Sharing of Global Concerns About Coronavirus (COVID-19)
There are no cases of coronavirus at Shenandoah University
Greetings from the Division of Student Success,
The wellness and health of the Shenandoah University community is a top priority so we wanted to share some information given the global concerns about coronavirus. The university is actively monitoring the emerging public health concerns regarding the outbreak of a new strain of coronavirus (Novel Coronavirus 2019-nCoV) in Wuhan, China. Possible infections of the virus were reported in other regions of China, and in some travelers from Wuhan to other countries, including the United States (the first U.S. case was reported in Washington State on Jan. 21, 2020).
Currently, there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus at Shenandoah University.
The new coronavirus causes a respiratory illness. There are other viruses in the coronavirus family that can cause illness in both humans and animals. Symptoms of these viruses can be mild, cold-like illnesses or can lead to more serious illnesses like pneumonia. This new virus is most likely transmitted through close contact with body fluid droplets such as a sneeze or cough, and you must be in close proximity to an infected person to be exposed. Health officials are continuing to monitor and study this new virus and how it is transmitted. While there is presently no vaccine or treatment available for this or other coronaviruses, this is a completely survivable illness in a normal, otherwise healthy adult. Out of an abundance of caution we want to provide some prevention information to our community.
Symptoms of coronavirus may include flu-like symptoms that can include fever, cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, headache and sore throat. Pneumonia can occur in extreme cases.
Wilkins Wellness Center
Students who are experiencing flu-like symptoms AND have had recent travel to the affected areas in the past 14 days are asked to call the Wilkins Wellness Center at (540) 665-4530 immediately prior to visiting the center. The Wellness Center team will assist you in diagnosis and treatment planning. Center hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m; and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday.
After business hours, medical support includes:
Valley Health Urgent Care
Winchester
607 E Jubal Early Dr
Winchester, VA 22601
540-536-2232
Hours: Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
*If you are not in Winchester, contact your local urgent care center or Health Department for more information.
Winchester Medical Center (Emergency Room)
1840 Amherst Street
Winchester, VA 22601
540-536-8000
We recommend calling your provider for instruction to support your diagnosis and treatment.
Faculty and staff experiencing symptoms should call their primary care physician for assistance and care.
Just as you would with any other illness similar in nature we ask you to avoid class/work, and to self isolate at your home or in your residence hall room until you have consulted with a health care provider.
As a university we want to remind you that many people prefer to wear breathing masks this time of year when in public places to PREVENT contracting illness. Do not assume a person is ill just because you see a mask.
Practice Good Prevention (we recommend this every flu season):
- Wash your hands often with soap and water
- Keep hydrated
- Avoid contact with your eyes, nose, mouth, face
- Disinfect common surfaces and routinely clean spaces
- Get your flu shot
- Cover your cough and sneeze
- Limit/avoid contact with those who are ill/sick
- Get enough sleep/rest
- Avoid sharing utensils/cups
Travel
The university is monitoring travel advisories. We are discouraging any travel to any of the countries affected by the coronavirus outbreak at this time. Students who may have traveled from Wuhan City or other parts of China, and who are experiencing symptoms, are asked to contact the Wilkins Wellness Center at the phone numbers provided above. Faculty and staff who may have traveled from Wuhan City or other parts of China, and who are experiencing symptoms may also contact the Wilkins Wellness Center or their primary care providers for advice.
