Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) continue to monitor a novel strain of coronavirus that originated in Wuhan, China. On Feb. 11, 2020 the World Health Organization announced an official name for the disease that is causing the novel coronavirus outbreak, COVID-19.

Here is a CDC FAQ on coronavirus that is updated daily: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html

Cornell University faculty, staff, and students should refer to this page for campus-related information and impacts: https://www.cornell.edu/health-update/

The Novel Coronavirus (recently renamed COVID-19) is a new respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019. Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that range from the common cold to other viruses like MERS (Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome) and SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome). Coronaviruses commonly circulate in animals and sometimes also infect humans. As of January 30, person-to-person transmission was confirmed by CDC.

The latest research has determined an incubation period of five days, with a range of 2-14 days. Similar to influenza and other respiratory viruses, transmission of COVID-19 spreads from person-to-person through respiratory droplets exchanged among close contacts (those who interact with a person at a distance closer than about 6 feet). Details about the virus transmission are still being researched.

What can you do?

If you have symptoms and have recently traveled to China, Iran, or at-risk areas in Italy and South Korea, or if you have been in close contact with someone who has, you should seek medical care right away. Call ahead and explain your symptoms and travel.

Symptoms of the novel coronavirus are similar to the flu, and include coughing, fever and trouble breathing.

Prevention:

There are simple steps we can all take to stop the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses.

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, like your cell phone.

New Yorkers can call the Department of Health’s coronavirus hotline at 1-888-364-3065 with any concerns about symptoms or travel. In addition, visit the Department of Health’s dedicated website for more resources and updates about COVID-19.

We expect there to be more positive cases, but rest assured that New York State is taking all necessary actions to contain the potential spread of this virus.

NY Cornell Cooperative Extension EDEN will continue to monitor the situation. Resources regarding Infectious Disease, Health and Pandemic are found here https://eden.cce.cornell.edu/

Last updated 3/4/2020.

Last updated January 17, 2023