Important Health and Safety Message

This message was distributed to campus via email on Jan. 28, 2020.

Wittenberg Students, Faculty, and Staff,

As reports regarding the spread of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus continue, we want to assure the members of our community that we are closely monitoring the situation in partnership with the Clark County Combined Health District (CCCHD), the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), and Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

At this time, there are no confirmed cases of the virus in the state of Ohio, and to the best of our knowledge and research, no member of our campus community has traveled to China in the last two weeks or come in contact with anyone who has. As such, the risk level of contracting this virus is extremely low. We are aware that health officials are investigating two possible cases involving students at Miami University of Ohio, and we will continue to follow that unfolding situation.

For now, the safety, health, and well-being of our campus remains our highest priority, which is why we want to provide additional resources to you. The ODH website and CDC website both offer comprehensive overviews regarding the virus and the preventative steps you can take, including regularly washing your hands with soap for 20 seconds during each washing. We encourage you to visit these sites.

As for symptoms and the incubation period, the ODH’s site reports that “people who have been diagnosed with novel coronavirus have reported symptoms that may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure to the virus.” Symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.

If you have traveled to China recently or have been in contact with someone who has and are experiencing any or all such symptoms, please contact the Health Center immediately at 937-327-7811.

We will continue to monitor this evolving situation along with the CCCHD, ODH, and CDC, and provide additional updates as needed.

Regards,

Casey Gill
Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students

Rob Young
Vice President for Finance and Administration

Back to top