UNOH Statement on Coronavirus

Posted on Tuesday, March 10, 2020

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March 10, 2020

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is actively responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China which has now been detected in 105 locations internationally (map of confirmed cases), including 761 cases in the United States, with cases reported in at least 36 states (map of US cases).  Currently, there are 3 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Ohio, none in Allen County.

Protecting the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff is our highest priority. The University of Northwestern Ohio is closely monitoring COVID-19 developments nationally and internationally in conjunction with Allen County Public Health, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), Ohio Governor Mike DeWine’s Office, Mercy Health, Lima Memorial Health Systems, and the CDC.

UNOH is taking proactive measures to protect the health and safety of all students, staff, and faculty while working to maintain University operations and responsibilities. I am working with the University Cabinet, along with the Emergency Response Team on our COVID-19 response and preparedness efforts for the immediate future. We are meeting regularly to update our plans and protocols in consultation with local, state and national agencies as this is a rapidly changing situation.

The best prevention for any communicable disease, including COVID-19, is to practice good personal hygiene.  The following are important measures to practice as part of your daily routine, especially during flu season:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. It is especially important to wash your hands:
    • Before, during and after you prepare food
    • Before you eat and after you use the bathroom
    • After handling money
    • More frequently when someone in your house is sick
    • Before and after using public computers
  • Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
  • There are hand sanitizing stations in all UNOH buildings.  Please use them as needed.  There are also sanitizing wipes available in all UNOH buildings.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with your arm.
  • Avoid touching your mouth, nose or eyes.
  • Avoid shaking hands and personal contact when possible.
  • Don’t share personal items like water bottles.
  • Frequently clean commonly touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, keyboards, and especially cell phones, with disinfecting wipes or a solution of 50% isopropyl alcohol and 50% water.
  • Avoid being around people who are sick.
  • Stay home from work or school if you are sick.
  • Get plenty of sleep and eat well-balanced meals to keep your immune system healthy.

Furthermore, UNOH has prohibited all University-supported travel to countries under a CDC Level 3 travel restriction and all student group trips to CDC Level 2 or 3 countries. That list currently includes China, South Korea, Iran and Italy as level 3 and Japan as level 2.

With the approach of spring break, be aware of CDC travel guidelines. Traveling to or through areas at high risk for the coronavirus can impact your health and convenience, and also increase the risk of exposure to others upon your return. Be aware that the process for reentry into the United States may change rapidly and without notice. If you choose to travel abroad, it is possible that you may be required to self-monitor your health upon your return. These requirements can range from monitoring and reporting temperatures twice a day for 14 days, up to and including being quarantined or isolated and not permitted to return to your home or attend classes for an undetermined period time. 

I encourage our entire UNOH family to weigh the potential risks of your spring break and other personal travel plans. If you have been to an area that has had COVID-19 cases within the last two weeks and have a fever, cough, runny nose, difficulty breathing, or shortness of breath, it is recommended that you call ahead and report to your primary medical provider for evaluation.

Please see the guidance and tips on the UNOH Coronavirus information online at www.unoh.edu/coronavirus for more detailed information on precautionary measures. Additional information on COVID-19 can be found at the CDC website.

Students, Faculty, or Staff with concerns can contact publicrelations@unoh.edu and your inquiry will be handled by the appropriate department.

Regards,

Dr. Jeffrey A. Jarvis

President, University of Northwestern Ohio

Category: Campus & Community

Keywords: coronavirus, covid-19

Press Contact

UNOH Public Relations
 Email
 419-998-8854


Last updated: 03/10/2020