WVSOM continues to closely monitor the public health situation related to the coronavirus COVID-19. We remain in contact with the Greenbrier County Health Department and state officials. WVSOM leadership is meeting regularly to review and update planning and to make preparations in the event the disease begins to affect the institution and the local community.
This is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) maintain websites concerning COVID-19. The COVID 19 CDC link is http://www.cdc.gov/COVID19 and the WV DHHR link is http://coronavirus.wv.gov/.
Information Hotline to Address Coronavirus (COVID-19) Concerns
The WV DHHR has partnered with the West Virginia Poison Center to create an information hotline to address public and medical provider questions and concerns regarding COVID-19. Operators are available 24/7, toll-free at 1-800-887-4304 to provide accurate information about COVID-19, the risk to the public, and the state’s response.
According to the CDC, the best way to avoid contracting COVID-19 is to practice the following interventions:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Not shaking hands - use other noncontact methods of greeting. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Stay home when you are sick. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hands. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially 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.
Sick individuals are urged to stay home. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. If members of the WVSOM community are feeling sick, they are urged to call their health care provider before seeking medical care.
Employees or students who have recently traveled domestically and internationally, had exposure to a known or suspected case of COVID-19, and are experiencing fever, cough or shortness of breath, should contact their primary care provider. Employees should also contact HR and their Supervisor. Students should also contact the appropriate Associate Dean.
For the most up-to-date information, please visit http://coronavirus.wv.gov/ or http://www.cdc.gov/COVID19.
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