What ASU students, faculty should know about the coronavirus

PHOENIX — Arizona State University officials sent out a second update on Monday after a confirmed case of coronavirus within the ASU community.

In an email to students, ASU wrote that they are working closely with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health and the Arizona Department of Health Services.

The letter went on to say, "MCDPH and ADHS are currently investigating to identify any close contacts that may have been exposed while the person was infectious. Any individuals who have been identified as having been exposed will be contacted directly. These individuals will be monitored for fever and respiratory symptoms in collaboration with public health and the university. We have received many inquiries about university operations in light of this case. The university remains open and classes are not cancelled."

The state’s health director said that the immediate risk of the 2019 Nobel Coronavirus to the general public is believed to be low at this time.

WHAT WE KNOW:

• The person did not live on campus, but lives in Tempe
• The person did not have symptoms while traveling from China, according to state public health officials.
• The person who has coronavirus has mild symptoms and has been released from the hospital.
• Health officials tell us that the person is self-isolated for a two week period.
• They also say that they have already notified everyone who may have come in contact with this person.

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WHAT WE DO NOT KNOW:

State health and ASU officials are not releasing much information because some facts are not critical to the case investigation.

Those facts include not knowing the persons gender, age, where they have been and whether they have been in classrooms or not.

WHO TO CONTACT?

The state has activated its emergency operations center where it has set up a hotline for the public and medical providers.

That number is 602-747-7099

SYMPTOMS:

Symptoms of the virus appear within two to 14 days after exposure and can include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Runny nose
• Difficulty breathing

HOW TO PREVENT CORONAVIRUS:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

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In the meantime, students at ASU have created a petition for ASU officials to cancel class until more is released about this case, and the school is clean.

Arizona State University has issued a travel restriction to China for all university faculty, staff and students effective immediately.

In an update posted online to health announcements, they wrote that following the recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, they're advising travelers to avoid all nonessential travel to China.

The alert adds that the restriction includes study abroad programs or other academic program visits.