Coronavirus Update – March 10, 2020

March 10, 2020

March 10, 2020, 4:25 p.m. – The Santa Fe College Emergency Management team is continuing to work with local, state and federal partners to provide the most updated information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) concerning the outbreak of COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus. Although the number of reported cases within the state is increasing, there are no confirmed or presumed positive cases in the Santa Fe College service district of Alachua and Bradford counties.

Symptoms of COVID-19

Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed COVID-19 cases. The following symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

SF recommends following all information coming from the CDC to reduce your risk.

Reminders

SF declares that any student, faculty or staff member who traveled to China, South Korea, Italy, Iran or Japan will not be permitted on any SF campus or center, and must self-quarantine for 14 days.

Any student, faculty or staff member who has been in close contact with anyone who has traveled to those countries, or is showing potential symptoms of COVID-19 should also self-quarantine.

These measures are being temporarily enacted to prevent infection as well as increase overall protection for the college community and control any potential for COVID-19 to spread among the college community.

For anyone who has information that may be relevant to Santa Fe College and COVID-19, use the contact information below during normal business hours.

Employees who need to self-quarantine or have concerns regarding leave should contact Lela Frye, Director of Human Resources at 352-395-5420. Students who are self-quarantining should contact the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs at 352-395-5955.

After hours, contact the Santa Fe College Police Department at 352-395-5519.

Preventing Infection

The CDC advises that the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Here are everyday actions you can take to help prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• 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.
• Use facemasks to prevent spreading the disease in accordance with CDC recommendations:
• • People who show symptoms of COVID-19 and caregivers working with people who show symptoms of COVID-19 should wear facemasks.
  • People who do not have symptoms of COVID-19 and who are not actively caring for someone who does should not wear facemasks.

For additional information, visit the CDC's coronavirus webpage at cdc.gov/COVID19.