Florida A&M University

Campus Coronavirus Update

March 1, 2020

President Larry Robinson, Ph.D.,  has sent the following message to students, faculty and staff:

Florida A&M University continues to monitor the spread of the respiratory illness caused by the coronavirus.  This outbreak appears to have started in Wuhan, Hubei Province of China in December and has spread to 63countries, including the United States, where there has been one reported death. As of Sunday, March 1, there are no confirmed cases in Florida.  

The U.S. Department of State has placed a Level 4 Travel Advisory – Do Not Travel to China and Iran.

Levels 3 alerts exist for South Korea and Italy. 

Level 2 alerts exist for Japan. 

Florida A&M University (FAMU) has suspended all University-related travel to China, South Korea, Italy, Iran and Japan for students, faculty, administration and staff, effective immediately.

We will continue to monitor this outbreak and provide updates to the campus community as needed. There are no FAMU students or faculty currently studying or teaching in China, South Korea, Italy, Iran, and Japan. 

Students and faculty involved in Study Abroad programs should contact the Office of International Education and Development (OIED) immediately for more information.

Students, faculty and staff who are planning trips for Spring Break should consult with the OIED for more advisory information at 850-599-3295.

University sponsored travel to countries with a CDC Warning Level 3 or a U.S. Department of State Advisory Level 3 or 4 will not be approved.

If you are suffering from a respiratory illness or fever please stay home. We will work with supervisors, deans and faculty to accommodate individuals who are ill. 

For further updates visit FAMUnews.com. 

Frequently asked questions

What is novel coronavirus 

The novel coronavirus 2019 (SARS-CoV-2) is a newly identified coronavirus that is causing an outbreak of respiratory illness.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), human coronaviruses are common throughout the world and usually cause mild to moderate illness in people. 

Why is this new virus a public health concern?

• It is newly identified, so much is still unknown about it.
• Two other human coronaviruses, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV, have caused illness.

What is the risk?

The immediate health risk to the general U.S. public is considered low at this time, according to the CDC. The CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO) are closely monitoring the situation and providing ongoing guidance.  

What are the Symptoms? 

Symptoms may be flu-like, ranging from mild to serious, and includefever, cough, and difficulty breathing.

What is the mode of transmission?

• Person-to-person spread is occurring, although it’s unclear exactly how it is transmitted and how easily the virus spreads between people.

What treatment is available?

People infected with coronavirus should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for the novel coronavirus infection. 

Can people be inoculated to prevent this illness?

There is no vaccine to prevent this virus. The CDC advises that the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

What are the recommendations for people who have been to China and other affected countries since the outbreak or suspect contact with someone with illness and have respiratory symptoms suspected to be novel Coronavirus?

• Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms. 
• Avoid contact with others.
• Do not travel while sick. Please do not get on public transportation or just arrive at the student clinic. You should call ahead to the clinic, hospital or emergency room where you plan to seek care.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Students should seek care if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms (fever greater than 100.3, cough, body aches, severe sore throat, runny nose), especially if symptoms worsen. Contact Student Health Services at 850-599-3777 and identify yourself as having flu-like symptoms.  
• Faculty and staff who are ill with flu-like symptoms should contact their personal physician and follow their instructions. 

For More Information:

• Florida Department of Health
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• World Health Organization