February 28, 2020, 10:09 AM
COVID-19: FAQS
The University’s Emergency Management team is closely monitoring this evolving global public health situation. We remain committed to keeping our campus community informed about the University’s actions and the best way to stay healthy as events develop. Here are commonly asked questions regarding COVID-19, how it might affect the Chaminade University of Honolulu community, and resources for additional information.
Please prevent the spread of misinformation or inaccurate statements that are not confirmed. Please check the sites below to keep updated and informed on the situation.
WHAT IS COVID-19?
COVID-19, also known as Coronavirus, is a new respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Learn about COVID-19 at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
WHAT ARE THE SYPTOMES AND COMPLICATIONS THAT COVID-19 CAN CAUSE?
Current symptoms reported for patients with COVID-19 have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Read more about COVID-19 SYMPTOMS.
HOW DOES THE VIRUS SPREAD?
Coronavirus is thought to spread mainly from person to person between people who are in close contact (within about 6 feet). The virus spreads via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes and their droplets either land in the mouths or noses of nearby people or are inhaled into their lungs. It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface that has the virus on it and touching their mouth or eyes before washing their hands, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. For more information, see the CDC page, How it Spreads.
HAS ANYONE IN THE UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY BEEN INFECTED?
No case of COVID-19 has been reported among CUH students, faculty, staff, or the local community. As of February 27, 2020, there are 71 individuals in the State of Hawaii who are self-monitoring with public health supervision. Should a case be positively identified, appropriate communications as guided by the Hawaii State Department of Health will occur. Go to HIDOH COVID 19 UPDATES for more information from the Hawaii State Department of Health about the local impacts.
I PLAN TO TRAVEL OUTSIDE THE U.S. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Travel abroad carries potential risks. The CDC maintains a travel information website. Chaminade is prohibiting University travel and strongly discouraging personal travel to countries with a current CDC Level 3 or higher travel warning. In the event of personal travel to these countries, the University will not provide assistance to community members trying to re-enter the U.S. and will restrict returning travelers from coming to campus for 14 days. Before you make travel plans, please check the status of the country you are planning to travel to on the CDC website.
You can enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, to receive current embassy alerts and messages for your destinations.
WHAT WILL THE UNIVERSITY DO IF THERE IS A POSSIBLE CASE IDENTIFIED AMONG STUDENTS, FACULTY, AND STAFF?
Should a case be positively identified, appropriate communications as guided by the Hawaii State Department of Health will occur. If a student who is residing in the residence halls is positively identified, the University will work with the Hawaii State Department of Health to make arrangements for quarantining students if needed.
CAN THE UNIVERSITY PROVIDE MASKS?
The CDC has recommended steps people can take to stay healthy and prevent the spread of this illness. The CDC is not recommending the wearing of masks at this time.
I AM ILL AND NEED TO MISS CLASS. WHAT SHOULD I DO?
Students who are ill should not attend class. They should contact their instructor via email or telephone to discuss appropriate adjustments.
WHAT RECOMMENDATIONS IS THE HAWAII STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH MAKING TO PREPARE FOR A POTENTIAL CRISIS?
The Hawaii State Department of Health is advising people to take steps NOW to prepare should the risk of community spread increase:
- If you have a large family in one home, consider what measures you can take to prevent the spread of illness. For a comprehensive list of specific measure you can take, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/
- Prepare a kit similar to those used during hurricane seasons. These should include a 14 day supply of food, water and other necessities. For more information, visit this site: https://health.hawaii.gov/prepare/protect-your-family/prepare-an-emergency-kit/
- Don’t forget supplies for your pets.
February 6, 2020, 4:20 PM
Chaminade University continues to work in partnership with and monitor government agencies’ directives regarding the spread of 2019 Novel Coronavirus. At this time, there have been no reported cases in Hawai‘i.
The U.S. Department of State issued a level 4 advisory on February 2, 2020, warning not to travel to China. The State of Hawai‘i, Department of Health is also recommending no travel to China. Following these precautions, Chaminade University is suspending any university-sponsored travel to China immediately and indefinitely (including study abroad, immersion, and/or internship programs).
With current seasonal influenza activity, it is likely there will be confusion as persons with influenza will exhibit similar signs and symptoms such as fever and cough. The State of Hawai‘i, Department of Health strongly recommends residents 6 months and older protect themselves against flu by receiving the seasonal influenza vaccination. If individuals are sick with flu-like symptoms, please do not come to work or school.
The following resources are available with information on 2019-nCoV:
CDC Information on 2019 Novel Coronavirus
CDC Travelers’ Health: Novel Coronavirus in China
World Health Organization, 2019 Novel Coronavirus
January 26, 2020, 9:16 AM
In recent days, you have likely heard intensifying reports about a new coronavirus that originated in Wuhan, China. There are no reported cases in Hawai‘i and no direct flights from Wuhan to our state. This new disease has mainly impacted the health of people in China with more than 6,150 cases and at least 132 deaths (as reported by the World Health Organization this morning, 1/29/2020). The threat to Hawai‘i and the Chaminade University community currently is considered low, but outbreaks of new viruses in humans are always a public health concern. There have been five reported cases in the continental United States with no deaths.
Multiple federal and state agencies are monitoring this evolving situation and we are writing today to provide a general update. Since information regarding this disease is changing quickly, we advise you to check the CDC website for the most up-to-date details and guidance.
This new coronavirus is not currently spreading in the U.S. However, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
- 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.
Chinese visitors coming to the U.S. from Wuhan are now being screened at several U.S. airports, including the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport here in Honolulu.
The university will continue to provide updates, when necessary.
Important Resources
The following resources are available with information on 2019-nCoV
CDC Travelers’ Health: Novel Coronavirus in China
CDC Health Alert Network Advisory Update and Interim Guidance on Outbreak of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in Wuhan, China
CDC Information on Coronaviruses
World Health Organization, Coronavirus
