CHSU Addresses Coronavirus Disease

For the most up-to-date information regarding COVID-19, please visit our COVID-19 Updates page.

California Health Sciences University (CHSU) is monitoring the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak that was first detected in China in December 2019 and has since been detected in several locations internationally, including the United States.

As of March 7, 2020, there has been one confirmed case in Fresno County and one confirmed case in Madera County. Both cases are travel-related and were not community-acquired. The FCDPH says there is no immediate threat to the general public and is not recommending cancellation of events, closure of schools, or buildings at this time. We will continue to monitor the situation and update the CHSU community. The health and well-being of our campus community is our highest priority. Please see below for further information.

Campus Preparedness
CHSU is in regular contact with Fresno County Department of Public Health (FCDPH) and will ensure quick and decisive communication and action as needed. Additionally, CHSU has emergency preparedness plans and procedures in place in the event of any disruption to campus operations due to natural disasters or health risks such as COVID-19. The emergency procedures can be found on the CHSU website.

There are currently no plans to cancel classes, and we will not plan to do so unless directed by the FCDPH. Also, only the FCDPH has the authority to quarantine community members.

International & Domestic Travel
With an abundance of caution, we strongly suggest that students, faculty, and staff avoid all non-essential travel to states/regions with known cases of COVID-19 and countries designated with a CDC Warning-Level 3, which currently includes China, Iran, Italy and South Korea.

Protecting Ourselves
As with any virus, especially during the flu season, the FCDPH reminds you there are a number of steps you can take to protect your health and those around you:

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Please do not come to campus if you become sick with respiratory symptoms like a fever (100.4 or higher) and cough.

Symptoms
Coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms can include a high fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, similar to what you may feel with influenza or a bad cold. The incubation period (how soon the symptoms appear from the time of first exposure) for this virus appears to be 2-14 days.

Any member of the CHSU community who has traveled to a potentially impacted area within the last two weeks or has come in contact with someone who may have the virus AND is experiencing symptoms such as those described above should contact their health care provider and seek medical attention immediately.

Students
Students who are ill with flu-like symptoms should stay home, contact Student Affairs in their appropriate college, and contact their personal physician.

Faculty and Staff
Faculty and staff who are ill with flu-like symptoms should stay home, notify the Office of Human Resources and their supervisor, and contact their personal physician. Sick leave may be used for COVID-19 issues; please contact HR for more information.

CHSU will continue to monitor updates from the CDC, the California Department of Public Health, and the FCDPH and will provide the most up-to-date and accurate information available.

For a downloadable version of this information, view our COVID “What You Need to Know” PDF.