As the coronavirus spreads in nearby states, University of Idaho is monitoring the situation, updating its students, faculty and staff whenever relevant. Concerns about the coronavirus have risen in Moscow, and students need to know how to respond if they become sick.
UI recently posted a Q&A website addressing frequently asked questions about the coronavirus, including what sick students should do. The Q&A includes brief answers to questions concerning personal care, classroom responses, travel and campus cleanliness. It can be found on the UI website under Vandal Health Clinic.
UI Director of Communications Jodi Walker said the virus will reach Moscow and the UI campus eventually. The university is unsure what the time frame will be but plans to remain vigilant, handling situations as they arise. In the meantime, students, staff and faculty should follow recommended advice if they become ill.
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“If you are sick — self isolate,” Walker said. “If the symptoms become more than you can handle, or if you start to develop symptoms that resemble coronavirus, which are fever, cough, shortness of breath, then call the Vandal Health Clinic and see if they recommend you coming in.”
Officials don’t want sick people without other underlying health issues gathering in medical centers.
“What we don’t want is everyone with a cough or a sniffle to show up at the Vandal Health Clinic because then we have a hub of sick people, and then everybody is sick,” Walker said.
As campus waits for more updates, people shouldn’t panic but should avoid unnecessary risks as the campus goes into spring break.
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“Get medical help,” Walker said. “Do what you need to do to take care of yourself, and we’ll take care of things the best we can from our end.
Mariah Wood can be reached at [email protected]