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Monitoring the Coronavirus – February 18, 2020

Feb

18

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Valencia College is continuing to monitor the Novel Coronavirus — now called COVID-19 — and as we work to keep you informed, we will share updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other official sources as information becomes available. The CDC is tracking and providing the most recent data and findings on its website, and new information on reported cases is being posted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

To date, the Coronavirus, a respiratory illness that was first identified in Wuhan, China, is still considered a low health risk to the American public per the CDC, and there have been no reported cases of the virus in Florida as of Monday, February 17, 2020. 

Recent Updates From the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Most recently, a travel ban was put in place, effective Sunday, February 2, 2020, to suspend entry of non-United States citizens — who recently traveled from the People’s Republic of China, excluding the Special Autonomous Regions of Hong Kong and Macau — to the United States. Chinese nationals who are spouses or immediate family members of a United States citizen are exempt from the ban. Additionally, a 14-day quarantine is imposed on United States citizens returning from the People’s Republic of China.

Reference the following sites for up-to-date travel notices related to the Coronavirus:

• CDC Information for Travelers
• NAFSA: Association for International Educators – Resources
• U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory

Valencia College officials are working in conjunction with and abiding by the guidelines provided by the federal, state and local health authorities. This includes the recommendation from the CDC that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to China, and that any students, faculty and staff members, or visitors who returned from mainland China after February 2 and onward to not attend school or work for 14 days after the return date.

Everyday Precautions
Additionally, as we work to keep you informed, please keep the care and concern for our students and your colleagues top of mind and take precautionary care based on the information available. While public health officials state that the immediate risk to the U.S. population is low, we want to ensure that our College community is informed and follows preventative measures.

As shared in our previous update, continue to take everyday precautions recommended by the CDC, such as frequently washing your hands, to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including the Coronavirus. It is also recommended that you see a healthcare professional if you are experiencing a fever, cough and/or difficulty breathing and if you think you may have been exposed to the Coronavirus.

If you have questions or concerns about this information, please contact Organizational Development and Human Resources at HR4U@valenciacollege.edu, or call the HR4U helpline at 407-299-5000, extension HR4U (4748).

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