Millsaps College is closely monitoring the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and recommendations made by government and public health agencies, including the U.S. State Department and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). According to the Mississippi State Department of Health, there are currently no confirmed cases in the state and the risk of infection is low.
We are currently reviewing our policies and plans for study abroad programs and other international travel planned for the coming months. In the meantime, we request that all students, faculty and staff notify the Office of Human Resources at humanresources@millsaps.edu of any plans for international travel in the next few months. If those plans include personal or professional travel in areas noted by the CDC as being under a level 3 travel restriction (currently China, Iran, South Korea, and Italy), we expect that you self-quarantine off campus for a period of 14 days prior to returning to campus. This applies to all students, faculty, staff and any other person or organization with a presence on campus.
Recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and other experts on preventing the spread of respiratory diseases, such as coronavirus:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Maintain a good supply of food staples and necessary medications. Don’t wait until the last minute to refill your prescriptions. You want to comfortably have at least a 30-day supply.
- The CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including coronavirus. Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of coronavirus 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).
Resources for the most up-to-date information:
- Click here for the latest information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on coronavirus.
- Click here for the most up-to-date information from the Mississippi State Department of Health on coronavirus.
- Detailed information is also available through the World Health Organization (WHO) website.
Additional Information
If you are not in an area where coronavirus is spreading, or if you have not travelled from one of those areas or have not been in close contact with someone who has and is feeling unwell, your chances of contracting the virus are currently low.
However, it’s understandable that you may feel stressed and anxious about the situation. It’s a good idea to get the facts to help you accurately determine your risks so that you can take reasonable precautions. Your healthcare provider, your national public health authority and your employer are all potential sources of accurate information on COVID-19 and whether it is in your area. It is important to be informed of the situation where you live and take appropriate measures to protect yourself.
If you are in an area where there is an outbreak of coronavirus, you need to take the risk of infection seriously. Follow the advice issued by national and local health authorities. Although for most people coronavirus causes only mild illness, it can make some people very ill. More rarely, the disease can be fatal. Older people, and those with preexisting medical conditions (such as high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes), appear to be more vulnerable.
Symptoms of coronavirus include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you exhibit any of these symptoms, contact the Wesson Health Center, located on the lower level of the Campbell College Center, or your healthcare provider.
