COVID-19 is a disease caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people can become severely ill. Although most people with COVID-19 get better within weeks of illness, some people may experience post-COVID conditions. These post-COVID conditions are a wide range of new, returning, or ongoing health problems people can experience more than four weeks after first being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. Older people and those who have certain underlying medical conditions are more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19. Vaccines against COVID-19 have proven to be safe and effective.

Learn more at the CDC’s main Covid-19 website.

Remember that COVID-19 symptoms can be very similar to other respiratory viruses.  These symptoms may include:  cough, fever, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.  There are other symptoms as well not listed here.  Since these symptoms can also be present in other viruses such as influenza, testing may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.  If you feel sick or think you may have COVID-19 or have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19, please stay home except to seek medical care. 

It is no longer mandatory to report symptoms, cases or exposures to the HWC and students will now be asked to communicate directly with their professors/instructors regarding any necessary absence(s) following a positive test, as they would with any communicable illness. Arkansas Tech University students, faculty or staff who are currently having COVID-19 symptoms, have been recently exposed to COVID-19 or are being tested for COVID-19 should review updated guidance at www.atu.edu/hwc/hwc_covid.php in preparation for fall 2022. If there are any questions or concerns, contact the ATU HWC at (479) 968-0329.

According to the CDC and Arkansas Department of Health, Coronavirus is spread in the same ways as other virus illnesses like common influenza or colds.  Your keys to limiting exposure to all viruses are similar:

• Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizers can be an effective alternative.  For more on handwashing, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/
• Here’s a video from CDC: What You Need To Know About Handwashing
• Disinfect surfaces that people touch frequently
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth – germs often spread when a person touches something contaminated and then your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow if you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you feel sick, please stay home.

Learn more about how COVID-19 spreads at CDC

We understand the concern of community members.  The Novel Coronavirus outbreak adds a layer of stress and worry.  If you would like to talk to someone, student support is available at the ATU Health and Wellness Center.  Information about counselors in the community is available.

You quarantine when you may have been exposed to the virus.  This requires you to stay home and away from others in the home for 14 days to monitor for any symptoms that may develop.  If you develop symptoms during or after quarantine, isolate yourself from others and contact your healthcare provider immediately for testing. 

You isolate when you have been infected with the virus, even if you don’t have symptoms.  During isolation you should stay home and stay away from others in the home and use a “sick room” if possible.  If you develop any serious symptoms including trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, or pale, gray, or blue-colored skin, lips, or nail beds, depending on skin tone, or any other serious or concerning symptoms, seek emergency care or call 911 immediately.