Coronavirus (COVID-19)

FAQs

1. Are there any suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Mount Union?

   Currently, there are no suspected or confirmed cases on campus.

2. What is COVID-19?

   According to the CDC website, the CDC is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a novel (new) coronavirus that was first detected in China and which has now been detected internationally, including in the United States. The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”). Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in people and many different species of animals, including camels, cattle, cats, and bats.

3. What are COVID-19 symptoms?

   Signs and symptoms of this illness include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Reported cases have ranged from little to no symptoms to severe illness and death.

   Coronavirus shares many similar symptoms with the common flu and other illnesses that tend to peak during this time of the year. Should you experience any symptoms of this nature, exercise caution and make an appointment with the Student Health Center by calling (330) 823-2692 or reach out to your primary healthcare provider. Please call the Student Health Center or your primary healthcare provider BEFORE going to their offices. 

4. What are tips to preventing COVID-19 illness?

   There is currently no vaccine to prevent COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus. The following are a few things that the CDC recommends you do to help prevent the spread of any type of 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.
   • Stay home when you are sick.
   • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or sleeve, then throw the tissue in the trash.
   • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. 
   • Keep soap, hand sanitizer, and tissues on hand. Make them easily accessible at home and carry with you when possible.
   • Keep household cleaning spray or wipes readily available. Always use according to label instructions.
   • Clean “high-touch” surfaces daily. These include counters, tabletops, doorknobs, light switches, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, tablets, and bedside tables. Also clean any surfaces that may have blood, stool, or body fluids on them.
   • Don’t share personal items such as water bottles.
   • Keep informed of recommendations of public health officials using the resources below.

   We encourage you to consider the precautionary measures listed above while following general health guidelines that include getting adequate sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, and incorporating exercise into your regular routine.

5. How is COVID-19 spread?

   Although the CDC is still studying the transmission of COVID-19, at this point, it is believed that it is spreading via respiratory droplets, much like the flu. Up-to-date information can be found on the CDC webpage. 

   At this time, the CDC believes that COVID-19 may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure.

6. What is the University doing to prevent the spread of germs on campus?

   As is typically done during flu season, the University has increased the cleaning of common areas, door knobs, light switches, and other high-touch areas to protect against the spread of any contagious illness. As an additional safety measure, housekeeping staff members have been deep cleaning campus during spring break with heavy-duty disinfectants. In addition, hand-sanitizing stations are being installed around campus.

7. What is social distancing?

   Students, faculty, and staff are being asked to maintain appropriate social distancing and hygiene measures, whether on or off campus. Please keep in mind CDC recommendations for safe social distancing, which includes remaining out of congregate settings, avoiding mass gatherings, and maintaining distance of approximately six feet from others when possible. The University strongly recommends the use of teleconferencing, groups chats, or live streaming as alternatives to in-person gatherings. 

8. What should I do if I experience symptoms?

   Should you experience any symptoms of this nature, exercise caution and make an appointment with the Student Health Center by calling (330) 823-2692 or reach out to your primary healthcare provider. Please call the Student Health Center or your primary healthcare provider BEFORE going to their offices.

9. How will the University continue to address the changing situation related to COVID-19?

   Throughout the summer, members of campus planning groups will be focused on academic instruction, monitoring and responding to health and safety issues, and evaluation of classrooms, residences, dining facilities, meeting venues, and workplaces to ensure the safety of our students and our faculty and staff. As these groups continue their efforts, additional details will be communicated.

   When making decisions regarding public health issues such as COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019), the University will always work cooperatively with and follow the guidelines and recommendations of leading health organizations, including the National Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention, the Ohio Department of Health, the Stark County Health Department, and the Alliance City Health Department. 

   In this particular situation, the University has also been in close contact with state government officials, peer institutions, and other higher education professional organizations.