Q: What is COVID-19?
A: COVID-19 is a new strain of the coronavirus first detected in China in December 2019 that causes mild to moderate upper and lower respiratory tract illness. In some cases, it can cause severe complications like pneumonia. Early symptoms can be similar to a common cold or the flu and include fever, cough and shortness of breath.
Q: Are there any known cases at Winthrop University?
A: Cases are being tracked via Winthrop's COVID Dashboard. For the latest information on the presence of coronavirus in South Carolina, visit the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.
Q: How does a person get the Novel Coronavirus?
A: It is generally spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets. It may be possible for a person to get COVID-19 by touching a surface which has the virus on it, and then touching one’s mouth, nose or eyes.
Q: What should I do about my plans to travel to international destinations outside the United States?
A: Follow the most updated information from Winthrop University at https://www.winthrop.edu/emergency/coronavirus.aspx
Additionally, review the information shared on March 7, 2020:
Q: How should I prepare if I do travel?
A: Take basic precautions to prepare for potential travel disruptions as follows:
Q: How does one prevent the spread of the Novel Coronavirus?
A: Take the following precautions:
Q: What should I do if I believe I have been exposed to the Novel Coronavirus?
A: Contact Winthrop University Health Services at 803-323-2206. It is recommended you call ahead before going over to the clinic.
Q: What should I do about my plans to travel to domestic destinations inside the United States? A: Do not travel to an area experiencing widespread or sustained transmission of COVID-19 domestically, and to best protect vulnerable individuals, who have underlying conditions such as heart disease, chronic lung disease, diabetes or other conditions that cause suppression of immune systems, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends people do the following:
Q: If I am an international student, then what should I do about Spring Break or Summer Break plans?
A: Current international students who will not graduate in May and are from areas with travel warnings should consider staying in the U.S. for spring break and summer break. If you choose to travel this summer, keep in mind that you might not be able to reenter the U.S. in Fall 2020 if your country is subject to a travel ban. In addition, any international student who chooses to travel internationally during spring break or summer break should be prepared to deal with increased travel delays.
Per the U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) on 3/9/2020:
Students traveling from countries impacted by COVID-19 should regularly refer to guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Department of State, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection for specific port-of-entry screening processes, as well as any travel restrictions.
Resources for additional information:
https://sc.edu/safety/coronavirus/
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html#spreads
https://today.cofc.edu/2020/03/03/coronavirus-information/
For the latest information on the presence of coronavirus in South Carolina, visit the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control.