What is the 2019 novel coronavirus?
The 2019 novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, is a new respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Learn about 2019 novel coronavirus.
How does the coronavirus spread?
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
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Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
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Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.
The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
Call your doctor if you develop symptoms, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 OR have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19.
Is there a vaccine?
There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19.
Are there ways to prevent contracting the virus?
The CDC recommends preventative actions to reduce the risk of developing the flu or other respiratory diseases, including:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- When you are sick, stay home.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- If you have not already been immunized against the flu, it is not too late to get a flu shot.
I’m sick. How do I know if it is COVID-19 or something else, like the flu?
COVID-19 symptoms and flu symptoms can be similar, but COVID-19 is related to the outbreak in China. Even if you’ve traveled to an affected area – or have had contact with someone who has – if you have symptoms of fever, cough, body aches, it is possible that it could be the flu. Faculty and staff with flu-like symptoms should contact their primary care provider. Students who have flu-like symptoms should call their appropriate campus support. It is important to recognize that we are still in the midst of cold and flu season. CDC reports that influenza activity is, and will remain, high for the next several weeks.
Contact Us |
Post Campus Public Safety
Public Safety
516-299-2222
Center for Healthy Living
516-299-3468
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Brooklyn Campus Public Safety
Public Safety
718-488-1078
Office of Student Affairs
718-488-1007
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I have recently returned from a trip to an affected area or have had contact with someone who may have COVID-19 and have respiratory symptoms. What should I do?
If you were in an affected area in the last 14 days and feel sick with fever, cough and difficulty breathing, do the following:
- Seek medical advice. Call before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room and tell them about your recent travel and symptoms.
- Avoid contact with others.
- Do not travel while sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash your hands with soap and water immediately after coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose. If soap and water are not available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Can I still travel abroad?
Please take note of our updated travel guidelines and policies which we have adopted out of an abundance of caution:
- All upcoming non-essential University-related international travel is suspended through the end of the semester. This includes all faculty and student travel, including but not limited to conferences and study abroad programs. For students who would earn credits from these experiences to graduate in May, alternative arrangements to earn credits are being made.
- University-related travel after the end of the semester, may be subject to cancellation.
Please contact your Dean for any questions or concerns.
- Students who are currently in study abroad programs in areas not classified by the CDC as Level 3 may remain abroad to complete their programs. We will be constantly reassessing this decision as the situation evolves.
- The University recommends that when planning personal international travel be mindful of the potential associated risk of disruptions to your ability to reenter the United States. We advise you to consult travel guidance from the CDC prior to and during your trip and make every effort to stay up-to-date regarding often fast-changing governmental regulations (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html).
- LIU community members will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days before returning to campus if they have been to areas designated as Level 3 Travel Advisory by the CDC. (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices)
If I see emergency responders on campus wearing masks or other protective clothing, does that mean they are treating someone who has COVID-19?
No. Wearing masks, gowns and gloves are all standard procedures that emergency responders routinely follow when treating any respiratory illness — such as colds, flu and other viral illnesses — and are not specific to COVID-19. Additionally, patients with respiratory illnesses may be asked to wear a mask to reduce the spread of droplets when they cough, sneeze or speak. This is similar to procedures in place at many hospitals and health care facilities.