Inside UCR

Response to Coronavirus

January 28, 2020
Dr. Kenneth Han
Office of Student Health
January 28, 2020

To the Campus Community,

You may have seen news reports on the outbreak of pneumonia caused by a novel coronavirus (“2019-nCoV”) originating from Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Travel-related cases have been reported in Japan, Australia, France, Thailand, and the United States. CDC is conducting entry screenings of passengers on direct or connecting flights from Wuhan, China at 5 major airports, including LAX. Recently the CDC, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and Orange County Health Care Agency have confirmed a positive case of 2019-nCoV. The CDC has deployed teams to California to assist in clinical management, contact tracing, and communications.

There are no known exposures in Riverside or the UC Riverside campus. UCR is working closely with colleagues, clinical partners, and public health officials to actively monitor the situation and prepare for potential cases. We realize there may be many questions about the virus and its impact on our community. The FAQ below is intended to help answer basic questions about the virus and UCR response.

If any member of the community suspects they have influenza or the Coronavirus, they should stay home. There is some evidence that infected persons may still spread 2019-nCoV even if they are not showing symptoms. Students should contact the Student Health Center at (951) 827-3031. Faculty, staff, and other UCR members should contact their primary medical provider.

The Wuhan coronavirus outbreak comes, unsurprisingly, at a time of year when many of us get run down and catch colds or the flu. While we have launched a screening process for the novel coronavirus, it is a good time for everyone to refresh their memory on best health practices to prevent the spread of any virus:

  • Always practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and water frequently.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue and dispose of tissue in trash immediately.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.
  • Get your annual flu vaccine.

The UCR campus will continue to operate as normal. Campus leadership along with public health partners will continue to evaluate the situation and provide updates to the UCR campus. Health advisories and new information will be shared via email and through the UCR Student Health Services and Environmental Health & Safety websites.

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2019-nCoV (Coronavirus) FAQ

Updated: January 27, 2020

What is the Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)?

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses of which some members may cause mild upper respiratory infections. The Wuhan coronavirus, 2019-nCoV, is genetically similar to Sever Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) which can cause more serious disease. Symptoms typically occur within 14 days of infection. There is evidence that 2019-nCoV can spread person-to-person and that infected persons may themselves be infectious before symptom onset.

Is there a vaccine for 2019-nCoV?

There is no vaccine available for 2019-nCoV and there is no known effective treatment. All current care is supportive. Several organizations including the CDC, World Health Organization (WHO), and National Institutes of Health (NIH) are currently working on projects to develop a vaccine.

Can I be tested for 2019-nCoV if I feel unwell? What should I do if I think I have been exposed?

The CDC has developed a quantitative RT-PCR test to diagnose 2019-nCoV. The testing for this virus must currently take place at CDC. In the coming weeks the CDC will share the test with domestic and international partners for localized testing.

This coronavirus outbreak comes at the same time when influenza infections are high. Both viruses can cause respiratory symptoms. Currently testing is only performed on patients who display fever and/or symptoms and within the past 2 weeks has traveled to Wuhan or been in close contact ( within 6’) with a person under investigation for 2019-nCoV.

Students should contact Student Health Services at (951) 827-3031 for additional information. All other members of the UCR community should contact their primary care physician for additional information.

How do I prevent becoming infected?

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Always practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands with soap and water frequently.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Cover your coughs and sneezes into a tissue and dispose of tissue in trash immediately.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.
  • Get your annual flu vaccine.

Have there been any positive cases of 2019-nCoV on the UC Riverside Campus?

There have been no confirmed cases on the UC Riverside campus.

How will I know if there is any changes or exposures at UCR?

UCR leadership along with clinical and public health partners will continue to monitor, screen, and identify possible cases of 2019-nCoV. As we obtain new information, we will send timely updates to the campus community.

Do face masks protect against coronavirus? Do I need one?

Currently, public health officials do not require use of a face (surgical) mask in the US. There is no harm to wearing a surgical mask. Wearing a surgical mask when one is sick may help reduce transmission of the disease.

Healthcare workers interacting with suspected 2019-nCoV cases should follow CDC recommendations of standard precaution, contact precaution, airborne precautions, and use of eye protection.