Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses, some causing respiratory illness in people and others circulating among animals. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can evolve and infect people and then spread between people. Previous coronavirus outbreaks have included severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believes the risk to the American public of becoming infected with this novel coronavirus is currently low. Because this is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation, the CDC will provide updated information as it becomes available, including any changes in the risk assessment.

Although we have a lot to learn about this virus, it is currently believed that it spreads like other respiratory viruses- by people with the infection coughing and sneezing. These droplets are inhaled by other people or moved to the eyes, nose or mouth by contaminated hands.

If you feel fine, but have had close contact with a sick person who has been diagnosed with COVID-19 (pdf), please monitor your health for fever, cough and shortness of breath during the 14 days after the last day you were in close contact with the sick person with COVID-19.

If your child or someone else in your household has a cough and a fever, but has NOT been tested for COVID-19, the sick person needs to stay home until their fever and symptoms have been gone for 72 hours. You and the rest of the household can continue to go to work and school as long as you feel well. There are many potential respiratory diseases that can cause cough and a fever.

If a friend of a friend has COVID-19, you can continue to go to work and school as long as you feel well. If you have not been around someone with COVID-19, the chances that it is COVID-19 are fairly low.

If you are worried about your older or medically fragile friends and relatives, this is a time to practice social distancing. Refrain from shaking hands, high-fives, and hugs, stand 6 feet or more away from other people. Wash your hands frequently.

The CDC advises you to:

• Do not travel while sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Clean your hands by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%–95% alcohol immediately after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose. Soap and water should be used if hands are visibly dirty.

Monitor your symptoms closely. Remember that the likelihood is low that you have coronavirus. Take your temperature if you believe you have a fever.

Stay home from school and work until at least 72 hours after your fever ends. If you must go out of the house or be around others, wear a mask and avoid close contact. Be especially careful around infants and small children as well as people who have compromised immune systems and/or are over the age of 65. Guidelines for travelers returning from other countries are available from the CDC.

Symptoms of COVID-19 may include the following:

• Fever
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Anyone, regardless of vaccination status, who has COVID-19-like symptoms should not come to campus until their symptoms resolve or they receive a negative COVID test. SVC tracks confirmed COVID cases associated with campuses as directed by the Washington State Department of Health. Only use the COVID-19 Reporting and Tracking Form below if you have received a positive COVID-19 test. Do not report if you only have COVID-19 like symptoms.

Open COVID-19 Reporting and Tracking Form

For general questions and concerns we have created a dedicated campus hotline at 844-840-0040.

For students, if you have a specific health concern please contact the Student Health Center at 360-650-3400.

For employees with specific health concerns please contact your primary health care provider.

For current information about this evolving public health situation, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s 2019 Novel Coronavirus page.

The Washington State Department of Health has established a call center to address questions from the public. If you have questions about what is happening in Washington state, how the virus is spread, or what to do if you have symptoms, please call 1-800-525-0127 and press #.

The Skagit County Health Department’s Novel Coronavirus page has updated local information and resources.