Updated 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 2

The Q&A on USC Student Health was updated Sunday to including the announcement of a public health emergency by the Secretary of Health and Human Services and subsequent travel restrictions and quarantine procedures.

Visit the USC Student Health website for the latest questions and answers.

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Updated 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 31

To: USC Faculty and Staff
From: Anthony Bailey, Vice President for Strategic and Global Initiatives
Date: January 31, 2020
Subject: 2019 Novel Coronavirus Travel Advisory

I want to make sure that all employees receive timely and accurate information about the travel advisory regarding the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for China advising U.S. citizens not to travel to China at this time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also has advised against non-essential travel.

When the U.S. State Department raised the travel advisory status to Level 3, we suspended university-related student travel to China.

Now that the United States is at a Level 4 travel advisory, the university is directing faculty and staff to postpone any non-essential, university-related travel to China until these travel warnings are lifted.

We understand there are university faculty and staff who may need to travel for research, patient care, or other essential issues related to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. If you plan to travel to China, you should contact me at (213) 740-2852 so the university is aware of your plans.

We may have to put further restrictions in place as the situation evolves.

I also wanted to take this opportunity to remind you of the travel safety information we provide for our community. We have information available about travel safety and policies in several places, including our duty of care program, emergency support, insuranceand International SOS. Detailed information is available on the Travel & Expense section of the Business Services website. The USC Office of Compliance offers important information on complying with international travel restrictions.

We will continue to update you on the situation on the university’s website.

Key facts about the confirmed cases in California:

Individuals in Orange County and Los Angeles County in southern California — and an individual in Santa Clara County in northern California — have been confirmed as testing positive with the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) from the local county public health departments. The following information is also confirmed:

• There is no evidence that person-to-person transmission has occurred from these cases.
• There is no known connection from affected individuals with USC.
• USC is in regular contact with our local public health officials and will update the community with any new developments.

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Updated 8:35 a.m. Friday, Jan. 31 

The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for China advising U.S. citizens not to travel to China at this time. In light of this advisory, and the previously issued CDC Level 3 travel warning (on Jan. 27) to avoid all nonessential travel to China, all USC students will continue to be prohibited from university-sponsored travel to China. The university strongly advises that faculty and staff 1) postpone any nonessential travel to China until these travel warnings are lifted, and 2) contact the Office of Strategic and Global Initiatives at 213-740-2852.

No cases have affected the USC community. All classes and university businesses are continuing as normally scheduled. If anything changes, the campus community would be notified immediately.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported there is no immediate threat to the general public. No special precautions are required, and people should not be excluded from activities based on their race, country of origin or recent travel history.

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Updated 8:05 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 29 

A new Facebook Live event features Winston Crisp, USC vice president for student affairs, and Sarah Van Orman, chief health officer at USC Student Health. They discuss the ongoing situation and answer questions, stressing that no cases have affected the USC community.

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Updated 9:57 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28

To: USC Community

From: Sarah Van Orman, M.D., Chief Health Officer, USC Student Health, and Winston B. Crisp, Vice President for Student Affairs

Date: January 28, 2020

Subject: Update on the 2019 Novel Coronavirus

Dear USC Family,

We are writing today to update you about the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. We want to acknowledge that this is an upsetting situation, and our thoughts go out to any members of our community who have family or loved ones affected by this new type of coronavirus.

It is very important for us to share accurate and up-to-date information so you can fully understand the issue and help to dispel many of the rumors that are circulating.

During times like this, inaccurate information – even when well-intended – can spread widely. For example, last night there was a false report about a student being diagnosed with Novel Coronavirus.  Please take the time to read the information provided here. Nothing is as important as your safety.

No cases have affected the USC community. All classes and university businesses are continuing as normally scheduled. If anything changes, the campus community would be notified immediately.

We also want everyone to understand that the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health reported there is no immediate threat to the general public. No special precautions are required, and people should not be excluded from activities based on their race, country of origin or recent travel history.

