Special Message from the President

March 2, 2020

Dear Students, Faculty, Staff, and ASU Community,

We have been closely watching reports of a new coronavirus, COVID-19, that originated in Wuhan, China.  Currently, there have been no identified cases at Albany State University. However, there has been two confirmed cases in Georgia.

Symptoms of coronavirus are similar to the seasonal flu, which remains the higher risk for our population. This is also the time of year when we typically see a rise in cases of seasonal flu.

We will continue monitoring the situation and are following the direction given by the University System of Georgia and the Georgia Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control.  It is important to note that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the State Department have escalated their travel alerts for China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea, as of January 30, 2020, the University System of Georgia and Albany State University will not approve University-sponsored travel to China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea.  Additionally, in an effort to limit the entry of the virus into the United States, effective February 2nd, 2020 the U.S. government has placed restrictions on persons entering the U.S. from China and Iran.

Persons (faculty, staff, students or visitors) on any of Albany State University campuses who have traveled from China, Iran, Italy and South Korea in the past 14 days and have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing should seek medical care immediately and are advised to call ahead to inform medical staff about their recent travel and symptoms.  Students can call the Student Health Center at 229-500-3544/45; faculty, staff and visitors should call their primary care provider.

In order to minimize the risk of transmission to others and to expedite appropriate care, all patients presenting to our University student health centers are being screened at check-in with questions about their symptoms and travel history to determine if they are at risk for this new form of coronavirus.

Because prevention is the most important measure to prevent transmission of any virus, we encourage everyone on campus to follow the same preventative strategies used during a normal cold and flu season:

  • Getting a flu shot
  • Wash regularly using soap and water
  • If soap and water are not available use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
  • Cover coughs and sneezes into elbow or tissue and immediately place in trash
  • Avoid touching your eyes/nose/mouth
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces
  • Stay home when experiencing symptoms of illness until you are fever-free without medication for 24 hours

Flu shots are still recommended for students, faculty, and staff. Flu shots are available through public health departments and your primary care provider.

Because this situation is evolving rapidly and guidance is being updated frequently, please continue to monitor the 
CDC COVID-19 website on a regular basis.

Sincerely,

Marion Ross Fedrick
President