COVID Info!

West Virginia University has released several resources related to the COVID-19 coronavirus for the university and surrounding community. You can use this resource to answer your questions and keep abreast of what is happening – especially here in West Virginia. WVU has also launched a website dedicated to information about the coronavirus and the University’s response plans, should the virus affect the institution and community. The website includes general information, as well as links to more detailed information for specific audiences such as students, faculty, staff and the general community, according to a news release from WVU.

WVU Medicine has also established a telephone number for people who have respiratory or flu-like illness and symptoms. The number is 304-598-6000 (Option 4). People are encouraged to call this number before coming to the hospital, clinic or emergency department.

Health officials note that most West Virginians are unlikely to be exposed to COVID-19 at this time, and the immediate health risk is low. However, according to CDC, due to the rapidly changing nature of the spread of COVID-19 around the world, it is important to prepare for potential community spread, officials said.

Useful tips on how to best avoid contracting COVID-19 include the following:

• Washing your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose or mouth.
• Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or the bend of your elbow, not your hands.
• Using the nearest waste receptacle to dispose of the tissue after use.
• Avoiding contact with sick or affected individuals.
• If you are sick, stay home.

WVU Health Services has developed a quick referance fact sheet available at https://coronavirus.wvu.edu/media/15783/coronavirus-facts-accessible-v2.pdf