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Information for Postsecondary Institutions on Coronavirus (COVID-19)

If you have questions or would like to share information with MHEC regarding Coronavirus/COVID-19, please email us at COVID19.mhec@maryland.gov.​

 

As a result of Secretary Fielder's letter to all postsecondary institutions in Maryland (see above) attached is a list of those institutions​ that participated in sharing information with MHEC. Many of these institutions also participated in a webinar on Thursday, March 12th, bringing together more than 120 individuals form 80 institutions.​

 



Governor Larry Hogan Declares State of Emergency, Expands Statewide Response to Novel Coronavirus​
 
According to the Maryland Department of Health, COVID-19 is a disease caused by a respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China in December 2019. COVID-19 is a new virus that hasn't caused illness in humans before. Worldwide, COVID-19 has resulted in thousands of infections, causing illness and in some cases death. Cases have spread to countries throughout the world, with more cases reported daily.


COVID-19 is thought to be able to spread like the cold or flu through:
  • coughing and sneezing, which creates respiratory droplets
  • close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands
  • touching an object or surface with the virus on it

Symptoms of COVID-19 include:
  • fever
  • coughing
  • shortness of breath
  • in more severe cases, pneumonia (infection in the lungs)

 The vast majority of people recover from this infection. Most people will have mild or moderate symptoms. Older people and those with pre-existing medical conditions have a greater risk for more serious illness.

Prevention
There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19. Many experts are at work developing one. As with any new vaccine, it must be tested to make certain it is safe and effective. It may take over a year for a COVID-19 vaccine to become available.

You can take everyday preventive steps that are always recommended to slow the spread of respiratory illnesses like colds and flu:
  • wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
  • use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available
  • cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, your sleeve or your elbow
  • avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using standard cleaning practices
  • avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • if you are sick, stay home, except when seeking medical care

 Visit the CDC travel advisory site to check on current travel warnings if you are planning a trip abroad.

CDC Resources


 
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