March 4, 2020
Spring break and COVID-19
Spring break is around the corner, and in light of the continuing spread of coronavirus, many travelers may have questions and concerns. While there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at K-State or in Kansas, plans continue to be made to prepare for a potential outbreak or pandemic.
Anyone traveling should research their destinations to check for travel alerts and/or warnings. For those traveling to countries affected by COVID-19, it would be prudent to reconsider your travel plans. If you have specific questions, contact the nursing coordinator or communicable disease nurse at Lafene Health Center or other primary health care provider.
The coronavirus situation is rapidly changing and Lafene Health Center encourages you to frequently check both the CDC and World Health Organization, or WHO, for travel advisories. Depending on your destination, you may have to reach difficult decisions to change or even cancel plans to ensure your own well-being and timely return to K-State.
In many countries, there may be new entry and exit control measures, and even quarantines implemented with very little notice during the coming weeks. These actions could severely affect your plans and/or delay your return home.
K-State encourages students traveling for spring break to take necessary health precautions and avoid exposure to this virus. Before leaving on a spring break trip, students, faculty and staff take the following steps:
• Monitor travel alerts daily.
• Visit the CDC website for any travel alerts.
• Do not travel if you are sick.
While traveling:
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Do not share food or drinks, eating utensils or smoking devices.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean and disinfect shared surfaces.
• Wipe the airplane seat, tray and hand rests with disinfectant wipes.
• Avoid close contact with anyone with cold- or flu-like symptoms.
• Cover a cough or sneeze.
• Do not leave hotel or resort if sick and seek care as needed.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
If you traveled to an area with a coronavirus outbreak and develop a fever, cough or breathing issues, contact Lafene Health Center or your primary health care provider immediately for instructions. We appreciate your diligence in taking preventative measures and hope you enjoy your spring break.