Campus Message - March 9, 2020

For the most recent campus messages, please visit our Coronavirus news center.

9 March 2020

Valdosta State is closely following and implementing all guidelines for the novel coronavirus as prescribed by the GA Department of Public Health.  The health and well-being of our students, faculty and staff is our highest priority. 

As of the weekend, there were 11 reported cases of the virus in the state of Georgia but there are no reported cases of exposure to the virus at Valdosta State. The Georgia Department of Public Health and the University System of Georgia have systems in place to monitor and address possible infectious diseases. In addition, VSU has comprehensive plans to address emergencies, including infectious diseases.  VSU also has a working task force in place to monitor and plan appropriately. 

Given the dynamic nature of this situation, VSU is regularly providing updates and we encourage all to visit VSU’s website at: https://www.valdosta.edu/health-advisory.

As of the time this post was written, the CDC has issued a travel warning, recommending that individuals avoid all non-essential travel to China, South Korea, Italy and Iran. VSU has canceled all study abroad programs for spring and summer for these countries. At this time, no VSU students are currently abroad or scheduled to study abroad in these countries.

For up to date information on current and planned faculty and staff travel, student travel, and study abroad opportunities, please follow updates from our International Programs department at https://www.valdosta.edu/academics/international-programs/dept/vsu-global/vsu-international-travel-policy.php

RESOURCES

Frequently Asked Questions (Links to CDC Website)

USG CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION PAGE

https://www.usg.edu/coronavirus  

HOW IS THE VIRUS TRANSMITTED?

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/symptoms.html 

WHAT PRECAUTIONS CAN BE TAKEN TO REDUCE THE RISK OF EXPOSURE? 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html  

WHAT ARE THE CURRENT TRAVEL ADVISORIES FOR COUNTRIES OUTSIDE THE U.S.?

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES  

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION (WHO)

Coronavirus outbreak updates: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019  

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH (GPH)

Coronavirus resource center: https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus 

Information for schools and universities: https://dph.georgia.gov/document/document/information-schools-and-universities/download 

PRINTABLE RESOURCES FOR VSU DEPARTMENTS AND FACILITIES

What is the Coronavirus? (PDF)

Correcting Misinformation about the Coronavirus (PDF)

What to do if you think you may have contracted coronavirus (PDF)

Stop the Spread of Germs (PDF)

Steps for Flu Prevention (PDF)

Stay Home When You're Sick (PDF)

REPORT HEALTH CONCERNS

Please report ALL immediate health-related concerns to VSU Student Health Services by calling 229-219-3203, or 229-259-2083 after hours.

All VSU Employees: After contacting Student Health Services, you should contact your immediate supervisor (i.e., faculty should contact their department chair). Please be aware that the Student Health Center does not provide services to employees at this time. Please contact your Primary Care Provider (PCP) for your medical needs.