Coronavirus
First, there is no need for alarm. MICA's Student Health Center has reported no active cases of coronavirus on campus nor have any been confirmed in the state of Maryland. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has confirmed a total of 12 cases in the US.

MICA remains proactive in our monitoring of the situation, however, and is in constant communication with local/state health departments and per CDC guidelines will implement any and all precautionary measures if needed.

For most recent updates communicated from MICA, click here.

If you have recently traveled to Wuhan, China, or other areas impacted by current coronavirus, the Maryland Department of Health recommends the following guidelines:

• Monitor for symptoms of fever, cough or difficulty breathing for 14 days after your return. If you do feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing during that 14 days, you should:
  • Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor's office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
  • Avoid contact with others.
  • Do not travel while sick.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

Influenza
This has been a particularly bad year nationally for influenza with confirmed cases in most states, including Maryland. Additionally, the Student Health Center has reported active cases of influenza on campus at MICA. While there is no need to panic, standard precautions are strongly encouraged.

• Please be attentive to washing your hands with soap and water and using hand sanitizing gels. Cover your nose if sneezing and your mouth if coughing.
• If you wake up feeling ill, it’s best to stay home. If you have a temperature above 99.9 degrees please seek medical attention. Urgent care facilities are recommended as many emergency rooms in the area are already at capacity.
• Students who are ill are encouraged to visit Student Health Services during normal operating hours. (Directions for accessing emergent or after-hours care can be found on the Health Services website.)
• Student Health Services will be handing out temporal thermometers to students who wish to check their temperature. You are encouraged to wear a mask when visiting Student Health Services to help prevent exposure to clinic staff.
• Employees are encouraged to contact their primary care provider (PCP) when ill. When your PCP isn’t available, CareFirst Video Visit allows you to securely connect with a doctor whenever and wherever you want on a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Video Visit costs the same as your PCP sick office visit copay. To register, visit carefirstvideovisit.com and click any of the Video Visit links or download the CareFirst Video Visit app.
• For your reference, please find the attached influenza precautions guide.

Moving forward, we encourage everyone to follow the guidelines outlined above and we will continue to send updates on the situation as needed.

Students may call MICA's Student Health Center at 410-225-4118 if you have additional concerns and/or questions, and MICA staff and faculty can contact Human Resources with any questions related to employment absences.