Updates to Campus Community on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Important Update About Spring 2020 Semester – March 19, 2020
Dear students, faculty, staff and friends of the University of Mississippi,
This message offers a high-level overview of how we will approach several key matters for the remainder of this academic year.
First, I appreciate the tremendous efforts to move instruction online in such a short period of time to maximize social distancing. The university will deliver all course content online or via other remote methods for the remainder of the Spring 2020 semester. While this action is necessary, I’m particularly saddened by this abrupt and unexpected ending to the campus experience for our seniors as they prepare to embark on their lives after college. In light of the unprecedented challenges and difficult decisions at the local, state, national and global levels because of the COVID-19 pandemic, we came to this conclusion in keeping with the university’s highest priority of safeguarding the health and well-being of the university community.
Additionally, as the university continues to rely on public health protocols issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Mississippi State Department of Health related to large public gatherings, we have postponed the 2020 Commencement ceremonies to an unspecified future date. Commencement in the Grove and other beautiful venues on our campus represents one of our most beloved traditions, and this is a sad but necessary decision for our university community. The call on whether to hold Commencement ceremonies will be deferred in the hope that we can set a date for sometime later in the summer. A final decision will be driven by public health considerations, depending on how the virus spreads. One way or another, we will find a way to recognize and celebrate the significant achievements of the members of the Class of 2020.
The public health imperative to maintain social distancing and avoid large gatherings creates a challenge for our on-campus residents to retrieve their belongings safely from our residence halls. The university is developing and will announce an appointment-based system at a later date for students to return to campus to retrieve personal belongings from their residence hall or university-owned apartment. Our operating environment has many unknowns at this time, so the timeframe for these appointments will be dictated by public health considerations. All residence halls and rooms will remain locked until further notice, so your rooms and the possessions in your rooms will be secured. Students are not authorized to return to University Housing facilities until further notice.
As this situation remains extremely fluid, we ask for your patience as we continue to respond to this rapidly evolving crisis. I encourage you to visit olemiss.edu/coronavirus regularly to find the most up-to-date information from the university. And, as we always do, I know the Ole Miss family will come together and support each other through these uncertain times.
Sincerely,
Glenn F. Boyce
Chancellor
University Health Services Update to Faculty and Staff – March 15, 2020
Employee Health Services is committed to serving our faculty and staff and will continue to operate with normal business hours. We are taking extra precautions based on recommendations from the CDC and Mississippi State Department of Health regarding COVID-19 and have made the following changes to our appointments.
In an effort to maximize efficiency and the number of patients we can serve, Employee Health Services will operate on an appointment-only basis for urgent care/sick visits. We will not be accepting walk-in patients. It is very important that employees call ahead to schedule an appointment in order to protect other patients and clinic staff as recommended by the Mississippi State Department of Health. If you need to be seen or have a question, please call ahead.
Visits that are not urgent, such as annual exams or physicals, will be scheduled for a later date or at a time that will limit potential exposure. This approach will allow more capacity for urgent care and help to protect healthy patients as recommended by the Mississippi State Department of Health.
University Counseling Center’s Employee Assistance-Mental Health Program (EAP-MH) will be available by appointment-only for faculty and staff. Please call 662-915-3784.
Please review the information below to keep yourself, your colleagues, and your family healthy.
What are the symptoms for COVID-19?
- Fever (Greater than 100.4°F)
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
What should I do if I develop these symptoms?
During clinic hours, call Employee Health Service at 662-915-6550. If applicable, be prepared to give information about being in contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or who recently traveled from or through an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19.
If you have COVID-19 questions or develop symptoms outside of our operating hours, you can use the following resources:
- UMMC 2 You App (Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-9pm; Sat 8am-5pm)
* This service is only available to employees on the state insurance plan offered by the university: If you have the Horizon or Legacy Select Plan, appointments will have a $10 copay. Base Plan members pay $49 per visit and are eligible for a $10 copay after meeting their annual deductible. Providers do not provide emergency care. In the case of medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
- Baptist Memorial Hospital – 866-941-4785 (Hours: 24/7)
- Mississippi Department of Health – 877-978-6453 (Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm)
How does it spread?