The university remains in close contact with Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. They have the direct contact with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and would conduct testing and release any reports of confirmed cases of Novel Coronavirus. USC officials would be notified immediately, and this information would be shared with the campus communities.

In addition, we have comprehensive emergency management plans in place if a case is confirmed. We already have increased cleaning and sanitizing measures to safeguard against the spread of viruses, including the flu, which currently is widespread in Los Angeles.

There are several ways we can help each other over the coming days. Here are a few steps we all can take:

1. Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing prevents the spread of a virus, as does handwashing with soap and water for 20 seconds and avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

2. Help us communicate accurate information and quash rumors, especially those circulating on social media. Please respect the privacy of all individuals. We will always provide updates whenever there is development with USC.

3. Treat everyone in the Trojan family with kindness. We have heard from students that they have faced microaggressions and have felt excluded. This goes against our values.

4. Stay home if you are sick with a fever and contact us to see a medical provider at 213-740-9355 (WELL).

5. Reach out if you need support for stress or worry. Special “Let’s Talk” sessions have been added this week at the Office of International Students. You also can reach mental health services at 213-740-9355. If you are concerned about a fellow Trojan who may be feeling ill or who appears to be struggling, please submit your concern via Trojans Care 4 Trojans, and the university will follow up based on the information provided.

Again, we want to emphasize that we are working closely with experts in medical care and public health to implement all recommended preventative measures. By keeping well informed, not spreading rumors or speculating, and by following recommended hygiene measures, we can ensure the health and well-being of our community. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the frequently asked questions on the USC Student Health website.

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Updated 1:25 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 28

We want to provide information about reports that a student was transported by ambulance from off-campus housing this evening with novel coronavirus.

Because of student and patient privacy laws, we are unable to talk about any specific individuals. However, we can confirm that there are no students or residents from the off-campus Lorenzo Apartments diagnosed or under evaluation for the 2019 novel coronavirus. Students can be transported by ambulance for a variety of health conditions.

Notifications about 2019 novel coronavirus infections occur through local public health authorities and will be communicated to the community.

University officials remain in contact with local public health officials; there is no known connection between affected individuals and USC.

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Updated 2:40 p.m. Monday, Jan. 27

On Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a Level 3 Travel Warning for all of China. The CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to China.

Based on this warning, all students will be prohibited from university-sponsored travel to China. The university recommends that faculty and staff postpone any nonessential travel to China until this travel warning is lifted.

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Updated 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26

To: USC Community

From: Sarah Van Orman, Chief Health Officer for USC Student Health

Re: Confirmed California (Los Angeles and Orange County) cases of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

We are updating the community in light of information that individuals in Los Angeles and Orange County in Southern California have tested positive with the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). We are in contact with local public health officials; there is no known connection between the affected individuals and USC.

Local public health officials, under the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), will conduct a “contact tracing” measure with the identified patients, and proactively contact any individuals who might have had an exposure. They will work with any individuals who may be affected to check if any symptoms develop.

USC Student Health (part of Keck Medicine of USC) advises persons who recently traveled from Wuhan City or other affected areas in the past 14 days or have had close contact with someone suspected of having an infection with the 2019 novel coronavirus to watch for flu-like symptoms (fever and respiratory symptoms such as sore throat, cough, or difficulty breathing); and if experiencing symptoms, use a face mask and seek immediate medical care. Please call your health care provider in advance. If you are asymptomatic (not experiencing symptoms) you do not have to be seen by a provider.

Students should call USC Student Health for medical care, 213-740-9355 (WELL). Counseling is available at the same number, for students experiencing increased anxiety or stress related to concerns about family in China. Faculty and staff should contact their healthcare provider if they have symptoms, and the Center for Work and Family Life (213-821-8100) for counseling support.

Additional updates will be shared with the community via email and the USC homepage: https://usc.edu.

For general questions or comments: call 213-740-6291 or email studenthealth@usc.edu.

2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

Questions from students; answers from USC Student Health

Updated 1/26/2020

For Patients of USC Student Health: 213-740-9355 (WELL)

For general questions or comments: call 213-740-6291 or email studenthealth@usc.edu.

