Wuhan Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)
Key points from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention):
- There is an ongoing outbreak of pneumonia first identified in Wuhan, China, caused by a novel (new) coronavirus.
- Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing illness in people and others that circulate among animals.
- No vaccine or specific treatment for 2019-nCoV infection is available.
Additional information from the CDC can be found here:(https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/indes.html)
For Students
For students who are traveling to or returning from China, the most up to date guidance from the CDC can be found here. We are asking students who return from China to watch for any of the following symptoms within 14 days of returning: fever (at or above 100.4 degrees), cough and/or shortness of breath.
If you develop these symptoms and have recently traveled from China (past 14 days) or been in contact with someone believed to have contracted the novel coronavirus, please do not go to class. Call (216) 368-2450 BEFORE coming in to Health Services. A nurse will speak with you and arrange for you to see a medical provider to determine the actual nature of your illness. A nurse is also available on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (216) 368-2450 for advice.
We recognize that some of you are feeling growing concerns about family or friends in China. Counseling services offers walk-in appointments during weekday office hours, as well as a counselor on call at (216) 368-5872 available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
As a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
- 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 your cough/sneeze with a tissue, or cough/sneeze into your elbow. Throw the tissues away immediately and wash hands.
Campus Communications
Leadership at Case Western Reserve has provided information and resources via email related to the novel coronavirus. The emails also are available to review online (listed in reverse chronological order):
- Feb. 1 Message to Campus: CWRU Guidance for Travelers from China
- Jan. 31 Message to Campus: U.S. Public Health Emergency and Self-Quarantines
- Jan. 30 Message to Staff: Interim Approval Process for Staff Travel to China
- Jan. 30 Message to Faculty: Interim Approval Process for Travel to China
- Jan. 28 Message to Faculty/Staff: CWRU Responses to New Strain of Coronavirus
- Jan. 27 Message to Students: Update Regarding New Coronavirus Strain
- Jan. 24 Message to Students: New virus strain from Wuhan, China
University Statement on Project Million Masks
Case Western Reserve University has no formal affiliation with and does not endorse the Project Million Masks campaign that uses the university’s name as part of an effort to secure masks for people in China. CWRU extends its deepest sympathies to the families of those whose loved ones have contracted the novel coronavirus, and is working closely with our students from China to provide support and guidance. The university is not engaged in any fundraising or other relief efforts within China.