Coronavirus

Basic Facts

The virus – SARS CoV-2

Different than the 4 strains of human coronavirus that circulates seasonally. Coronavirus is not new, this strain of the Coronavirus is new!!

Third novel coronavirus outbreak this century

SARS – Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome – 2003

MERS- Middle East Respiratory Syndrome - 2012

We are not entirely sure where SARS-CoV-2 came from but most likely involved bats then an intermediate animal

then to humans. (https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-0154-z)

COVID-19 Overview

The virus is spread most commonly by close contact via respiratory droplets

(sneezing, coughing and talking). Or by hands contaminated from droplets

or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose or

mouth.

Droplets generally do not travel more than 6 feet (hence the 6ft social

distancing.

Infectivity can occur up to 2 days prior to having symptoms.

People can be infected without ever having symptoms.

What We Know So Far

Risk of transmission depends on type and duration of exposure (within 6ft and 15min or longer), use of

preventative measures, and individual factors like the amount of virus present in the droplets

Infections increase with the closeness and duration of contact and have been found to be the highest in the following

settings.

Households

Health Care settings where PPE (personal protective equipment) was not used

Congregant settings – cruise ships, shelters, nursing homes, detention facilities and certain work places.

What We Know So Far

Indirect contact, like passing someone on the street or in a store is a much lower risk for infection

Major risk factors for SEVERE disease are advanced age, underlying illnesses (diabetes, emphysema, and

immunosuppressive states)

Crude Mortality Rates differ greatly among countries, states, counties and localities

Children are infected at lower rates

Mortality rates are even lower in children, to date there are no deaths in children in PA.

Kids can still get quite sick and transmit to others just as easily.

What We Know So Far

Everyone is at risk if exposed.

You can have NO symptoms to mild to severe symptoms

Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical

conditions like heart, lung disease or diabetes seem to be at

higher risk for developing more serious complications.

What YOU Need to Know

Fever or chills

Cough

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Fatigue

Muscle or body aches

Headache

New loss of taste or smell

Sore throat

Congestion or runny nose

Nausea or vomiting

Diarrhea

Signs & SymptomsYou can have some to all of these symptoms. Can be similar

to other viruses. Testing is recommended to decipher.

Symptoms can appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus.

Trouble breathing

Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

New confusion

Inability to wake or stay awake

Bluish lips or face

If you are unsure contact a medical professional!

When to Seek Medical Attention

Person to Person – MAIN Spread

Close contact (w/in 6 ft)

Through droplets (coughing, sneezing, talking)

Can spread before symptoms even appear.

You may be infected and not know it.

Touching a surface or object with the virus on it then touching your mouth, nose or eyes can spread the virus.

How Does It Spread

Currently no vaccine

HAND WASHING!!!!!! – Frequently with soap & water for at least 20 seconds

vigorously.

Always peform HANDWASHING after:

Being in public places

Blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing

Before touching face!!!!!

Before eating or preparing food

Etc., etc., etc., etc………..

If unable to wash with soap and water, use hand sanitizer that contains no less than 60% alcohol

ALWAYS AVOID touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands

https://youtu.be/eZw4Ga3jg3E

Prevention is Key

AVOID CLOSE CONTACT (prevents droplets from

getting to you!!)

SOCIAL DISTANCE

Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick.

Keep 6ft distance from anyone who is sick or when you go outside of home!

Prevention is Key

MASKS DO WORK!!!

Masks are highly effective but only if you wear them correctly (it should

cover completely the chin and nose and not have any gaps at the sides)

COVER YOUR MOUTH AND NOSE WITH A MASK

Masks should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.

The mask is not a substitute for social distancing – keep it on!!!

Prevention is Key

COVER COUGHS AND SNEEZES

Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow

DO NOT SPIT!!!!!!!

Throw used tissues in trash immediately after use

Immediately wash hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer with no less than 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

CLEAN AND DISINFECT

Clean and disinfect frequently touch surfaces daily or more if needed

If surfaces are dirty, clean them!

Use a household disinfectant

https://youtu.be/J2jbEetZ8G4

Prevention is Key

Generally supportive, rest, fluids and over the counter medications

Isolate if you are confirmed COVID-19 positive or Quarantine if you think you have been exposed.

No vaccine yet (possibly 1/2021)

Call doctor if any concerns if at home.

If you area commuter or online only please notify Health Services of illness.

Contact Health Services immediately if on campus.

Treatment

PCR - Viral Test- nasal swab or nasopharyngeal swab

Can detect for a period of time even when someone is no longer infectious.

Can have a positive result for 6 weeks or longer, but you are no longer infectious after 10 days of start of symptoms.

False negatives, further testing may need to be performed based on assessment.

Results dependent on multiple sources and using different platforms, supply and demand, and how many test are coming in and capacity to run those tests, is there electronic interface with PA DOH

Antibody Testing

Looks for presence of antibodies to COVID-19

Department of Health does not recommend Universal Testing. This will NOT be done at TSCT

Types of Testing

Most will recover at home – monitor sx and contact health care provider

and health services asap.

Don’t leave home or dorm - ISOLATE

Get rest, stay hydrated and treat symptoms with OTC meds

Stay in touch with medical provider and Health Services

Avoid public transportation

If SX become severe – SEEK EMERGENCY CARE!

May return to being around others after 10 days of start of symptoms

and 24 hours fever free, and other symptoms are improving.

If You are Sick

QUARANTINE- stay home, separate from others, monitor for symptoms Listed below are a few reasons to

quarantine:

You came within 6 feet of someone who has COVID for a total of 15min or longer

You have cared for someone who has COVID

You had direct physical contact with someone who has COVID

You shared utensils or cups or other household items with someone who has COVID

They sneezed or cough on you

You must stay home for 14 days from last contact ( symptoms can appear 2-14 days after exposure)

Monitor closely for sx – testing may be required.

May return being around others after 14 days and that there are no signs and symptoms of the virus.

If You Have Been Exposed…

MUST comply with policies, protocols and guidelines

Prevention – hand washing, social distancing, following enter and exit marks, health screenings, keep areas clean and

disinfected

MUST be wearing a mask

If you are sick or caring for someone sick – STAY HOME –

Notify supervisor/professor or Health Services when calling in sick.

Follow isolation and quarantine guidelines

Social distancing, PPE will be provided, and testing capabilities will be available. We will be having testing on

campus.

Returning to Work/School

Training will be done online for students prior to the start of Monday

Screening each student everyday before class:

Temperature must be 100.4 or less, screening questions asked (do you have any S&S of coronavirus, have you traveled out of PA

If temperature greater than 100.4 you will be referred to Health Services if you are a commuter, if you are a resident in the dorms you will return to your dorm and immediately contact Health Services at 717-299-7769 or 717-606-1560 or at meshey@stevenscollege.edu. It is very important that you contact us immediately so we can assess your symptoms.

We will have testing onsite with results in 15 min. Criteria must be met for testing to take place.

What Are We Doing for You!!

Masks: You will receive one cloth mask with TSCT logo. Gaiter masks are acceptable unless instructed by your

Professor otherwise. Face shields are not acceptable unless a mask is worn with the shield. Face masks will be worn

by all students, faculty, and staff on College, with the exception of a medically documented accommodations.

Cleaning of masks are recommended daily. Students are also encouraged to bring their own masks from home.

Any field trips will be carefully considered with the utmost importance of keeping you safe.

If you have any questions/concerns please call Health Services at 717-299-7769 or 717-606-1560.

What Are We Doing for You!!

Stay Safe!