Coronavirus Statement 1 from MMI
IMPORTANT INFO ON CORONAVIRUS FOR MMI CADETS, FAMILIES AND STAFF:
FOR THE MOST RECENT INFORMATION, VISIT:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Alabama Department of Public Health http://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/index.html
• ADPH News Releases
• ADPH Guidance for Post-Secondary Schools
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
• Marion Military Institute has had no suspected cases of coronavirus.
• There have been no reported cases in the Marion community, or the state of Alabama.
• Marion Military Institute works closely with MG W. Shane Lee, MD of the Vaughan Regional Medical Clinic in Marion to monitor and address possible infectious diseases, and to respond to medical emergencies, including those related to infectious disease.
• The risk for Alabamians remains relatively low at this time, and Marion Military Institute continues to monitor the situation through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Alabama Department of Public Health, and the Alabama Community College System.
• This new coronavirus can cause mild illness that can be overcome, but more severe cases can be life-threatening.
• Symptoms of coronavirus include, but are not limited to, fever, running nose, headache, cough, and the general feeling of being unwell; these are also symptoms of the common flu virus.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
• Take general precautions like frequent hand washing to prevent the spread of any virus, including seasonal flu, which is still active across Alabama and the U.S.
• If you have not received a flu shot, it is not too late. For additional advice on flu facts and prevention, visit cdc.gov/flu.
• If you have flu-like symptoms, it is likely the common cold or a common strain of the flu.
• For faculty and staff, stay home if you are sick. Seek medical attention if flu-like symptoms become more severe such as high fever or difficult breathing.
• For cadets, if you have flu-like or other concerning symptoms, contact the Cadet Health Center 334-683-2378 after hours at (205) 205-441-3278, or mailto:renesumlin@marionmilitary.edu
LATEST GUIDANCE FROM ADPH FOR RECENT TRAVELERS:
• The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) considers an individual being anywhere in China, or a country with active community transmission within the previous 14 days, a risk factor for COVID-19.
• ADPH is communicating with travelers returning from China to provide guidance about limiting public interactions for 14 days, which is consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) current guidance for returning travelers. However, this is an evolving situation and more geographic areas may be added soon.
• Students and staff returning from China or areas with active community transmission (as of 28 Feb: China, Japan, South Korea, Italy and Iran – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html ) may have been exposed to COVID-19 and must self-monitor symptoms for 14 days after leaving the affected area.
– Students and staff who return from an affected area must contact ADPH Infectious Diseases & Outbreaks Division at 800-338-8374 & the Cadet Health Center (334-683- 2378) immediately upon return to Alabama.
– These students and staff must be excluded from school for the duration of this monitoring period. They are asked to remain home and to avoid congregate group settings such as church, concerts, buses, etc.
– Students or staff members who return from an affected area who develop symptoms compatible with COVID-19 such as fever, cough, or difficulty breathing within their 14-day monitoring period, should take the following steps:1. Separate themselves from others as much as possible. Immediately notify ADPH Infectious Diseases & Outbreaks Division at 1-800-338-8374.
2. If they experience an urgent health situation, seek medical care right away. Before going to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell staff about recent travel and symptoms.
3. Restrict travel to private vehicle or medical transport (e.g., ambulance). No public transportation while sick.
4. Contact the Cadet Health Center (334-683-2378) for further guidance on when they can return to school. MMI will work to keep any student on Medical Leave to keep up with their classwork during this period.