Feb
25

COVID 19-Update: Smithsonian Occupational Health is monitoring the situation

Banner showing COVID-19 virus

Smithsonian Occupational Health is continuing to monitor the 2019-nCoV Coronavirus situation. Based on the continued outbreak in China, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and U.S. State Department recommend all travel to China be suspended at this time. Any travelers returning / arriving from China are required to be monitored and in some cases, quarantined, for up to 14 days. Each Unit Director or supervisor should ensure any staff returning from China are placed in the appropriate leave or telework status.

Sustained person to person transmission in the U.S. and Panama has not been observed. The general public is not considered at risk in the U.S. and Panama without prolonged contact with a confirmed 2091-nCoV case or traveled from China in the past 14 days.

Over 37,250 cases of Coronavirus infection have been confirmed worldwide, of these only 307 of these cases are outside of Mainland China. As of Monday, February 10, 2020, this includes 12 US cases. Those 12 cases are the result of monitoring 337 “persons under investigation”. Of those, 225 have been confirmed negative, 12 positive and 100 are pending. While some of these people under investigation are in states with Smithsonian operations, the risk to staff and visitors continues to be extremely low and the current public health screening and isolation methods are effective. Occupational Health will provide updates as guidance changes.

Please see the CDC website for up to date information regarding Coronavirus and use their fact sheets and public health messaging tools as needed.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html

FAQs for the Smithsonian Community

Do I have to worry about accepting objects from affected areas?

A: We know from past research on this family of Coronavirus that they do not survive long outside of the body. Shipped objects from affected areas are not considered to pose a health risk.

Will SI be able to continue to host scholars, students and visitors from affected areas?

As of January 31, 2020 the United States is not allowing travelers who have been in China in the 14 days prior to their arrival to enter the U.S. (excluded are American Citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate family members). Some travelers may be subject to quarantine requirements. These travel restrictions are situation dependent and could be extended or revoked at any time. Open communication and pre-planning are highly recommended if you are planning to host visitors or scholars with residence or recent travel history in China.

I have travel planned to China next month, will I be able to go?

Travel to China is suspended until further notice. Guidance will be updated as the situation changes worldwide. The scope of the impact on the people of China is larger than both MERS and SARS outbreaks and will likely take longer to resolve. If you feel that your travel to China is urgent please contact OIR-ITTF@si.edu for additional discussion. More specific information can be found within Department of State Travel notices, CDC Travel website, and Smithsonian Occupational Health Clinic at   202-633-9355.

Should we limit public access to museums and our research facilities?

Since there is not any evidence for Community Spread within the U.S. or Panama, there is no reason to limit access to any demographic group or the general public at this time. Do not assume that someone of Asian descent is more likely to have 2019-nCoV, and do not let baseless fear lead to discrimination or prejudice.

People are buying masks and wearing them, should I?

Unless you are caring for someone with the Coronavirus, the CDC does NOT recommend a mask of any type as a protective measure at this time. Surgical masks or unfitted respirators are appropriate if you are sick with respiratory symptoms (current circulating illness being colds and flu; not Coronavirus) to decrease risk of getting others sick- if you MUST come into work. It is recommended if you do have respiratory symptoms, stay home! Return to work when your doctor has indicated you are no longer infectious, your co-workers will appreciate not getting your cold or flu.

If I don’t wear a mask, what can I do?

REMEMBER TO TAKE EVERYDAY PREVENTIVE ACTIONS. These are always recommended to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.

  • Avoid close contact with sick people.
  • While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible.
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; germs spread this way.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs.
  • 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 rub with at least 60% alcohol.

 


Posted: 25 February 2020
About the Author:

Alex di Giovanni is primarily responsible for "other duties as assigned" in the Office of Communications and External Affairs. She has been with the Smithsonian since 2006 and plans to be interred in the Smithson crypt.