FAQ

What is a coronavirus?

Common human coronaviruses usually cause mild to moderate upper-respiratory tract illnesses, like the common cold. Most people get infected with these viruses at some point in their lives, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). These illnesses usually last for a short time.

The new coronavirus can cause mild illness that can be overcome, but more severe cases can be life-threatening. The people more likely to get very sick from the virus are those over the age of 65, having underlying diseases such as bad heart or lung disease, liver or kidney disease, have cancer or are immunocompromised.

Cases of COVID-19 and instances of community spread are being reported in all states. People in places where ongoing community spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 has been reported are at elevated risk of exposure, with the level of risk dependent on the location.

Healthcare workers caring for patients with COVID-19 are at elevated risk of exposure. Close contacts of persons with COVID-19 also are at elevated risk of exposure. Travelers returning from affected international locations where community spread is occurring also are at elevated risk of exposure, with level of risk dependent on where they traveled.

What are the symptoms of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (known as COVID-19)?

Reported illnesses have ranged from people being mildly sick to people being severely ill and dying. According to the CDC, symptoms can include fever, cough and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure, according to the CDC.

See All Coronavirus Symptoms

How do coronaviruses spread?

According to the CDC, coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in many different species of animals. When person-to-person spread has occurred, it is thought to have happened mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes similar to how influenza spreads but can also be spread from contact with contaminated surfaces (handles, counters, light switches, etc.).

Does UWG have a plan for its response to COVID-19 spreading rapidly in the U.S.?

UWG has a number of comprehensive plans in place to address emergencies, including those resulting from infectious disease.

Health-related plans result from in-depth exchanges between the Student Health Center in conjunction with UWG Emergency Management. UWG personnel are in regular contact with the CDC, the Georgia Department of Public Health, and county health districts and would continue this communication throughout any implementation of the plan.

Should I be tested for the new coronavirus?

According to the CDC, if you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or shortness of breath within 14 days after travel from any affected country or area with active community transmission, you should call ahead to a healthcare professional and mention your symptoms and recent travel. If you have had close contact with someone showing these symptoms who has recently traveled from this area, you should call ahead to a healthcare professional and mention your close contact and their recent travel. Your healthcare professional will work with your state’s public health department and CDC to determine if you need to be tested for COVID-19.

I am concerned. What precautions can I take?

Guidance from the CDC on how to protect yourself and others includes the following:

• Clean your hands thoroughly and often.
• Avoid close contact by staying home as much as possible and practicing social distancing when you have to leave your home.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.