Campus family,
The emergence of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in China and its spread to other parts of the world has generated a great deal of news and questions over the last few weeks.
The respiratory disease, which has symptoms similar to the flu or common cold, has caused concern because it has spread rapidly in certain parts of the world and it is still new and not fully understood.
Union College Campus Health is working with the Lancaster County Health Department and our campus will follow any protocols the local government believes might be necessary to prevent the spread of the virus. We also have policies and a team in place to prepare for and respond to an infectious disease should one become a problem on our campus or impact our students abroad.
The Health Department believes that individuals in our community are not likely to be exposed to COVID-19 at this time.
We are monitoring the global situation as it relates to Union students who are studying overseas or serving as international volunteers. We currently believe it is best to leave everyone in place, but will continue to closely watch the situation and observe the guidelines of the U.S. government and World Health Organization.
What can you do?
As with flu or any other virus, here are some simple things we can all do to help contain the spread of illness:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water aren’t available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you’re sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash. If no tissue is available, sneeze into your elbow.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
If you feel sick, pay attention to your symptoms. COVID-19 symptoms are very similar to those of the flu or common cold and can be very light or more severe:
- Fever
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
If you experience these symptoms, please do not go to class or work and contact the Campus Health Office immediately at 402.486.2554. While you may not have the coronavirus and COVID-19 is unlikely to be dangerous to you, we want to do our part to stop the spread of the illness. The Campus Health Office staff will give you further instructions.
The larger picture
With mass coverage of all kinds of disasters, disease and other tragedies in the news media and social media, it is easy to become fearful about the future. But over and over throughout the Bible God promises his protection in the midst of the chaos of this world.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:10 (NIV)
Please join us in praying for wisdom for our campus along with our local and world governments as we all work towards containing and minimizing the impact of this new illness—as well as for all those who have been impacted by the disease.
Union will continue to closely watch the situation and we will let you know if we believe it is necessary to make changes to programs, trips or daily operations. In the meantime, our Campus Health office will send out regular updates to remind us all how to minimize risk for spreading all types off illnesses in our campus community.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Campus Health office at 402.486.2554 or at campushealth@ucollege.edu
If you’d like more information about the coronavirus and COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control has extensive information here.
God bless,
Vinita Sauder
President, Union College
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