For Continual Updates: https://usc.edu

KEY FACTS ABOUT THE CONFIRMED CASES:

Individuals in Orange County and Los Angeles County, California have been confirmed as testing positive with the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) from the Orange County Health Care Agency and Los Angeles County Public Health. The following information is also confirmed:

• There is no evidence that person-to-person transmission has occurred from these cases.
• There is no known connection from affected individuals with USC.
• USC is in regular contact with our local public health officials and will update the community with any new developments.

Answers to frequently asked questions are below; additional helpful information is available at the CDC FAQ website (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html). 

How can I know if I might have been in contact with an affected patient?

Local public officials will conduct a “contact tracing” measure with identified patients and proactively contact any individuals who might have had an exposure. They will work with any individuals who may be affected to monitor if any symptoms develop.

What disinfection measures are effective?

Coronaviruses, including the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, are transmitted through respiratory droplets from an infected person (cough, sneezing, close contact). Standard Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved cleaning products and disinfectants are effective in cleaning surfaces.

The university is taking extended measures to ensure a hygienic environment, including regular cleaning of common areas, and refilling of soap and hand sanitizers.

What should I do to prevent the spread of infection?

Flu and other serious respiratory illnesses are commonly spread by cough, sneezing, or unclean hands. Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing prevents the spread of a virus. Handwashing (with soap and water) for 20 seconds reduces risk of infection. (https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/videos.html) Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Avoid close contact with someone who is sick.

How many cases are there in LA? How fast is it spreading?

Please visit the USC homepage (https://usc.edu) for continual updates on the 2019 Novel Coronavirus as it relates to the USC campus community. We expect to see more confirmed U.S. cases in addition to these first confirmed cases as screenings at airport points of entry in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Atlanta continue to screen passengers traveling from Wuhan, Hubei province in China.

What measures is USC taking to prevent the spread of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus?

All of us can take measures to protect our community from the spread of illness, primarily through good hand hygiene, covering coughs and sneezes, and reducing contact with others when feeling sick.

If someone who has recently traveled to Wuhan City is on campus, should they be isolated or held in quarantine?

Any recent traveler from Wuhan or other affected area who has symptoms (fever and respiratory symptoms such as sore throat, cough, or difficulty breathing) should contact Student Health (213-740-9355) and make arrangements to be seen by a medical provider right away. The patient should wear a mask to prevent infection of others through respiratory droplets.

Quarantine is not currently recommended for asymptomatic individuals; monitoring their health and face/hand hygiene are the medically recommended practices. Individuals who may have had an exposure or are arriving from affected areas are not required to be quarantined. They are able to continue normal activities while closely monitoring their health.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said in a statement that it appears this latest case does not threaten public health, cautioning, “people should not be excluded from activities based on their race, country of origin, or recent travel if they do not have symptoms of respiratory illness.”

If there is an infection of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus on campus, will the university isolate the individual?

In the event of a USC student testing positive for the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, the patient would receive appropriate medical attention and would be under monitoring of public health officials. Any roommates or suitemates concerned about close contact would be assisted in temporary relocation and any other needed support by the university.

What are the symptoms I should be looking for? Who is most at risk?

Patients with confirmed 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:

• Fever.
• Cough.
• Shortness of breath. 

Many cases appear to be mild. Individuals who are elderly, have weakened immune systems, or have other underlying health conditions appear to be at risk for more severe disease.

I am worried about friends and family in affected areas. What can I do to help?

It’s hard knowing people you care about are in the middle of a very scary situation far away. We know that this has been a difficult time for many members of our Trojan family. Please know we are here for you and encourage you to reach out for support. If you want to meet with a counselor, please call 213-740-9355, or you can join with other international students at a special “Let’s Talk” group in the OIS office, Tuesdays, 1:30-2:30.

You can also help your family back home by letting them know you are taking good care of yourself. The best advice for not getting sick is to practice frequent handwashing and staying out of close contact with people who might be sick. Let them know you are well, and it may comfort and reassure them. As opportunities to assist become available, we will share these with the community.

