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Information on Coronavirus from the dean's office (2/28)


To:                              Pitt Public Health Faculty, Staff and Students
From:                         Office of the Dean
Date:                          Friday, February 28, 2020 12:29 PM

Re:                             Information on Coronavirus


Dear Pitt Public Health Faculty, Staff and Students,

The University and Pitt Public Health administrations are closely monitoring the evolving coronavirus situation. Important information and updates relevant to the University community are routinely posted on the University’s Emergency Management website. To date, the number of coronavirus disease, COVID-19, cases in the United States is very low and no cases have been reported in Pennsylvania.

We encourage you to follow CDC recommended everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.

In addition to physical health, social and emotional health are also important during times of potential crisis. Biased or ignorant memes and social media posts can inflame the situation and normalize racism and discrimination. Please fact-check, consider the effects of anything you share, and empathize with those who may be affected. Pitt Public Health is committed to respect and inclusion and if you feel you have been treated unfairly because of your country of origin, race, ethnicity or where you have traveled please contact the Office of Diversity and Inclusion

Our understanding of the spread of the disease is changing rapidly and we recommend you review the travel advisories before making travel commitments. As of today, the CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to China and South Korea and that travelers practice enhanced precautions regarding travel to Iran, Italy and Japan.  The US Department of State website contains additional relevant travel information.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , Pennsylvania Department of Health and Allegheny County Health Department  websites contain up to date and credible information about the disease.

It appears that this epidemic may be rapidly evolving into a pandemic. If so, it will pose a major challenge to the public health and health care systems. We here at Pitt Public Health should be ready to apply our skills and expertise to help with disease control efforts.
 



3/04/2020
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