What CCU students need to know about Coronavirus

Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, is “not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website.

Symptoms may include mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing and usually appear within two to 14 days after being exposed to the virus. It is recommended to stay home when you are sick, avoid unnecessary travel, not to touch your face, wash your hands often, and disinfect frequently touched objects, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Coastal Carolina University has remained vigilant in monitoring the spread of the virus in an attempt to keep students from catching it. Many education-abroad programs have been impacted by COVID-19 which has quickly spread across the world. On Feb.28, CCU’s Office of University Marketing and Communication sent out an email that urged students in Italy to return and said that the spring break education-abroad trip to the Philippines was canceled.

“The University is committed to providing the support these students may need in order to return by March 16 to continue their study programs at CCU without any loss of academic credit,” the email said.

On March 2, more updates were sent out to students that said, “Effective immediately, all CCU travel abroad trips that have not already departed are canceled until further notice. This affects a few different University-sponsored education abroad programs, a program sponsored by CCU’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and individual faculty travel.”

However, as of today, March 8, the University sent out another email to update students on the situation and how it will impact CCU.

“The Provost’s Office has learned that some members of the campus community have received incorrect information that the University is planning to cancel classes due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19. To dispel any rumors, please be advised that the University has no plans to cancel classes or otherwise alter class schedules this week or after students return from spring break,” the email said. “The University continues to carefully monitor the CDC’s updates on the status of COVID-19 abroad and domestically.”

According to The Post and Courier, the state health department announced that two people in South Carolina have tested positive for the virus.

“The agency conducted both tests, which yielded positive results, and expects the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to officially confirm the diagnoses [soon]. The presumptive cases are not linked. One case is located in Kershaw County and one case is located in Charleston County,” the article said.

For more information on COVID-19, go to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html.

Updates to come.