Does the flu shot prevent the 2019 Novel Coronavirus?

No, the flu shot is formulated to match influenza viruses expected to be circulating in the United States during the 2019-2020 flu season (Los Angeles County is currently seeing a rising number of cases, so please get a flu shot if you have not already done so). The influenza virus is a different genetic makeup from the coronavirus. The coronavirus has many genetic variants, including the “common cold” that generally does not present serious adverse health risks.

Will the school be able to distribute face masks to students? What kinds of masks will be able to prevent the infection?

Patients to Keck Medicine of USC ambulatory care settings, including USC Student Health buildings, are welcome to take a mask from the front lobby as they come in for care. If you do not have access to a mask, any face covering—including a tissue, cotton cloth, or scarf—can help reduce the spread of infections by physically keeping droplets from reaching others. A covering also prevents the casual “habit” of touching your mouth and nose with your hands that many people do without being aware of it.

Does wearing a face mask help me if I am NOT sick?

Wearing face masks routinely is not recommended for people who are not sick. Face masks are effective in preventing droplets from a sick person from infecting others and are used by healthcare providers, family members, and others when caring for or in close contact with a sick person. Handwashing and avoiding touching your face, (eyes, nose, and mouth) are the most effective method of illness prevention.

Will the school be able to distribute hand sanitizer to students?

Hand gel is available in dispensers at locations throughout the campuses and all members of the community are encouraged to use them. Remember that hand gel does not replace handwashing with soap and water; handwashing is a more effective way to reduce the spread of infection.

What should I do if I have a fever or have the symptoms of the flu? Do I need to be isolated?

Individuals who have had recent travel within the last 14 days from affected regions and are experiencing symptoms are advised to make an appointment to see a medical provider. Students can call USC Student Health, 213-740-9355 (WELL); let the scheduler know you think you may have the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. Faculty and staff should contact their regular health care provider. For other illnesses, stay at home to avoid spreading the virus to others until you have been without a fever for 24 hours.

What can I eat and what can’t I eat?

There are no dietary restrictions related to viral infections.

Where can I get the most updated information regarding the 2019 Novel Coronavirus?

The most updated current information on the 2019 Novel Coronavirus as it presents in the United States will come from the federal public health agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. Any specific local advisories for California or Los Angeles County would be issued by the state and/or county public health agencies and will be shared with the university community by USC Student Health via email and on Twitter.

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Updated 9:19 a.m. Jan. 24

The CDC has issued a Level 3 warning, advising avoiding all nonessential travel to Wuhan City, China. Faculty and staff with existing travel plans to Wuhan City are advised to contact the Office of Strategic and Global Initiatives.

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Updated 6:44 p.m. Jan. 23

The following information was shared with our campus communities in an effort to inform, educate, and protect our campuses from infectious disease. This update from Dr. Sarah Van Orman at USC Student Health, Keck Medicine of USC, brings our students, faculty and staff up to date on the Wuhan Novel Coronavirus, that has recently received global public health attention. Please note that the infection period for this illness is 14 days, and the origins of the virus is in Wuhan City, China, so travelers from this area within a recent time period are the primary affected population. We will continue to update our communities are any new information develops.

To: USC Community
From: Sarah Van Orman, Chief Health Officer for USC Student Health
Re: Campus Update on Wuhan Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

We want to update the campus community on the Wuhan Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) that is causing an outbreak of respiratory illness first identified in Wuhan City in China. National and global public health officials are closely following this developing situation.

At present there are no cases in the campus community. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with our local LA County Public Health Department. We will update the community on any new developments.

All members of our campus communities are reminded to take precautions to prevent spread of infectious disease (attached in the following pages). The precautions will help reduce your risk of many respiratory infections including influenza, which is widespread in Los Angeles County. Handwashing hygiene and respiratory hygiene (covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze; avoiding touching your eyes) are proven prevention measures.
USC Student Health, Keck Medicine, advises persons who recently traveled from Wuhan or other affected areas (in the past 14 days) or have had close contact with some suspected of having an infection with the novel coronavirus to watch for flu-like symptoms (fever and respiratory symptoms such as sore throat, cough, or difficulty breathing); and if experiencing symptoms, use a face mask, and seek immediate medical care. If you are asymptomatic (not experiencing symptoms) you do not have to be seen by a provider.

