By now, many of you have heard that on Monday, January 27, 2020, Miami University of Ohio announced possible cases of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in two students who had recently returned from China. The students have been isolated and tested and are awaiting results from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There are no confirmed cases in Ohio at this time.
Please know that all public universities in Ohio, including NEOMED, are working closely with the Ohio Department of Health. At NEOMED, we are also working with Portage County Health District and Kent City Health Department as they monitor the coronavirus as a public health concern. NEOMED will continue to work with these public health agencies to ensure we are prepared if there becomes any risks or evidence that the virus has reached Ohio.
There are currently no suspected cases at NEOMED and the risk to the general public, including students, faculty and staff at our University, is considered low. Unless you have recently traveled from China or have been around someone ill with this new coronavirus, your individual risk of getting sick is also low.
The best preventive steps for any communicable disease include simple but important measures to practice as part of your daily routine, especially during flu season:
- Wash your hands for 20 seconds or more with soapy water. If unavailable, use hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home while you are sick (except to visit a health care professional) and avoid close contact with others.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
- Get adequate sleep and eat well-balanced meals to ensure a healthy immune system.
The wellness and safety of NEOMED faculty, staff and students is our primary concern.
For more information about NEOMED’s response, precautions and resources, visit neomed.edu/coronavirus. We will post updated information on the website as it becomes available.