As more information becomes known about the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak around the United States and the world, Arkansas Tech University seeks to make current and reliable information about the situation readily accessible for its faculty, staff and students.
Below are everyday preventive actions recommended by the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including the coronavirus:
*Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
*Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
*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 using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
*Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a face mask.
— CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
— Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others.
— The use of face masks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings.
*Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating and after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
*If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
For information about handwashing, visit www.cdc.gov/handwashing.
Access CDC guidance for travelers concerning the coronavirus at wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/warning/novel-coronavirus-china.
ATU has convened a task force to monitor the coronavirus outbreak and make recommendations for any necessary actions to provide for the health and well-being of the university community.
“This task force is being convened with the mindset of hoping for the best and preparing for the worst,” said Brandye Bisek, director of health services at ATU. “Our No. 1 goal in the short term is to ensure that faculty, staff and students have access to information about the coronavirus as a means of alleviating any concerns while concurrently putting our university in the best position to respond should that become necessary in the days, weeks or months to come.”
Personnel from the ATU Office of Facilities Management have been briefed on the best cleaning techniques for combating the spread of respiratory diseases and are carrying those out in their daily practices on campus.
Below is a resource developed by the ATU Health and Wellness Center for members of the university community seeking more information about the coronavirus outbreak:
www.atu.edu/hwc/docs/2019%20Novel%20Coronavirus%20Website%20Post.pdf
