Mississippi: https://msdh.ms.gov/msdhsite/_static/23.html
MVSU: At this time, there are no confirmed cases of Coronavirus linked to the campus of Mississippi Valley State University.
If any urgent information needs to be communicated, notifications will be posted at www.mvsu.edu. Students, faculty, and staff will also be notified via MVSU News, ReGroup text messaging, Facebook (@valley.state), and Twitter (@MVSUDevils).
What you need to know about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Mississippi Valley State University continues to closely monitor the global health emergency and outbreak of the novel Coronavirus, known as COVID-19.
One presumptive case has been reported in the State of Mississippi, in addition to cases identified in Tennessee and other nearby states, increasing the possible risk of exposure to our campus community. MVSU’s Emergency Response Team will continue to monitor this fluid situation by following recommendations from the State Department and the CDC. We are also working closely with government agencies to obtain advice and guidance on managing the campus in the event of an outbreak.
Preventing the illness
There are currently no vaccines to prevent Coronavirus Disease 2019. According to the CDC, the best way to prevent illness is to avoid exposure to the virus. The following preventative actions are recommended:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including 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).
- Wash your 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 at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
Spring Break Travel
For those faculty, staff, and students who have participated in international travel independently of the University during Spring Break, we are sharing the link to the State Department's website, which provides current travel advisories for countries worldwide. Additional information and guidance regarding travel and the Coronavirus can be found on the CDC website.
While MVSU does not want to be alarmist, we do invite members of our community to be aware that levels can change quickly and without warning. For those who travel to areas that are designated Level 3 or Level 4, a health screening may take place upon return.
Faculty, staff and student travelers should be aware that, according to the CDC, they "may face unpredictable circumstances, travel restrictions, challenges in returning home or accessing health care while abroad."
MVSU will work with state and local health officials to best determine the appropriate plan for when and how returning students, faculty and staff might return the U.S. and campus. This will be dictated by current rules and guidelines by CDC and the State Department of Health.
Please continue to closely monitor MVSU News as well as your local/national news for the latest information.
If you are sick
IF YOU ARE EXPERIENCING SYMPTOMS, DO NOT COME TO CAMPUS.
If you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath, within 14 days after travel from any affected country or area with active community transmission, you should call ahead to the MVSU Health Center or your primary healthcare provider and mention your symptoms and recent travel. If you have had close contact with someone showing these symptoms who has recently traveled from any affected country or area with active community transmission, you should call ahead to the MVSU Health Center or your primary healthcare provider and mention your close contact and their recent travel. At this time, your healthcare provider will work with the Mississippi State Department of Health and CDC to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19.
Students should notify professors of their illness and subsequent absence via email or phone. If you live on campus, immediately notify the Office of Residential Life at (662) 254-3590.
Employees should notify their immediate supervisor and self-quarantine during their illness.
Resources
If you have questions about the Coronavirus, you are encouraged to call the state hotline, available to the public from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 1-877-978-6453. You can also call the MVSU Health Center, at (662) 254-3331. Media Inquiries should be directed Brittany Davis-Green, director of communications & marketing, at (662) 254-3577 or brittany.d.green@mvsu.edu
The CDC is updating its website daily with the latest information and advice for the public: www.cdc.gov/ncov
If any urgent information needs to be communicated, notifications will be posted at www.mvsu.edu. Students, faculty, and staff will also be notified via MVSU News, ReGroup text messaging, Facebook (@valley.state), and Twitter (@MVSUDevils).
The safety and well-being of the University community is our highest priority. Please visit this page often as we will update it as needed to keep out campus community informed.