Prevention
Do your part to help minimize the spread of COVID-19
Remember the basics:
- Maintain physical distancing
- Wear a mask when distancing cannot be maintained
- Wash your hands frequently
- Sanitize frequently used surfaces
Self Monitoring
Last updated July 22, 2020
UND strongly encourages daily self-monitoring of COVID-19 symptoms prior to leaving home each day. Take your temperature daily and stay home if it’s above 100.4 F. Watch for symptoms of:
- Fever/chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea/vomiting or diarrhea
The CDC provides a Self-Checker guide to help you make decisions about seeking appropriate health care. For up to date symptom information and to access the CDC Self-Checker.
What To Do If Sick or Exposed
Last updated July 22, 2020
If you have a fever or other symptoms, you might have COVID–19. If you think you may have been exposed to COVID-19, stay home and contact your healthcare provider, and keep track of your symptoms. If you have a warning sign like trouble breathing, get emergency medical care immediately.
If you’re sick with COVID-19 or think you might have it or have been exposed to it, follow these steps.
Stay home. Many people with COVID-19 have mild illness and can recover at home without medical care. Do not leave home, except to get medical care, and don’t visit public areas.
As much as possible, stay in a specific room and away from other people and pets in your home. If possible, you should use a separate bathroom. If you need to be around other people or animals in or outside of your home, wear a cloth face covering.
Take care of yourself. Get rest and stay hydrated. Take over-the-counter medicines, such as acetaminophen, to help you feel better.
Stay in touch with your doctor. Call before you get medical care. Be sure to get care if you have trouble breathing or if you think it’s an emergency.
Avoid public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis.
If you or a close contact do show symptoms or test positive for COVID-19, it’s important that you report this information to UND. That will help ensure proper isolation, disinfection and contact tracing can take place.
CDC Recommendations
Last updated June 25, 2020
Please consult the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for a current situation summary of COVID-19.
How to Protect Yourself and Others
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
- Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).
- Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.
- These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
- Some recent studies have suggested that COVID-19 may be spread by people who are not showing symptoms.
Everyone should:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid Close Contact
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick, even inside your home. If possible, maintain 6 feet between the person who is sick and other household members.
- Put distance between yourself and other people outside of your home.
- Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.
- Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.
- Do not gather in groups.
- Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings.
- Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Cover Your Mouth and Nose with a Face Covering When Around Others
- You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
- Everyone should wear a face covering when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up
other necessities.
- Face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
- The face covering is meant to protect other people.
- Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The face covering is not a substitute for physical distancing.
Cover Coughs and Sneezes
- If you are in a private setting and do not have on your face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
- Throw used tissues in the trash.
- Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Clean and Disinfect
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, counter tops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
- If surfaces are dirty, clean them. Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
- Then, use a household disinfectant. Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work.