According to the CDC, the virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. This can be between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) or 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.
What can I do to prevent potential exposure?
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds. If that is not an option, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with the inside of your elbow or with a clean tissue. Throw away dirty tissues immediately.
- Practice social distancing – this has been shown to be effective in slowing transmission
- Regularly disinfect frequently touched surfaces (cell phones, keyboards, doorknobs, light switches, desks, etc.)
As a reminder, those who are returning from international travel should complete the travel log and follow CDC recommendations. Currently, due to your travel, you must self-quarantine for 14 days after returning to the United States. Please do this at your home or at a location where you can remain socially distanced away from other people. Research shows that you could be spreading the virus if you are infected and do not yet have symptoms.
We appreciate your patience and understanding while we take action to provide the best quality care for our university population.
Employee Health Service
2nd Floor
University Health Services Update to Students — March 14, 2020
Student Health Services will continue to operate with normal business hours. However, in order to meet the urgent health needs of our students who must return to retrieve essential items Monday, March 16 – Wednesday, March 18, our appointment system will have the following changes:
COVID-19 Calls/Concerns
For students returning Monday-Wednesday, if you believe you have been exposed to a person positive with COVID-19 or have returned from an impacted area AND are experiencing the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Difficulty Breathing
- Cough
We ask that you call the following number: 662-915-3700. Here are the operating hours for this line:
Mon: 9 am – 5pm
Tue & Wed: 8 am – 5pm
This hotline is not manned by Student Health personnel. However, the call center representatives will be trained in how to address caller questions and connect you to the appropriate resource.
If it is determined that you need to speak with someone in Student Health, you will be transferred by phone for further screening. If you are not symptomatic, you will be asked to self-monitor and follow up with your at-home provider if you start experiencing any symptoms as dictated by CDC guidelines.
You may also call the below COVID-19 hotlines for screenings or concerns while in Oxford:
Baptist Memorial Hospital – 866-941-4785 (Hours: 24/7)
Mississippi Department of Health – 877-978-6453 (Hours: 8a-5p)
Appointments for Monday-Wednesday
- We will have Appointment-only Clinic for Urgent Care/Sick Visits. We will not be accepting Walk-ins. It is very important that a student calls ahead to be seen in order to protect other patients and our staff as recommended by the Mississippi State Department of Health.
- Urgent Care/Sick Visits include but are not limited to the following:
- Strep
- Ear/Eye Infection
- Headache
- Upper Respiratory Infection
- Injuries
- UTIs
- Vomiting
- Visits that are not Urgent such as Annual Exams, Physicals, STD tests, Follow Ups, Lab Only, etc. will need to be scheduled with your at-home provider or can be scheduled at a later date if you are staying in the area. This is to allow more capacity for urgent care and limit potential exposure to healthy patients as recommended by the Mississippi State Department of Health.
- Immunizations and Allergy Shot pick-ups will be available by appointment. Existing prescription refills can be coordinated with your established Student Health provider by phone.
As a reminder, those who are returning from international travel should complete the travel log and follow CDC recommendations.
We appreciate your patience and understanding while we take action to provide the best quality care for our university population.
Student Health Service
400 Rebel Drive
University, MS 38677
662-915-7274
University Update on COVID-19 – March 12, 2020
Dear students, faculty and staff,
In response to the rapidly evolving situation with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to maximize social distancing in order to slow transmission, all classes on the Oxford campus and the regional campuses are canceled for March 16-20, 2020, the week that students were scheduled to return from Spring Break.
