For the latest information on COVID-19 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

What is COVID-19?

Human coronaviruses were first identified in the mid-1960s. Seven sub-groups are known to infect people, including several that cause the common cold. MERS-CoV (which causes Middle East Respiratory Syndrome), SARS-CoV (which causes severe acute respiratory syndrome), and the 2019 novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infect animals and have evolved to make people sick.  COVID-19 is a disease caused by a respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in December 2019. COVID-19 is a new virus that hasn’t caused illness in humans before. Worldwide, COVID-19 has resulted in human infections, causing illness and in many cases death. Cases have spread to countries throughout the world.

How COVID-19 Spreads:

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.

• Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
• Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
• These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
• COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.

It is also 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. This is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads, but additional studies are underway.

Symptoms:

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. It is also important to note that many people who contract COVID-19 remain asymptomatic. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

Safety Practices:

A few simple steps can greatly reduce your chances of being exposed and exposing others to COVID-19.

1. Practice good hygiene: cover coughs and sneezes, don't touch your face, and wash hands often
2. Avoid close contact with people who are sick, even inside your home
3. Maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from others not in your household
4. Use cloth face coverings when in public
5. Clean and disinfect frequently used items and touched surfaces often
6. Avoid the use of shared objects
7. Closely monitor symptoms
8. Stay home or go home when sick

For information on health and wellness, visit the University of Mobile Campus Wellness Center at umobile.edu/campuswellness!

All students will receive information concerning COVID-19 precautions. Resident students will receive logistical guidelines prior to move-in day.

Centers for Disease Control:  https://www.cdc.gov/

Alabama Department of Public Health:  https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/index.html

Mobile County Health Department:   http://mchd.org