MAU Coronavirus Alert #1

March 9th, 2020

Millennia Atlantic University is closely monitoring the developing circumstances surrounding the spread of the evolving novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. We are following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations on prevention of the spread of this virus. The health and safety of all members of our MAU community is of the utmost importance.

What we know about the COVID-19?

COVID-19 is respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China and which has now been detected in almost 90 locations internationally, including in the United States. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”). Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.

How does COVID-19 spread?

According to the FAQ’s from the World Health Organization, people can catch COVID-19 from others who have the virus. The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales. These droplets land on objects and surfaces around the person. Other people then catch COVID-19 by touching these objects or surfaces, then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. People can also catch COVID-19 if they breathe in droplets from a person with COVID-19 who coughs out or exhales droplets. This is why it is important to stay more than 1 meter (3 feet) away from a person who is sick.

What can I do to protect myself and prevent the spread of disease?

There is currently no vaccine to prevent corona-virus 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 touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Avoid crowds or tight quarters as much as possible.
  • Avoid hugging or shaking hands if you feel under the weather or meeting with someone who is. Make sure you carry hand sanitizer. Use it frequently especially after you touch communal objects like doors.
  • 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.
  • 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 sanitize with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Keep up to date on the latest COVID-19 hotspots (cities or local areas where COVID-19 is spreading widely). If possible, avoid traveling to these places, especially if you are an older person or have diabetes, heart or lung disease.
  • Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a face-mask.

 ✔ CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face-mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.

 ✔ Face-masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of face masks is also crucial for people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).

Travel Restrictions

The CDC has issued extensive travel advisories for areas experiencing wider “community spread” of the virus. As of March 3, 2020, China, South Korea, Italy, and Iran are listed at Warning Level 3; Japan is at Alert Level 2; and Hong Kong is at Watch Level 1. Please keep in that mind travel notices are changing almost daily.

In a typical school year, many families travel during spring break. The University strongly recommends to students and families to consider changing travel plans to any of the affected countries for the remainder of the school year. We ask that no students travel to countries at an Alert Level 2 or Warning Level 3.

The following guidance is provided by the CDC if someone in your household is traveling/has traveled to areas with travel advisories due to COVID-19

Travel Advisory Level Associated Action
Warning Level 3 Do not come to school for 14 days from the return date.
Alert Level 2 It is strongly suggested that you stay home from school for 14 days from the return date.
Watch Level 1 Your are encouraged to stay home for 14 days from the return date.

Any member of the University community who travels to any country in Alert Level or Warning Level by the CDC is required to self-identify prior to returning to MAU campus. Students returning from these countries must contact studentsvcs@maufl.edu.

As a first step in planning any trip abroad, check the Travel Advisories for your intended destination at Department of State travel advisories.

Updates are available on CDC’s web page https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/

The University will continue to perform routine cleaning as recommended by the CDC.

Additional Resources:

The Florida Department of Health has set up a hotline for people in Florida who have questions about COVID-19. The call center is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday. The number is 866-779-6121 , and their email address is COVID-19@flhealth.gov.

Go to MAU Alerts