Author: Christie Williams

NSU prides itself on being one of the most diverse institutions of higher learning in the United States. We have students, faculty, staff and visitors from across the globe, including China.

To that end, NSU officials are monitoring the developments surrounding the outbreak of the novel coronavirus. While it was first diagnosed in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, additional cases have begun presenting in other parts of China as well as other countries across the world, including the United States.

As of Tuesday, Feb. 11th,  there are NO KNOWN CASES of this virus among the Nova Southeastern University community. In addition, there is no indication that our campus is under any immediate risk, but we remain ever-vigilant.

While we monitor the situation, NSU is following the guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) related to this virus, and we will update this web page as needed.

Some of the basic facts about coronaviruses are:

• The new coronavirus, labeled 2019-nCoV, has the ability to cause pneumonia and deaths. Symptoms include, but are not limited to fever, cough and difficult breathing.
• As of now, experts have yet to conclusively say whether the virus can be transmitted prior to symptoms developing, or whether all persons exposed to the virus end up showing symptoms. It is simply too early to tell.
• As of now, there is no vaccine to protect against the this new virus.
• The CDC reminds everyone that we are still in the midst of flu season. Even if you have had the flu vaccine, remember to take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs, such as:
  • Avoid close contact with sick people;
  • When sick with a respiratory bug, limit your contact with others;
  • When sick with the flu, stay home for at least 24 hours AFTER your fever is gone without the help of a fever-reducer;
    • Exceptions include getting medical care or running errands to get necessities;
  • Frequent hand-washing with soap and water (for a minimum of 20 seconds) – one trick is to sing or hum the “happy birthday song” twice in a row to time your hand-washing;
    • If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth;
  • Remember to “cover your cough” with a tissue or the bend of your elbow (be sure to throw the tissue away);
  • Whenever possible, disinfect commonly touched areas (door knobs, elevator push buttons, computer keyboards and mouse, telephones, etc.)

You can find additional information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or the Florida Department of Health.

• STUDENTS: Any student who may have symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath AND HAS TRAVELED to Wuhan, China (or has been in contact with someone who traveled to the area) should call their health care provider or the NSU Student Medical Center at 954-262-1262. They can also call the Broward County Health Department at 954-847-8039.
• FACULTY & STAFF: For faculty, staff and other members of the community who may have symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath AND HAS TRAVELED to Wuhan, China (or has been in contact with someone who traveled to the area), it is recommended that they contact their health care provider or the Broward County Health Department at 954-847-8039.