, or South Korea. Please do not report to an emergency room or other medical facility - Health Services will provide directions.
We again want to stress the importance of taking preventative measures, which is especially vital in a communal living environment like our campus. The same precautions that have kept incidence of illness on campus low this season are recommended to prevent the spread of coronavirus. They include the following:
- Washing hands with liquid soap and water, and rubbing for at least 20 seconds
- Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing
- Staying home if you are sick
The virus typically causes a mild-to-moderate respiratory illness, though the elderly or those with conditions that make viruses of greater concern (e.g. cardiovascular, chronic asthma, diabetes, kidney failure, pregnant women, and infants) may be at increased risk. Symptoms are very similar to the flu and include fever, runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, and/or shortness of breath.
International students are receiving counsel on travel. Currently, the college is encouraging them to monitor travel advisories and NOT travel outside the US between now and May 2020. A planned spring break trip to the Philippines has been postponed and we are monitoring the situation daily to determine the status of other upcoming trips.
College personnel have been monitoring our students abroad and working with ACA and Adventist Volunteer Services to make decisions regarding all abroad programs. One student has chosen to return from ACA in Italy; the student has no signs of illness, but is not on campus at this time.