As new developments occur in the Coronavirus outbreak in China and as reports come in from around the world, we want to update our campus community on what steps the University is taking and remind our students, faculty and staff of the measures they can take to prevent the spread of this and other viruses like the flu.

We continue to monitor updates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Rhode Island Department of Health. Additionally, we remain in close contact with the health department for guidance on this issue. Like the flu, which is widespread in Rhode Island and across the country, the Coronavirus is spread by close and sustained contact with others who have the illness. Those with compromised immune systems, including those with chronic illnesses, and elderly individuals appear to be at greatest risk.

As we said last week, the Department of Health has given Coronavirus reporting protocols to health care providers across the state, including URI Health Services. We are also following U.S. Centers for Disease Control guidelines for disease response, which say that anyone who has traveled to or from Wuhan City in the Hubei Province of China since in the last 14 days, and is exhibiting symptoms of the disease are urged to call their health providers. URI students should call Health Services at 401.874.2246. Health Services remains open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends throughout the spring term for medical care and advice.

As we have faculty, students and staff traveling around the world, we have partnered with our International Office to reach out to those individuals who have traveled to or from the affected areas to advise them of steps they can take to monitor their health and when to seek medical care. Health Services continues to take all appropriate steps, as laid out by CDC and the Rhode Island Department of Health, to maintain a healthy and supportive university community.

Information on Coronavirus

Coronavirus (termed “2019-nCoV”) is a novel virus first detected in Wuhan City. The United States announced the first infection with 2019-nCoV detected in a traveler returning from Wuhan on Jan. 21, 2020. Since then, there have been other cases reported in the U.S. There is no vaccination available for Coronavirus and treatment consists of supportive measures to alleviate symptoms. See CDC’s frequently asked questions document.

Symptoms and Protective Measures

Symptoms are similar to influenza — which is now widespread in Rhode Island and across the country. Coronavirus symptoms include: runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, fever, a general feeling of being unwell. Preventive measures include:

• Washing your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and warm water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand gel.
• Sneezing and coughing into your elbow or covering your mouth and nose with a tissue.
• Avoiding close contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, stay home from work, school.
• Not sharing utensils, water bottles, or other personal items. Many germs that cause viral illness are spread through saliva.
• Wiping down common items like phones, keyboards, doorknobs, and railings with disinfectant.
• Getting your annual flu shot if you have not already done so! A flu shot is the easiest and most effective way to help prevent the flu and is free at Health Services for students.

For additional details on Coronavirus and the flu, visit the Health Services website.