GMC News
GMC Shares Important Information Regarding Coronavirus
Georgia Military College Shares Important Health Message Regarding Coronavirus
The safety, health, and wellbeing of our students, faculty, and staff is our top priority at Georgia Military College. Our Nurse Director and her staff are working closely with State and local health departments, as well as the CDC, to monitor the spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus as closely as we can. This is a rapidly evolving situation and governmental policies and procedures are changing as the situation changes. GMC does have processes and protocols in place for the Preparatory School, Corps of Cadets, and our College campuses to address this concern. We will follow recommendations by the CDC and Department of Education for guidance on any closures that may occur. We are working to inform all of our students, their parents, faculty, and staff, as well as the community about preventative measures we can all take to decrease the chance of this virus spreading.
Although there are not currently any international trips planned through GMC, the CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to destinations that have a Level 3 Travel Health Notice. That currently includes China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea.
What is the difference between seasonal flu and COVID-19?
• Coronaviruses are a family of viruses and there are different types of coronaviruses within that family, much like there are different types of influenza viruses. In the United States, there are common coronaviruses that circulate every year, which usually cause upper respiratory tract illnesses much like the common cold. Coronaviruses tend to circulate in the fall and winter months, like influenza. Most people get infected with these viruses at some point in their lives. The coronavirus that has emerged in Wuhan, China, is a new type of coronavirus and is infecting people for the first time, which means that people do not have immunity to it.
What are the symptoms of Coronavirus?
• For the vast majority of people who have had the illness, symptoms were mild (like a cold or flu) and they resolved after several days. Flu-like symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and sore throat.
What preventative actions can faculty, staff, and students take at this time?
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid sharing food, beverages, and utensils.
• Avoid close contact with those who may be ill.
• Cover cough/sneeze with a tissue or cough/sneeze into your elbow.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects or surfaces.
• Get your annual flu shot.
It is highly recommended that faculty, staff, and students continue to practice preventive actions as flu season continues. If you are feeling ill, make an appointment with your healthcare provider.
More Information
Outbreaks involving novel coronaviruses evolve quickly and recommendations from public health officials may change frequently as new information becomes available. Please check the following websites often for updated information.
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
• Georgia Department of Public Health website: https://dph.georgia.gov/novelcoronavirus
For the latest information from the CDC, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
About Georgia Military College
An accredited public-independent liberal arts college with fourteen college campuses throughout the state of Georgia, including a Global Online College, serving both cadet and non-cadet students. A primary focus of Georgia Military College is in awarding associate degrees and preparing students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities, as well as providing a pathway for Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree holders to attain their four-year bachelor of applied science (BAS) degree. Georgia Military College’s mission is to produce educated citizens and contributing members of society in an environment conducive to the development of the intellect and character of its students. “Start Here…Go Anywhere!” For more information about Georgia Military College, go to www.gmc.edu or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/georgiamilitarycollege or on Twitter and Instagram @GMCstory
