COVID-19 / Coronavirus Information

The novel coronavirus is a virus identified as the cause of respiratory illness first detected in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. The virus causing COVID-19 can cause mild-to-severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. 

Researchers believe COVID-19 spreads the way other respiratory viruses do – through the droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, etc. A person catches the virus when these infected droplets enter their nose, mouth or eyes, either directly or through contaminated hands. Researchers also believe a person can spread COVID-19 even before showing symptoms.

The CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, the flu and other respiratory viruses:

• Wash your hands often 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.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Check with your healthcare provider whether obtaining the influenza vaccine is advisable for you.

If you feel sick and it’s not an emergency, please call the Student Health Center or your health care provider’s office first, before arriving there. By calling first, the clinic can prepare for your arrival, and take measures to protect you and others at the clinic.

If you have returned in the past 14 days from travel abroad, or have had contact with someone known to have COVID-19, and are experiencing respiratory symptoms, call your health-care provider’s office or nurse advice line.

Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you feel sick:

• Stay home and away from others in the household.
• Avoid contact with others and do not travel while sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Clean your hands by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%-95% alcohol immediately after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty.
• Monitor your symptoms closely.
• Periodically take your temperature if you believe you have a fever.
• Stay home from school and work until at least 24 hours after your fever ends. Employees should notify their supervisor and students should notify their instructors if you will be absent.
• Be especially careful around infants and small children as well as people who have chronic illness, compromised immune systems and/or are over the age of 65.
• Take care of yourself. Rest as much as possible. Drink lots of fluids.
• If possible, before going to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms so that they are prepared to receive you. Of course, as with any medical emergency, call 911.

DO NOT COME TO WORK OR ATTEND CLASS IF YOU ARE SICK OR SYMPTOMATIC. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION IF YOUR SYMPTOMS WORSEN. Student can call Student Health Center at (909) 537-3276. Faculty and staff should reach out to their personal health care provider.

The CDC has distributed test kits to state health departments to determine if a person has the virus that causes COVID-19. At present, testing is not available at the CSUSB Student Health Center.

The CDC, World Health Organization, and California Department of Public Health do not recommend people wear face masks as protection from COVID-19. In addition, research is not clear as to whether wearing a mask in public actually keeps healthy people from getting infected.

Face masks are recommended for those with respiratory illnesses, to avoid exposing others when they cough or sneeze.

Wearing a face mask does not imply a person has COVID-19.  Face masks may be worn for a variety of reasons, including to avoid pollen and air pollution, as a courtesy to others when they have the common cold, and for other cultural and even social reasons.

To avoid not only COVID-19 but the flu and common cold, the CDC recommends cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces (e.g., door knobs, tables, keyboards light switches) with a disinfectant. In addition, avoid close contact with someone who is sick from a respiratory illness.

The following items are recommended to have in the home:

• Non-prescription medications such as pain relievers, fever reducers, decongestants, anti-diarrheal medication and cough drops
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Thermometer
• Facial tissues
• Face masks – to be used only if you or someone at home is sick
• A 30-day supply of non-perishable food staples such as canned or instant soups (look for low sodium), canned fruit, canned tuna, etc.
• Decaffeinated tea
• Heat or ice packs
• Toilet paper
• Blankets
• Laundry detergent
• Household cleaners
• Paper towels
• Soap
• Your health care provider’s phone number
• Diapers, baby food if you have small children

The university has plans for managing illness should it affect our campus. University leadership is actively engaged in making preparations on an ongoing basis.

The University is in close contact with the county and state departments of public health for up-to-date information on the status of COVID-19 within our region.

Check this website for the latest University-Issued Statements on Coronavirus.

Effective March 11, 2020 and continuing through May 31, 2020, university-related travel for faculty, staff, and students is suspended across all campuses of the California State University (CSU). This travel restriction also extends to the four CSUSB auxiliary organizations. This determination was made by the CSU based on evolving guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. State Department, as well as state and local public health agencies. Travel beyond May 31 will be determined as the COVID-19 situation evolves.

For more information read the March 11, 2020 message related to COVID-19 Travel Restrictions and Cancellations for Faculty, Staff, and Study Abroad Programs.