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University Officials Encourage Awareness to Ensure 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Preparedness

Lander University officials have been made aware of a fake Lander Alert text message circulating on social media, falsely claiming that a case of 2019 novel coronavirus has been confirmed on campus.

This text message is fake and was not issued by the university. Lander officials are not aware of any 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) diagnosis of any students, faculty or staff. Additionally, as of this announcement, S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control has not reported any confirmed cases of the virus in South Carolina.

Lander University has not issued any Lander Alert messages in reference to 2019-nCoV. If you have received this spam text, please delete it. Be aware that any links included in the message may be a malicious phishing attempt or contain malware.

Earlier today, the Division of Student Affairs did share with the campus community general information regarding 2019-nCoV, including tips to prevent the spread of viral infections. This information was shared as a proactive measure only, and was not in reference to any known or suspected cases in our local community.

If you have any questions regarding 2019-nCoV, please contact Student Health Services at 864-388-8885.

Lander University officials are working to provide information to students, faculty and staff on how to take appropriate preventive measures related to health and wellness. Lander University is not aware of any 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) diagnosis of any students, faculty or staff; this is a proactive measure to provide information to the campus community.

2019-nCoV is a virus identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness first detected in Wuhan, China. Early on, many of the patients in the outbreak reportedly had some link to a large seafood and animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread. However, a growing number of patients reportedly have not had exposure to animal markets, suggesting person-to-person spread is occurring. At this time, it is unclear how easily or sustainably this virus is spreading between people.

Signs and symptoms of this illness include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.

Anyone who has traveled to China in the last 14 days and who feels sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing should seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor's office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.

According to the CDC, the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The best way to do this is to:

  • Avoid contact with others, especially those who are sick.
  • Stay home and do not travel while sick.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing. Then discard the tissue in the trash.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

There is much more to learn about the transmission, severity and other features associated with 2019-nCoV and investigations are ongoing. The latest situation summary updates are available on CDC's web page 2019 Novel Coronavirus, Wuhan, China.

This is a rapidly changing situation. University officials and Student Health Services are closely monitoring Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's healthcare guidance related to 2019 Novel-Coronavirus. Nurses are available in Student Health Services Monday - Friday from 8am - 5pm to answer questions or provide assessment and referral to the local hospital system. Student Health Services is located on campus in the Genesis building, across from the art annex, next to LUPD, and can be reached by phone at 864-388-8885.

Please note that as of the time of this announcement, DHEC is reporting that there are no cases in South Carolina.