Coronavirus: an helpline and guidelines for the University’s community

29.01.2020

Following the onset of the Coronavirus epidemic, the University of Padua is taking preventive measures with the activation of a helpline. The entire academic community, including, professors, researchers, PTA, and students, who have travelled to areas affected by the Coronavirus epidemic (2019nCoV), are welcomed to call the helpline for more information. Those who have travelled to these areas should call for assistance in order to minimize any possibility of transmission. 

The Coronavirus helpline is open from 9 am to 5 pm using the mobile number +039 335/1008877

In the absence, as well as with the presence of symptoms (fever and cough) please adopt the following preventative measure

• stay home until laboratory tests are carried out to exclude your condition
• leave home only if necessary, minimize the number of people you come into contact with and use a protective mask
• wash your hands frequently
• call the hotline to for more information and / or to schedule an appointment for laboratory testing

In the presence of symptoms, such as fever and cough

• immediately contact the hotline to make an appointment for laboratory testing and / or if necessary to receive instructions for hospitalization
• DO NOT GO to the Padua Hospital Emergency Room, as this will only increase the risk of spreading the infection

CRUI Guidelines: What's to know about CORONAVIRUS 2019-nCoV

It is a new coronavirus strain which causes a respiratory disease. The outbreak of coronavirus was identified in Wuhan, in the Chinese province of Hubei. Chinese health authorities reported thousands of cases across the country.

Coronaviruses can infect a number of pets and wild animals. Coronaviruses can be transmitted from animals to humans and then from humans to humans. This had happened, for example, with the viruses causing MERS and SARS.

Data about the coronavirus genomic characterization show that 2019-nCoV is a betacoronavirus and, like MERS and SARs, it may have its origin in bats. For more information, visit the CDC web site https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html.

Please follow the virus outbreak through the official channel of the Italian Ministry of Health.

This webpage provides useful and updated information about the contagion and aims at protecting our community's health.

FAQs about Coronavirus 2019-nCoV outbreak

How does the coronavirus spread?

Human to human contagion mainly happens via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, like how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. Similarly, to SARS and MERS, the human to human spread has been confirmed through close contact.

Symptoms 
2019-nCoV infections may result in symptoms ranging from mild (80% of cases), to severe (20% of cases) with possible death in a very small proportion of cases (2%). Symptoms may appear from to 2 to 14 days after exposure and include: 

• Fever

• Cough

• Shortness of breath

Prevention

The World Health Organization recommends the following hygiene practices and preventive actions (fonte CDC https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html):
• Frequently clean your hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water;
• When coughing and sneezing cover your mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw the tissue away immediately and wash your hands;
• Avoid close contact with anyone who has fever and cough;
• If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical care early and share previous travel history with your health care provider.

Is it safe for staff members and students to travel to China?
Italian Government has decided to temporarily avoid traveling to China until further notice.
The reason for this alert resides not only in the 2019-nCoV infection risk, but also in the unpredictable nature of the outbreak. Indeed, there is a connected risk of social disorders in the outbreak-affected areas which could make the return journey impossible.

Recommendation for students and staff members coming back from China

If you are experiencing some of the symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath) you should:

• immediately see a doctor or call the toll-free telephone 1500 of the Italian Ministry of Health.
• Avoid close contacts with other people and do not go to crowded places;
• Students are recommended not to attend classes or other activities if they are experiencing some symptoms.

If you are not experiencing any of the symptoms:
• Monitor your body temperature every day
• In case of an increased body temperature should immediately see a doctor or call the toll-free telephone 1500 of the Italian Ministry of Health.

Students with no symptoms may participate to activities and classes with no limitations and without the need to wear a mask.

Recommendation for visiting scholars, researchers and staff members from China

Chinese visitors should monitor their health status carefully by taking their temperature and watching for other possible symptoms during the first 14 days after leaving from China and should see a doctor in case of illness.