Novel coronavirus: Stay informed, stay healthy!

Campus Health Bulletin / Message to the Edmonds CC Community

Update: February 7, 2020

Late last week, our public health partners provided guidance to schools regarding best practices for responding to 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), based on the latest guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This guidance has since changed. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending that all travelers from China (including school students, staff and volunteers) arriving in the U.S. AFTER February 2, 2020 at 2 p.m. stay at home away from others and monitor their health for 14 days. This measure was put in place because of the increasing number of cases of 2019-nCoV in China. 

There is no recommendation for individuals, who showed no symptoms upon arrival before this time, to restrict their activities. All travelers from China arriving BEFORE February 2, 2020 at 2 p.m. can continue to attend school and should take the following steps: 

• Watch for any changes in your health for 14 days after leaving China.
• If you get a fever or develop a cough or difficulty breathing during this 14-day period, avoid contact with others. Call your doctor or healthcare provider to tell them about your symptoms and your recent travel.

Update: January 28, 2020

The Washington State Department of Health has established a call center to address questions from the public. If you have questions about what is happening in Washington state, how the virus is spread, and what to do if you have symptoms, please call 1-800-525-0127 and press #.

Posted: January 27, 2020

We are providing the following information because the health of the Triton community is a top priority at Edmonds Community College. 

According to the Snohomish Health District, a confirmed case of novel coronavirus in Snohomish County was announced on Jan. 21. The Snohomish County man with the virus had recently traveled to Wuhan, China. 

About the 2019 novel coronavirus

The 2019 novel coronavirus, or 2019-nCoV, is a new respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China that is known to cause mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.

According to the health district, there is much still to learn about the virus; however, they state that the immediate threat to the general American public is considered low. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention are closely monitoring the outbreak caused by the novel coronavirus. Multiple cases have been confirmed in the U.S., as well as in other countries.

Symptoms of the virus include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing

If you think you have the novel coronavirus

If you have recently traveled to Wuhan, China or mainland China and have developed fever with cough or shortness of breath within 14 days of your travel, or have had contact with someone who is suspected to have 2019 novel coronavirus, stay home and contact your health care provider.

Important: Before seeing your health care provider, be sure to tell them about your symptoms and/or close contact with someone who is confirmed to have, or being evaluated for, 2019-nCoV infection. This will help the health care provider’s office take steps to keep other people from getting infected. Ask your health care provider to call the local or state health department.

To prevent the spread of viruses

The CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• Stay home when you are sick so others aren't exposed to your illness.
• 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.
• Cover you mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze and immediately throw the tissue in the trash. 
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Edmonds CC resources

We understand that students who are experiencing increased anxiety or stress related to concerns about family in China may seek support from one of the following offices: 

Counseling and Resource Center: call 425.640.1358 or visit in Mountlake Terrace Hall, room 145
International Student Services: call 425.640.1518 or visit in Snohomish Hall, room 301
Wellness Center: call 425.640.1718 or visit in Lynnwood Hall, room 236

Additional information about the novel coronavirus: 

• Snohomish Health District
• Center for Disease Control and Prevention
• Washington State Department of Health

Stay informed, stay healthy! We will continue to keep the campus informed and updated. Employees: please share with students and other community members.