ANN ARBOR, Mich. – From on campus living straight to the moving trucks.
There’s a lot of uncertainty up in the air about coronavirus. However, some parents aren’t waiting around to pull their kids from the dorms.
If you took look around University of Michigan’s campus Monday, you’d think it was moving day, even though we’re nowhere close to May.
“I actually lived in this dorm since I was a freshman. So it’s kind of sad that I’m leaving all of a sudden because of this virus to have to go home and probably gonna be a home for several months,” said student, Rabi Osagi.
Rabi’s a senior engineering major and one of the students who decided to go home in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak. Now she’s unsure about what she’s looked forward to this entire time, her graduation ceremony.
“They were really looking forward to graduating and looking forward to commencement obviously and now that’s up in the air,” said Rabi’s mother, Amina.
Amina is also mother to another senior at U of M, bringing the number of children who have to finish out the year taking classes online up to 2.
“They’re joking about it and thinking maybe they’ll go to graduate school so they can get the chance to graduate,” added Amina.
But the senior is mainly concerned for the students who may not have anywhere to go outside of the dorm.
“My family’s very fortunate. So I’m just praying for people who are really at risk at this time. Hopefully people can stay safe and get the things that they need and hopefully people can just look out for one another you know,” concluded Rabi.
Rabi’s also a Resident Assistant (RA). She says she’s happy that her bosses were flexible in allowing her to leave campus during this time of uncertainty.
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How COVID-19 Spreads
Person-to-person spread
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 or sneezes.
These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs.
Can someone spread the virus without being sick?
- People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
- Some spread might be possible before people show symptoms; there have been reports of this occurring with this new coronavirus, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Spread from contact with contaminated surfaces or objects
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
How easily the virus spreads
How easily a virus spreads from person-to-person can vary. Some viruses are highly contagious (spread easily), like measles, while other viruses do not spread as easily. Another factor is whether the spread is sustained, spreading continually without stopping.
Prevention & Treatment
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. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
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People who think they may have been exposed to COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Question about coronavirus? Ask Dr. McGeorge here.