[Taxacom] Fwd: UCB Coronavirus update

[Peter A Rauch]

An example of the interest and actions taken wrt local risks of exposure
and incidence...
Peter

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Marc Fisher Vice Chancellor Administration (campus-wide) <
CALmessages at berkeley.edu>
Date: Tue, Jan 28, 2020 at 3:27 PM
Subject: Coronavirus update
To: <calmessages_communication at lists.berkeley.edu>


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Vice Chancellor, Administration

Dear campus community:

We are writing to provide an update on the coronavirus (2019-nCoV), and
campus response and preparedness efforts.

University Health Services (UHS),working in partnership with local public
health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),
continues to monitor the situation closely and take steps to help ensure
the health and safety of the campus community.

*There have been no confirmed cases of the virus in the Bay Area thus far. *

There are several cases in the United States, including a few in Southern
California. Most of the infections, thousands at this point, have occurred
in China, including outside Wuhan, China.

While this coronavirus is understandably causing worry and anxiety,
particularly in those returning from or with family in affected areas in
China, the CDC currently believes the risk of the virus to the U.S. general
public is low.

On campus, we are following all health protocols prescribed by the CDC and
reinforced by state, county and city health officials. The CDC does not
currently recommend isolation of travelers returning from affected areas if
they do not have symptoms.  And as a community, we should be aware that
this is an especially difficult time for Chinese students with family in
the Wuhan area. To support the well-being of our students and the campus
community, information and support resources
<https://uhs.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/fearsanxiety-coronavirus.pdf>
may be helpful.

For individuals who recently returned from Wuhan, China please see our FAQ
<https://uhs.berkeley.edu/coronavirus-faq> for the latest health
recommendations.

University Health Services officials have set up screening procedures for
individuals who come to the Tang Center who are at high risk and are
showing symptoms. Such individuals are moved immediately into a private
room and evaluated in coordination with the public health department to see
if they meet CDC criteria for testing and isolation. Senior campus leaders
have been meeting to oversee and to help coordinate campus preparedness and
response efforts. The UC Office of the President is also working to ensure
close collaboration and communication among UC campuses.

*Information and precautions for the general public*

The best ways to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, the flu and other
respiratory viruses are to:

   -

   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.
   -

   Stay home when you are sick; if you must be out and about, consider
   wearing a paper (“surgical”) mask and avoid close contact with others.
   -

   Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw the
   tissue in the trash. If you do not have a tissue, cough into your sleeve
   (not your hands).
   -

   Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

*Academic Information*

We are encouraging instructors to support students who have been advised to
stay home, by helping them meet their academic obligations through
alternatives to classroom-based learning. For students and instructors,
details on policies for accommodations can be found here.
<https://evcp.berkeley.edu/programs-resources/academic-accommodations-hub>

We will continue to update the UC Berkeley community regarding the
coronavirus as developments occur.  Additional information can be found at
the links below:

UHS Coronavirus Health Advisory
<https://uhs.berkeley.edu/news/health-advisory-2019-coronavirus>

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

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

Sincerely,

*Anna Harte, M.D.*
Medical Director, University Health Services

*Marc Fisher*
Vice Chancellor, Administration

*Stephen C. Sutton*
Vice Chancellor, Student Affairs



*This message was sent to all UC Berkeley faculty, staff and students.*

*If you are a manager who supervises UC Berkeley employees without email
access, please circulate this information to all.*

*Please do not reply to this message*
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