Students should call USC Student Health for medical care, 213-740-9355 (WELL). Faculty and staff should contact their healthcare provider. Be sure to call before seeking care.

Students who are experiencing increased anxiety or stress related to concerns about family in China may see a counselor; call 213-740-9355 (WELL) to arrange an appointment. Students are also encouraged to join the special “Let’s Talk” section for International Students, that is offered in the Office of International Students Royal Street Structure Suite 101, Tuesdays 1:30-2:30 p.m., facilitated by Alice Phang. Faculty and staff can contact the Center for Work and Family for counseling support, (213) 821-0800.

Additional updates will be shared with the community via email and the USC homepage: www.usc.edu.

Wuhan Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)
Questions from students; answers from USC Student Health
213-740-9355 (WELL)

What should I do to prevent the spread of infection?

Flu and other serious respiratory illnesses are commonly spread by cough, sneezing, or unclean hands. Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing prevents the spread of a virus. Handwashing (with soap and water) for 20 seconds reduces risk of infection. (https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/videos.html) Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Avoid close contact with someone who is sick.

How many cases are there in LA? How fast is it spreading?

There are currently no reported cases of Wuhan Novel Coronavirus in Los Angeles. There is one reported case in Washington state. We can to expect to see more U.S. cases as screenings at airport points of entry in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Atlanta continue to screen passengers traveling from Wuhan, Hubei province in China.

What measures is USC taking to prevent the spread of the Wuhan Novel Coronavirus?

All of us can take measures to protect our community from the spread of illness, primarily through good hand hygiene, covering coughs and sneezes, and reducing contact with others when feeling sick.

Does the flu shot prevent the Novel Coronavirus?

No, the flu shot is formulated to match influenza viruses expected to be circulating in the United States during the 2019-2020 flu season (which is currently seeing a rising number of cases in Los Angeles County, so please get a flu shot if you have not already done so). The influenza virus is a different genetic makeup from the coronavirus. The coronavirus has many genetic variants, including the “common cold” that generally does not present serious adverse health risks.

Will the school be able to distribute face masks to students? What kinds of masks will be able to prevent the infection?

Patients to Keck Medicine of USC ambulatory care settings, including USC Student Health buildings, are welcome to take a mask from the front lobby as they come in for care. If you do not have access to a mask, any face covering—including a tissue, cotton cloth, or scarf—can help reduce the spread of infections by physically keeping airborne droplets from reaching others. A covering also prevents the casual “habit” of touching your mouth and nose with your hands that many people do without being aware of it.

What should I do if I have a fever or have the symptoms of the flu? Do I need to be isolated?

Individuals who have had recent travel (with the last 14 days) from affected regions and are experiencing symptoms are advised to make an appointment to see a medical provider. Students can call USC Student Health, call 213-740-9355 (WELL); let the scheduler know you think you may have the Wuhan Novel Coronavirus. Faculty and staff should contact their regular health care provider. For illness, stay at home to avoid spreading the virus to others until you have been without a fever for 24 hours.

What can I eat and what can’t I eat?

There are no dietary restrictions related to viral infections.

Where can I get the most updated information regarding the Novel Coronavirus?

The most updated current information on the Novel Coronavirus as it presents in the United States will come from the federal public health agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html. Any specific local advisories for California or Los Angeles County would be issued by the state and/or county public health agencies and will be shared with the university community by USC Student Health via email and on Twitter.

Will the school be able to distribute hand sanitizer to students?

Hand gel is available in dispensers at locations throughout the campuses and all members of the community are encouraged to use them. Remember that hand gel does not replace handwashing with soap and water; handwashing is a more effective way to reduce the spread of infection.

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