This decision will extend our Spring Break by one week so that faculty and staff can prepare to move classes online following the extended break. Beginning Monday, March 23 and until further notice, the university will hold all classes and related coursework online or via methods other than in-person, on-campus instruction. The timeframe for this approach is open-ended, and we will monitor this approach continuously with the hope of returning to normal operations before the end of the spring semester. Students will hear directly from their respective deans and/or faculty instructors regarding any specific instructions.
Students are strongly encouraged to return to their family home and stay there during this period to promote social distancing and minimize the risk of spreading the virus. If you have no other living option available, contact University Housing at 662-915-7328 to arrange a place to stay. Campus dining and other services will be available to those students on a limited basis.
Initial cases of the virus have emerged in Mississippi and most of our border states, and the spread of the virus is predicted to accelerate across the country. We are committed to protecting the safety, health and well-being of our campus community. Before our community returns to campus from domestic and international Spring Break travels, we chose this course of action to mitigate and slow the spread of COVID-19, protect the continuing good health of our university community, and enable each of you to plan accordingly.
Guidance for students
Students are expected to stay away from campus and participate in classes from home. However, we recognize that students may need to retrieve essential items (e.g., laptop, textbooks, medicine) in order to continue their studies. Residence halls will be accessible for the limited purpose of retrieving essential belongings from Sunday, March 15 at 8 a.m. through Wednesday, March 18 at 5 p.m. If you cannot get to campus during that time period, contact University Housing at 662-915-7328 to make alternative arrangements. Additional details will be sent as available.
For students who live in fraternity and sorority houses, additional information will be forthcoming from the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life as that office coordinates with national and local chapter leadership.
Each faculty member will make decisions about the best means of course delivery in light of the nature of the course. Please monitor your Ole Miss email and your course webpages for details.
This situation remains fluid, and we will keep you apprised of any changes to these plans.
Guidance for university faculty, staff and research activity
Faculty, staff and other employees are expected to work during this period and practice social distancing. University personnel will use the extended spring break to plan for academic delivery and business continuity needs for their areas.
Some faculty and staff may be able to telecommute. Telecommuting allows employees to work at home or in a satellite location for all or part of their workweek. Temporary telecommuting arrangements may be approved amid COVID-19 concerns. These arrangements will be approved on a case-by-case basis.
Unless otherwise noted, research activities will continue at this time. Anyone involved in research will receive subsequent guidance in the coming days.
Further guidance will be shared with faculty and staff in the coming days by leaders in your respective areas of the university.
Campus events and gatherings
Effective immediately, all university-sponsored non-Athletics events and large on- and off-campus gatherings, including events sponsored by any registered student organizations, will be canceled or postponed until further notice. Please look for announcements from event coordinators and contact them if you have questions. We encourage administrative gatherings and large meetings to be conducted by teleconference, and keep in-person meetings to an absolute minimum. We will explore options to enable certain events to be held virtually. As a member of the SEC, Ole Miss Athletics will follow the approach announced by the conference earlier today, and any subsequent notifications.
It is too soon to make a decision about Commencement ceremonies. We will continue to evaluate that event as the situation unfolds.
Travel-related updates
From a public health standpoint, it is important for university officials to know who in our campus community has traveled outside of the country since the outbreak. That’s why the university has launched a Travel Reporting Portal to log any recent international travel (including personal travel) by faculty, staff, and students. The spread of this pandemic is extremely fluid, and places that you visited recently could have become a “hot spot” while you were in country, which may not be evident until after your return to the United States.
Any student, faculty or staff member returning from international travel will be required to self-quarantine, self-monitor, fill out the Travel Reporting Portal, and follow the CDC recommendations for what to do for a minimum of 14 days. Students should self-quarantine at their family home. In such cases:
- Students who traveled to countries outside the U.S. should contact Student Health at 662-915-7274.
- Faculty and Staff who visited countries outside the U.S. should contact Employee Health at 662-915-6550.
