Coronavirus (COVID-19) Facts & Health Resources
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
Q. What do I need to know about the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)?
A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have provided this Fact Sheet on COVID-19 [PDF].
Q. What should I do if I am experiencing symptoms of COVID-19?
A. The Minnesota Department of Health Recommends:
1. Stay at home for at least 7 days, and for 3 days with no fever and improvement of respiratory symptoms – whichever is longer. (Your fever should be gone for 3 days without using fever-reducing medicine).
2. Use the CDC website on how to care for yourself at home with COVID-19.
3. If your household contacts were exposed to you while you had symptoms, they should try to stay home as much as possible for 14 days. a) They should closely monitor their health, and if symptoms occur, they must isolate themselves. More guidance on this can be found here: MDH COVID-19 Basics. b) Use the CDC website for how to minimize spread.
Q. What should I do if I am sick and diagnosed with COVID-19 or suspect I am infected with the virus that causes COVID-19?
A: The CDC has provided this Fact Sheet outlining steps to help prevent the disease from spreading to people: What to do if you have COVID-19 [PDF]
Q. What can students, faculty and staff do to protect themselves and each other?
A: We encourage students, faculty and staff to practice respiratory (coughing and sneezing) etiquette and hand hygiene. Those who feel sick are recommended to stay home until they are free of fever, signs of a fever, and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g. cough suppressants). Employees should notify their supervisor and stay home if they are sick, and seek medical attention depending on the severity of the symptoms.
Additional Information & Resources
The resources below provide more information about coronavirus.
Minnesota Department of Health (MDH)
MDH COVID-19 Hotline, 7 am – 7 pm: (651) 201-3920
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center
Mayo Clinic
