Florida State University is taking aggressive steps to prevent the spread of disease, such as COVID-19, by promoting healthy habits and enhancing its existing cleaning and disinfection practices.
This cannot be achieved without the help of the entire campus community. First and foremost, this means engaging in healthy habits such as washing hands with soap and water for 20 seconds; covering your cough or sneeze; avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth; avoiding those who are sick; and staying home when you are sick. Signage promoting this is posted throughout campus.
University partners including Facilities, Recreation, Housing, and others have reviewed cleaning protocols and products and are taking extra measures to disinfect frequently touched areas like doorknobs, stair rails, elevator buttons and other surfaces (such as exercise equipment and classroom AV equipment). High traffic areas such as student housing, libraries, dining halls, bathrooms, locker rooms, as well as recreation centers also receive more cleanings. Additionally, Star Metro buses are cleaned daily and being deep cleaned weekly.
There is no vaccine to prevent this virus, and the CDC advises that the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Here are everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- 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.
If you have a respiratory illness or fever, please stay home. University administrators will work with the deans and faculty to accommodate students who are ill, and sick faculty and staff are urged to work with their dean, department head or supervisor to coordinate coverage of your responsibilities.
If you have spent time in an area with an alert in place, you will need to monitor your symptoms when you return. If during the past 14 days you feel sick with fever, cough or difficulty breathing, please do the following
- Seek medical advice. Call ahead before going to a doctor’s office or emergency room. Tell them about your recent travel to an area with community spread of coronavirus, and your symptoms.
- Avoid contact with others and do not travel while sick.
- Avoid using public transportation if possible. University Health Services offers courtesy transportation to and from the University Health Center for students on the main campus only (main campus students may call the Medical Response Unit at 850-644-3349 to request courtesy