February 26, 2020 – The administration at Santa Fe College, college emergency management officials and the Florida College System are continuing to monitor updates from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) concerning the outbreak of COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, that was first detected in China. Although there are reports of thousands of infections in China, there are, at this point, very few cases currently in the United States.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of State issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for China. The CDC also issued a recommendation to avoid all nonessential travel to both China and South Korea, as well as travel advisories to Iran, Italy and Japan because of the coronavirus.
The CDC also frequently releases information online about the coronavirus, including a Feb. 25, updated statement that although the virus is not currently spreading in the community in the United States, the risk assessment is that the potential public health threat is high, both globally and in the U.S.
The CDC remains the most reliable source for virus updates. The following links have been updated, daily:
Symptoms may be flu-like, and the CDC advises that the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Here are everyday actions to help prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- 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.