Dear students, faculty, and staff:
The College of Southern Nevada and the Environmental Health and Safety department continue to closely monitor the evolving outbreak of novel coronavirus – now officially named Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
It is important for the CSN community to know that while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) considers this to be a serious public health concern, based on current information, the immediate health risk to the general American public remains low. COVID-19 is NOT currently spreading within US communities, according to the CDC. However, it’s important to note that current global circumstances suggest it is likely the virus will continue to spread worldwide.
Since our last update, the CDC has issued new travel guidance urging individuals to avoid unnecessary travel to both China and South Korea. In addition, they are recommending extra precautions for older adults and those with chronic medical conditions traveling to Japan, Italy, and Iran.
To slow the spread of COVID-19 into the United States, new entry procedures have been implemented. Foreign nationals who have visited China in the past 14 days are not permitted to enter the U.S. at this time.
American citizens, lawful permanent residents, and their families who have been to China in the last 14 days will be allowed to enter the U.S. but will undergo medical screening and possibly additional activity restrictions. For more information regarding COVID-19 travel alerts, please visit the CDC’s Information for Travelers website.
Other than avoiding travel to current outbreak areas, there is no need to take additional precautions beyond those you would normally take to avoid the spread of colds and viruses.
- Stay home from work or school when sick – remain home until the fever has been gone for at least 24 hours
- Avoid contact with other people who are sick
- Wash hands often with soap and water. If not available, use hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
- Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing
A note about face masks: Face masks are most useful for preventing disease spread when they are worn by people who have symptoms. This is why people are asked to wear a mask at doctors’ offices and hospitals if they are coughing or sneezing.
CSN will continue to monitor the Coronavirus situation carefully and will take proactive and prudent measures to ensure the health and safety of students and staff in accordance with guidance provided by the Southern Nevada Health District and the CDC.
You can continue to monitor the latest COVID-19 updates at the following websites:
If anyone has questions or concerns regarding COVID-19, please contact Carey Sedlacek in Environmental Health & Safety at 702-651-4817.