If you develop symptoms while on campus, contact the Health Center immediately. People returning from domestic travel are asked to self-monitor for the signs and symptoms of COVID-19 – fever, cough and shortness of breath – and call the Health Center if signs or symptoms develop.
Effective immediately, all future university-affiliated international travel is prohibited until further notice.
- Faculty who believe their international travel is essential must apply for a waiver with the Office of the Provost.
- Staff who believe their travel is essential must apply for a waiver through their respective Vice Chancellor.
All personal international travel is strongly discouraged.
Study Abroad is suspended for all upcoming summer programs starting between May and August 2020. For questions or information about your specific program, contact Study Abroad. The university is in contact with Spring 2020 study abroad participants and providing guidance as needed.
Looking ahead
To be clear, the university will remain open, and we will review the situation continuously to determine if and when normal operations may resume. We will keep in touch with you every step of the way, and you can always visit the COVID-19 Update Page for the most current information from the university.
We recognize that these actions create significant challenges for students, faculty, staff and families, and many questions remain to be answered. We ask for your understanding and patience as we all respond to this evolving pandemic. Thank you in advance for your support.
Glenn F. Boyce
Chancellor
University Coronavirus Update – March 4, 2020
Dear students, faculty, and staff,
As the situation with COVID-19 (coronavirus) continues to evolve, we are sharing this message to keep our campus community updated. For the most up-to-date information, we encourage you to check the COVID-19 Update Page frequently.
Current Status
To date, no cases have been reported at the University of Mississippi or elsewhere in Mississippi.
If You Are Sick
If you believe that you have been exposed to or contracted the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), you should contact your doctor by phone immediately. Students should also contact Student Health and faculty and staff should contact Employee Health.
UM Travel Restrictions
Evaluating university-associated international travel is an ongoing process, and we are working to ensure that we can best support our faculty, staff and students. Current university travel restrictions include:
Until further notice, there is a university travel prohibition for university-affiliated travel (by students, faculty and staff) to areas under
CDC Alert Level 2 (Sustained Community Transmission, Practice Enhanced Precautions),
CDC Warning Level 3 (Avoid All Non-essential Travel) OR
U.S. Department of State Advisory Level 4 (Do Not Travel due to COVID-19).
This currently includes travel to China, Iran, Italy, Japan and South Korea.
Spring and summer programs in areas under a CDC Alert Level 2 or CDC Warning Level 3 will be cancelled or suspended. This currently includes China, Iran, Italy, Japan and South Korea. We continue to monitor all summer programs for changes in status.
University personnel and students who are currently in these areas should return to their home countries, and follow the guidelines on the COVID-19 Update Page regarding returning from an affected area.
It is important to note that upon entering the United States from affected areas, students, faculty and staff will experience some limitations on their movement and activity by the CDC, the U.S. State Department, the Mississippi State Department of Health and/or the university. This measure is in place to assist the individual and protect the health and safety of our community. We will work with state and local public health officials to determine the best plan for entering students, faculty and staff.
If you have questions about scheduled university travel to an area under any CDC level or what this restriction means for you, please contact the Office of Global Engagement at oge@olemiss.edu. We continue to monitor this situation closely, including any additional travel restrictions that may impact our university community. The COVID-19 Update Page will be kept current regarding all travel restrictions for the university.
Spring Break
We know that many in our community may travel over spring break next week. We strongly discourage any personal trips to areas currently under a CDC Alert Level 2 or a CDC Warning Level 3. Anyone who travels to one of the countries under these levels will face limitations on their movement and activities upon re-entry to the United States.
We recommend that all travelers stay aware of travel notices that have been issued or may be forthcoming from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. Department of State, including country-specific information on destinations throughout the world. Individuals traveling to any region under an alert or warning should check-in with the university’s Office of Global Engagement to receive advice and additional information.
Preventing Illness
We all have a part to play in contributing to a healthy community by preventing the spread of infectious illnesses. While there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection, the following are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.
