Orlando Standard

University of Central Florida issued the following announcement.

Although no cases have been reported at UCF at this time, all classes are moving to remote instruction beginning March 16. Students are asked not to return to campus for the next two weeks.

The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to rapidly evolve. While no cases have been reported at the university, UCF will move to remote instruction effective Monday, March 16, to minimize health and safety risks to the UCF community, especially as students and faculty prepare to return from Spring Break.

Visit the website ucf.edu/safety/coronavirus for the latest information.

Online Classes | Protection and Prevention | Travel & Study Abroad | UCF Resources

Online Classes

Classes that are currently online will continue Monday, March 16. All other classes will be ready for online instruction by Wednesday, March 18. Information is currently available at ucf.edu/safety/coronavirus, and more updates will be shared via email with students and faculty over the next few days.

Remote instruction will continue for at least two weeks. Because courses are being moved online, students should not to come back to campus for the next two weeks. Fourteen days is the period in which secondary transmission to others is thought to be highest, and UCF advises against any additional travel during this time.

Students should stay at or return to their permanent residences. Residence halls will remain open for residents who do not have an alternative place to stay, and certain campus services may not be available.

All UCF campuses will remain open for employees, who are expected to continue working. Student employees should contact their supervisors for guidance.

It has become increasingly clear that social distancing is critical in preventing the spread of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Social distancing means avoiding mass gatherings and settings with large amounts of people and maintaining distance from others when possible.

In this dynamic situation, we will continue to prioritize the health and safety of everyone at UCF.

Protection and Prevention

COVID-19 can be spread among people and animals.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent the virus and no specific treatment.

COVID-19 appears to spread predominantly through coughing and sneezing from infected persons. Individuals in close proximity to such persons, or who contact objects that have been contaminated with the virus, are at risk of illness.

The virus enters our bodies through contact with our eyes, nose and mouth. If your hands become contaminated with the virus, and you touch those areas, you are at risk of becoming ill. Flu-like symptoms — including fever, cough, runny nose and difficulty breathing — are thought to appear within two to 14 days after exposure. Anyone who has traveled in the past 14 days and is experiencing symptoms should visit their healthcare provider immediately.

While the immediate risk to the American public continues to be low at this time, everyone can take these simple steps to prevent the spread of germs.

Steps to prevent the spread of germs

These tips are helpful in preventing the spread of respiratory viruses such as COVID-19:

• Avoid shaking hands. Instead, do a slight bow or fist/elbow bump.
• Wash hands often with soap and water. You should spend at least 10-20 seconds washing. More information about proper hand washing is available at cdc.gov/handwashing.
• As much as possible, avoid touching your face — especially your eyes, nose and mouth — with unwashed hands.
• Be cautious about what you touch, and wash your hands after touching any public surface. Avoid grasping shared surfaces such as door handles, gas pumps, grocery carts, elevator buttons, etc. with your hands. Use your knuckles or hips or a paper towel or disposable glove.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or sleeve and clean up immediately.
• Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched objects.
• Keep a bottle of hand sanitizer that is greater than 60% alcohol at home and in your car. Use the sanitizer after touching any public object.
• Use disinfectant wipes at stores whenever they are available. Wipe both the handle and child seat of grocery carts.
• Avoid contact with those who are sick, and avoid others if you are sick.

In addition, flu vaccines are highly recommended, as it is flu season. Flu shots are available for free to students at Student Health Services, and employees can also receive the shot there for a cost.

Hand sanitizer stations are available across campus, and UCF is adding more to high-traffic areas on campus to encourage use during flu season.

Travel & Study Abroad

In keeping with federal guidance regarding avoiding nonessential travel, UCF Global has added Azerbaijan, China, Hong Kong, Italy, Iran, Japan, Mongolia, South Korea and Turkmenistan to its restricted destinations list.

Out of an abundance of caution, UCF has canceled all faculty-led trips, international exchanges and participation in partner programs for students and faculty and staff members for the spring and summer semesters.

If you have returned from one of these countries in the past two weeks — or will soon be returning from one of these countries, please immediately contact Student Health Services at 407-823-2509.

The Florida Department of Health advises that anyone returning from a country that has a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Level 3 Travel Health Notice self-quarantines for 14 days upon return.

Those who have traveled to CDC Level 2 countries or taken a cruise should monitor their health, limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning to the U.S., and immediately self-isolate and contact their health care provider.

For more information regarding current CDC travel advisories related to COVID-19, visit: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html

UCF Resources

The most up-to-date information is available at ucf.edu/safety/coronavirus

The CDC is sharing comprehensive information about COVID-19 here: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

At UCF, anyone with additional questions may call UCF Student Health Services at 407-823-2509. The UCF Police Department, which is staffed 24/7, also is available by calling 407-823-5555.

Students experiencing distress related to the outbreak can reach Counseling and Psychological Services 24/7 by calling 407-823-2811.

UCF employees are encouraged to view the answers to these frequently asked questions.

UCF will continue to monitor COVID-19 and share updates. Remember, the most important precaution you can take is being mindful your personal health by avoiding contact with germs.

Original source can be found here.

Source: University of Central Florida