Northwest reminds students, employees to take precautions against coronavirus

Northwest, in alignment with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Missouri Department of Health, is actively monitoring the outbreak of COVID-19, or coronavirus.

The respiratory illness was identified in December 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, and a growing number of cases are being identified in other international locations as well as the United States.

Although the immediate health risk to the general public in the U.S. is considered low, the situation is evolving rapidly and the CDC considers this new virus a public health concern.

The links below are affiliated with state and federal health agencies and provide real-time updates, travel guidelines and other resources related to the coronavirus outbreak.

For more information, visit the links provided below or contact the Wellness Center at 660.562.1348.

 

Links and resources

• Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 

Frequently asked questions

What are symptoms of the coronavirus?

Symptoms of the coronavirus include mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough and difficulty breathing. Individuals who have traveled abroad and feel sick should seek medical care immediately.

If you think you may be ill, stay home from class and work and seek medical care, as necessary. Students may visit the Northwest Wellness Center or a local hospital; Northwest employees should contact their primary care providers to discuss symptoms and travel history.

How can I protect myself against the coronavirus?

There is no vaccine to prevent this virus. The CDC advises that the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus and practice everyday preventive actions.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• 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.

What should I do if I have travel plans to infected regions?

With spring break approaching, Northwest recognizes that students and employees may have plans to travel to a variety of destinations. Northwest urges travelers to be mindful of the health risks, especially in geographic areas with widespread infection, and to proceed with caution.

How many cases of coronavirus have been reported in northwest Missouri?

At this time, no cases of the coronavirus have been reported with any connection to the Northwest campus, and none are confirmed in Missouri.

Are Northwest study abroad programs impacted by the coronavirus?

Following the guidance of the CDC, as of March 2, Northwest has suspended its spring 2020 study abroad programs for students studying on the European continent. Northwest has advised these students to work with personnel at their host university or their program provider and make arrangements to return to the United States. A total of 14 Northwest students have been studying abroad this semester, with 13 in the European countries of Finland, Greece, Italy, Ireland, Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom. A week-long study abroad experience that was sponsored by the School of Education and scheduled to take 11 students, two Northwest faculty members, one Horace Mann instructor and one community partner to Reggio Emilia, Italy, also is canceled. The University continues to evaluate other planned study abroad activities and is taking appropriate steps to help protect the health and safety of participants.