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.
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, then throw the tissue in the trash.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
See the CDC for additional information about prevention and treatment. If you suspect that you have been exposed to the coronavirus, notify your physician, Student Health or Employee Health immediately.
Currently, there is not a case of COVID-19 in Oxford or Mississippi. The CDC, Mississippi State Department of Health and local and university health care experts will be involved if a case is detected in our area. We remain in close contact with them to understand their protocols and refine our plans as the recommendations from national and state authorities evolve and change.
The safety, health and well-being of the university community remain our highest priorities. This includes being supportive, respectful and compassionate of all members of our university community during the uncertainty and anxiety that accompanies widespread illness. Please visit the COVID-19 Update Page for the most up-to-date information from the university on this topic. We will continue to monitor the developing situation and provide updates to the campus community as needed.
Noel E. Wilkin, Ph.D.
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
University Coronavirus Update and Webpage – Feb. 28, 2020
Dear students, faculty, and staff,
In an effort to keep you informed on the novel coronavirus disease, now being referenced officially as COVID-19 by the World Health Organization, we are sharing this message with our campus community. The university has established a COVID-19 Update Page where you can go to check the latest information.
To date, no cases have been reported at the University of Mississippi or elsewhere in Mississippi. We continue to monitor this situation closely, including any travel restrictions that may impact our university community. We are evaluating university-associated international travel continuously to ensure that we can best support our faculty, staff, and students. The COVID-19 Update Page will be kept current regarding all travel restrictions for the university.
As a reminder, the risk of contracting this virus remains very low in the United States. To prevent the spread of many infections, please practice good respiratory hygiene – including frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, refraining from touching your face, nose, and mouth, and staying home while you are sick. If you believe that you have been exposed to the coronavirus, notify your physician, Student Health or Employee Health immediately.
With spring break quickly approaching, we know that many in our community may travel. We recommend that all travelers stay aware of travel notices that have been issued or may be forthcoming from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. Department of State, including country-specific information on destinations throughout the world. Individuals traveling to any region under an alert or warning should check-in with the university’s Office of Global Engagement to receive advice and additional information.
As a university community known for caring about each other, this is a time when we all need to be understanding and compassionate. The fear and uncertainty that accompanies widespread illness can lead to many reactions. We should all be aware of and avoid broad generalizations and assumptions. Classifying people as dangerous or sick, or making assumptions about a person’s nationality based on their physical appearance is not appropriate, whether intentional or not. Please treat all members of our community with respect and empathy as our university and the entire world deals with this evolving situation.
The safety, health and well-being of the university community remain our highest priorities. Please visit the COVID-19 Update Page for the most up-to-date information from the university on this topic. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates to the campus community as needed.
Noel E. Wilkin, Ph.D.
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Travel notices/advisories
- CDC:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices - U.S. State Department:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/
Other Resources
- COVID-19 Update Page:
https://provost.olemiss.edu/covid-19update/ - UM Messages on COVID-19:
https://communications.olemiss.edu/coronavirus/ - Student Health:
https://healthcenter.olemiss.edu/services-2/ - Employee Health:
https://healthcenter.olemiss.edu/employee-health-service/ - UM Office of Global Engagement:
https://global.olemiss.edu - CDC What To Do If You Are Sick:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/steps-when-sick.html - Johns Hopkins Coronavirus COVID-19 Global Cases:
https://gisanddata.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html
#/bda7594740fd40299423467b48e9ecf6
State Department Escalates Travel Advisory Due To Novel Coronavirus – Jan. 31, 2020
Dear students, faculty, and staff,
The U.S. State Department issued a “do not travel” to China advisory Thursday, Jan. 30, related to the novel coronavirus.
The advisory states that travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice and that commercial carriers have reduced or suspended routes to and from mainland China.
No cases have been reported at the University of Mississippi or elsewhere in Mississippi at this time.
