The spread of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to grow worldwide. Although the vast majority of cases have been detected in or can be traced to China, the disease is apparently spreading in other countries worldwide, with recent detection of at least one case in northern California that cannot be traced to travel or contact with known infected sources.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that the risk to individuals is dependent on exposure and for the general American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus, the immediate health risk is still considered low. CDC does recommend individuals and families follow everyday preventive measures to prepare for potential exposure in the community:
- Voluntary Home Isolation: Stay home when you are sick with respiratory disease symptoms. At the present time, these symptoms are more likely due to influenza or other respiratory viruses than to COVID-19-related virus. Remain at home until fever has been gone for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines.
- Respiratory Etiquette: Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue, then throw it in the trash can.
- Hand Hygiene: Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60%-95% alcohol.
- Environmental Health Action: Routinely clean frequently touched surfaces and objects
- Routine use of these measures by individuals and their families will increase community resilience and readiness for responding to an outbreak.
- CDC does not currently recommend the use of facemasks or respirators by the general public to help prevent COVID-19. Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
In addition to guidance and monitoring by the CDC and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), each County's Public Health Officer is monitoring this situation and may have additional guidance specific to your community and the local health risks. Staff at UCCE County offices or Research & Extension Centers should keep aware of potential health concerns in your community by monitoring and following any guidance from your local public health officer. We also encourage ANR locations to share and post educational materials and posters about how to stop the spread of germs and encourage handwashing.
For additional guidance and answers frequently asked questions to assist UC leaders, managers, and supervisors in addressing concerns related to COVID-19, see the Guidance for UC Locations Concerning COVID-19.
Updated Travel Guidance:
- UC President Napolitano has directed the UC community (academics, staff, etc.) to temporarily avoid all non-essential, University-related travel to any countries that are designated with a CDC Warning – Level 3 Travel Notice. At the time of this update, this includes China and South Korea. Consistent with UC guidance, “essential travel” is defined as that which is required to: 1) preserve the safety of a research subject and which cannot be postponed; or 2) preserve the results of a research activity and which cannot be postponed. Travel to academic or professional conferences, training, meetings, or similar activities is considered to be non-essential. ANR personnel who believe their University-related travel to a restricted destination is essential should contact Brian Oatman at Risk & Safety Services to request a review and exception to this directive.
- Currently, CDC has issued an Alert - Level 2 Travel Notice for Iran, Italy, and Japan, advising that travelers should practice enhanced precautions when traveling to those countries. Check the CDC website for up-to-date information on current travel notices concerning COVID-19.
- When planning work-related travel to international destinations, always register your trip with UCAway, in order to access features such as travel insurance, briefings on health, safety, and security, and real-time alerts.
- You can also check the CDC's Traveler's Health Notices and State Department Travel Advisories for the latest guidance and recommendations for each country to which you will travel.
- If you become sick while traveling, notify your supervisor and promptly call your healthcare provider for advice if needed. If you are traveling outside the United States, use the University-provided travel insurance for obtaining medical care. See our travel safety webpage for more information.
UC ANR Risk & Safety Services is communicating with health & safety and emergency management professionals across the UC system and will continue to provide updates as necessary. You can check our websites for Health Alerts and Travel Alerts for the latest information. Please contact Brian Oatman (baoatman@ucanr.edu) if you have questions or need other specific guidance concerning this situation.