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About COVID-19

As of March 6, 2020

About COVID-19

According to the World Health Organization, COVID-19, an abbreviation derived from “coronavirus disease 2019,” is the name of the illness caused by the novel coronavirus (a family of viruses that can cause lung illnesses).

Mitchell College uses the names coronavirus, novel coronavirus and COVID-19 interchangeably in our communications.

How does COVID-19 spread?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person:

  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
  • People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
  • Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

COVID-19 may also spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects

  • It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community in some affected geographic areas.

How does COVID-19 spread?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person:

  • Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
  • Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
  • People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
  • Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

COVID-19 may also spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects

  • It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

The virus that causes COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community in some affected geographic areas.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19 and who is at risk?

The symptoms of novel coronavirus include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Currently, individuals who are most at risk of developing COVID-19 are those who have traveled to areas of sustained community transmission or have been in close contact with a person confirmed to have the disease. Relevant affected areas are subject to change and, as of March 6, 2020, include: China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Italy, Iran, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand and Singapore. For current travel information, visit the CDC website at  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19 and who is at risk?

The symptoms of novel coronavirus include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Currently, individuals who are most at risk of developing COVID-19 are those who have traveled to areas of sustained community transmission or have been in close contact with a person confirmed to have the disease. Relevant affected areas are subject to change and, as of March 6, 2020, include: China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Italy, Iran, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand and Singapore. For current travel information, visit the CDC website at  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html.

How do I help prevent the spread of a respiratory disease?

There are simple everyday preventive actions that everyone can do to help prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses including COVID-19:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) here for detailed instructions on handwashing.
  • Clean all high-touch surfaces, such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, phones and cell phones, keyboards and toilets, at least once a day. Use a household cleaning spray or wipe according to the label instructions. The College is asking its cleaning team to clean high-touch surfaces often.

Also…

Practice common sense cafeteria and personal etiquette:

  • Do not refill drinks from a cup you have been drinking from.
  • Avoid touching utensils that others may be using.
  • Do not share towels and only handle your own towels.
  • Do not share water bottles or other food/drink utensils.
How do I help prevent the spread of a respiratory disease?

There are simple everyday preventive actions that everyone can do to help prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses including COVID-19:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) here for detailed instructions on handwashing.
  • Clean all high-touch surfaces, such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, phones and cell phones, keyboards and toilets, at least once a day. Use a household cleaning spray or wipe according to the label instructions. The College is asking its cleaning team to clean high-touch surfaces often.
If I feel sick, what do I do?

Coronavirus COVID-19, Mitchell College

 


CALL FIRST. If you develop mild-to-severe respiratory symptoms including fever, cough and/or shortness of breath:

  • Students on campus should call Mitchell College Health & Wellness Clinic at 860-701-5195. Call BEFORE visiting.
  • Faculty and staff should call their healthcare professional.

It is important to call  before you visit so that healthcare staff can provide you with instructions to help keep you and others safe from possible exposure.

Avoid contact. It is also important to avoid close contact with other people if you are feeling sick.

Know the symptoms. COVID-19 symptoms may include:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

*If you need medical attention and the Mitchell College Health & Wellness office is closed, please call an off-campus local health clinic or a hospital. People with fever, cough and difficulty breathing should seek medical attention.

*If you are in severe distress, as with any other illness, please call 911.

For general information about COVID-19 and how to keep safe, students and the community may call the Yale New Haven Health call center (24/7)  at 203-688-1700.

 

 

 

Statement on combating stigmatization, bias and xenophobia

As a reminder, this disease does not discriminate against race or ethnicity. We encourage our community to work together to help others understand that the risk of coronavirus is not at all connected with any specific national, ethnic or racial identities.

Statement on combating stigmatization, bias and xenophobia

As a reminder, this disease does not discriminate against race or ethnicity. We encourage our community to work together to help others understand that the risk of coronavirus is not at all connected with any specific national, ethnic or racial identities.

Coronavirus COVID-19, Mitchell College
Coronavirus COVID-19, Mitchell College
Coronavirus COVID-19, Mitchell College

 Information on these pages is not intended to be all-encompassing and should not be considered to be providing medical or legal advice. In all instances, you should consult with a relevant expert for guidance specific to your circumstances.