As mentioned in a message to the UM community earlier this week, all university-related travel to mainland China is under a UM travel restriction until further notice. Our academic programs in China have been suspended or canceled by the partners in China. Students may not proceed with UM-related travel to China, and should check in with the UM coordinator of their program. Click here to read the full message sent Wednesday.
The safety and well-being of the university community is always our top priority, and we will continue to monitor the situation. If you believe that you have been exposed to the coronavirus, notify your physician, Student Health or Employee Health immediately.
U.S. State Department:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/warning/novel-coronavirus-china
Noel E. Wilkin, Ph.D.
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Travel Restriction due to Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) – Jan. 29, 2020
Dear students, faculty, and staff,
Due to the Centers for Disease Control and State Department recommendations and program cancelations, all university-related travel to China is under a UM travel restriction until further notice.
The CDC recently classified China as a level 3 warning destination, recommending that all individuals avoid nonessential travel to the country. The U.S. Department of State has also issued a Level 3 Alert: Reconsider Travel to China.
Our academic programs in China have been suspended or canceled by the partners in China. Students may not proceed with UM-related travel to China, and should check in with the UM coordinator of their program.
Faculty/staff are highly discouraged from engaging in non-essential travel to China. Faculty/staff who must travel to China for essential reasons must notify the Office of the Provost and submit a safety plan with their travel authorization forms for university approval. This plan must include assurances that they are aware of the health risks, they have specific strategies to stay safe, and they are prepared to shelter in place should China impose additional travel restrictions.
Students, faculty or staff who travel to any region under an alert or warning should check-in with the Office of Global Engagement to receive advice and additional information.
The safety and well-being of the university community is always our top priority, and we will continue to monitor the situation. If you believe that you have been exposed to the coronavirus, notify your physician, Student Health or Employee Health immediately.
CDC:
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/warning/novel-coronavirus-china
U.S. State Department:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/China.html
Noel E. Wilkin, Ph.D.
Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Coronavirus Information – Jan. 27, 2020
Because of recent events, UM is sharing information regarding the coronavirus and ways for our community to stay informed
What is happening?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring an outbreak caused by a new coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Chinese authorities identified the new coronavirus, which has resulted in hundreds of confirmed cases in China. The majority of the illnesses are in Wuhan, but cases have been reported in South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Macau, Hong Kong, and the US.
The CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to China.
What is the coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses with some causing illness in people and others that circulate among animals. They typically affect the respiratory tract, but can also affect the gut. They are associated with the common cold, pneumonia, and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).
Should I be concerned?
Any discovery of a new type of viral infection among people is important to note. The CDC is collecting information so it can offer appropriate recommendations. The CDC is also working closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) in monitoring the situation.
What are the symptoms?
According to the CDC’s Criteria to Guide Evaluation of Patients Under Investigation, this is what healthcare professionals are looking for:
History of travel from China in the last 14 days before symptom onset. -or- Close contact in the last 14 days before symptom onset with a person who is being examined for the coronavirus while that person was ill.
AND
Fever and symptoms of lower respiratory illness (e.g., cough, difficulty breathing)
How can I protect myself?
Take the same measures you would use to protect yourself from any virus:
- Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Cover your mouth when you cough with a tissue or your sleeve (or wear a mask).
- Stay away from people who are sick.
- Refrain from touching your nose, eyes, or mouth after coming in contact with surfaces or people until you have sanitized.
What should I do if I meet the travel criteria and symptoms?
Call your doctor and explain about your recent travel and symptoms then seek care. Remember to take the protective measures listed above to prevent potential further spreading.
What is the risk in the United States?
Currently, the CDC says the risk to people in the US is considered low.
Student and Employee Health and UM Emergency Management are currently monitoring the situation and will work closely with the MS Department of Health if any new protective measures must be taken. There is no need for panic, but we should always be prepared.
Please follow this link for the most up to date information: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html