The Coronavirus Is Florida’s Newest Resident

Just when you think the week after spring break couldn’t feel any more weary, a new tension has arrived—and it’s not the midterm exams.

COVID-19, or coronavirus, has spread all over the globe, causing mass panic and concern. On Monday, two cases were confirmed in Florida—one in Hillsborough County and another in Manatee County, both hours north of Miami.

FIU has taken measures to prevent the spread of the virus within the University. It has created a dedicated website for updates on the virus and has sent out an email to faculty regarding quarantine and travel outside the University. FIU also canceled education abroad programs in Italy, Singapore, Japan and South Korea effective immediately as the coronavirus continues to spread in those countries.

Even though there are currently no confirmed cases in Miami-Dade County, FIU students should take extra precaution to stop the spread of germs in case the virus spreads here.

The most important thing to keep in mind—and something that most people overlook—is to wash your hands properly. It’s hard to believe that a bit of water and soap can be enough to stop a deadly virus, but the Center for Disease Control says it’s one of the best ways to prevent the spread of illness.

There’s also a “correct” way to wash your hands; simply wet your hands, lather with soap and scrub for 20 seconds. An easier way to remember that is to sing “Happy Birthday” twice or sing your ABC’s. Then, just rinse and dry thoroughly.

Don’t just use hand sanitizer and call it a day. The anti-bacterial gel protects you from just that—bacteria—but using it to combat viruses is trickier and far less effective if you’re using it as a substitute for soap and water, which kill pathogen and remove grime. Still, if you’re on a commute and don’t have a sink nearby, the CDC recommends using sanitizer or wipes made with at least 60% alcohol.

You also may want to hold off on buying that face mask. The surgeon general has urged the public to stop purchasing N-95s, the surgical masks in question, so health care providers can use them while caring for sick patients. And no, the fashionable anime mask you bought on Amazon won’t make the cut if you’re sick. 

More than anything, avoid sharing any news articles or tweets that may seem conspicuous. As with many international events, misinformation is prone to spread throughout the internet in an attempt to cause panic or gouge money. To avoid this, make sure you get your news from respected news outlets or from health organizations like the CDC. Read up on emails from FIU External Relations and articles on PantherNOW for University-wide updates surrounding the virus. Don’t listen to what some rando has to say about the disease on Twitter.  

If you’re concerned about contracting the virus, don’t panic. Wash your hands frequently and remain vigilant of the news. If you plan on traveling outside Miami, make sure you avoid any infected areas or cancel flights if the country you’re visiting has a high number of reported cases. The worst thing you can do is add to the fear and hysteria currently surrounding the virus.