The following was shared with the university community on Sunday, Jan. 26:
Dear Mason Patriots:
The University is aware of reports regarding a Mason student returning from China who is exhibiting symptoms similar to those of the novel coronavirus you may have heard about in the news. This information is being shared on social media and communicated within social and academic networks at Mason.
Today the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) issued a statement confirming three residents in the Commonwealth who meet the criteria for testing for possible infection with the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. VDH and the local health departments involved are working in close collaboration, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to complete testing on these cases as quickly as possible. For more information about the coronavirus please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2019 Novel Coronavirus Website.
The CDC announced two individuals from Central Virginia tests came back negative for the Coronavirus. Test results have not yet been returned for the case of the individual from Northern Virginia. (Separate from GMU announcement)
There is a possibility that these illnesses are not due to the coronavirus but may instead be a cold, flu, or other illness. While VDH awaits test results on these individuals, public health will work closely with these patients and anyone who was in close contact with them to ensure monitoring and precautionary measures are put in place to prevent the spread of illness. To protect confidentiality, specific details about these patients will not be provided.
Because other Mason community members and residents of Northern Virginia may also have traveled to China recently, public health officials strongly encourage everyone to continue practicing good hygiene and general precautions to prevent the spread of all communicable diseases:
The university will provide updates on this situation as information becomes available. Thank you for doing your part to protect the health of our community.
Respectfully,
Student Health Services
George Mason University
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