Members of the Campus Community,

The University of Mount Union has been working alongside the Ohio Department of Health and the Alliance City Health Department, in collaboration with the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio, to determine the most appropriate protocols for study abroad and international students who are returning to campus from China.
 
Although there are a handful of possible cases being investigated in the state, currently, there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Ohio. As we communicated earlier this week, we are unaware of any connections between any confirmed coronavirus cases and Mount Union. The immediate health risk to the American public is still considered low at this time.
 
However, as we welcome a few members of our campus community back from China, we are taking every precaution to ensure their health and safety and that of the entire campus community.
 
In accordance with U.S. Customs, all returning international travelers have been screened at the point of U.S. entry. In addition, recent returnees have also consulted with their primary healthcare providers and show no symptoms of illness. At this time, any community member returning to campus from China will have limited contact with other community members, as deemed appropriate, during the two-week incubation period. As a caring community, Mount Union expects that everyone on campus is treated with respect and compassion, especially during times of stress and anxiety.
 
The following additional steps have been or will be taken, in accordance with the guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
 
  • The University has contacted all campus community members who have recently traveled to or from China.
  • We have increased the cleaning of common areas, door knobs, light switches, and other high-touch areas to protect against the spread of any contagious illness, as is typically done during flu season.
  • The City of Alliance Health Department confirmed CDC guidelines for screenings with Mount Union’s Student Health Center.
  • On-going information is being provided regarding preventative health practices.
  • Hand-sanitizing stations are provided at all food and beverage locations, including Kresge Dining Commons, B & B Café, and the KHIC Café.
 
We also encourage members of the campus community to review and be familiar with the suggested guidelines for illness prevention that were shared via email earlier this week. As a reminder, coronavirus shares many similar symptoms with the common flu and other illnesses that tend to peak during this time of the year. We are in the midst of cold and flu season, and you will encounter individuals who are exhibiting a variety of symptoms. Please don’t panic, as it is far more likely to be the common cold or influenza rather than coronavirus. However, should you experience any symptoms of this nature, exercise caution and make an appointment with the Student Health Center by calling (330) 823-2692 or reach out to your primary healthcare provider.

Coronavirus is a health issue that is being taken very seriously, and the University is using a proactive approach to update the campus community regarding this emerging global health concern. We understand that you may have worries, and encourage you to learn more about how you can manage your concerns by accessing Managing Fears and Anxieties Around Coronavirus provided by the University of California at Berkeley via the Ohio Department of Health.
 
If you have specific or additional questions regarding coronavirus or other flu-like illnesses, please contact the Student Health Center at the number provided above. To learn more about coronavirus, visit the Ohio Department of Health or CDC websites.
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