Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Updates and Information
Thank you for a successful fall semester
December 18, 2020
Greetings Everyone,
I think ASNIC President Kai Sedlmayer’s presentation at the Board of Trustees meeting on Wednesday night captured so well the sentiment of many of our students. The smile she wore conveyed a combination of accomplishment and relief. Finals are over. We made it. Whew!
Thank you. I cannot say it enough. North Idaho College stayed open and we succeeded in delivering meaningful educational experiences to our students. Each and every one of you contributed to this success through the daily actions you took to support our students and to keep our doors open by maintaining a safe and healthy environment.
As we head into the holiday break and bid adios to 2020, I want to offer you a few words of reassurance. There is so much promise for a brighter 2021; to realize this promise, we know we have to sustain the efforts and activities that got us through the fall. I am confident we can do this, and I’m equally confident that we will collectively contribute to and control what the community of North Idaho College looks like in the new year. I know we will continue to adapt, remain creative and find strength from one another in all we do to serve our community.
Connection, hope and trust. That is my wish for the new year for North Idaho College, and for you. That we continue to strengthen the relationships and connections that help keep us centered and focused on fulfilling our mission. That we keep hope alive through our intentions and actions. And that we trust in ourselves and one another that what we are doing has value and positively impacts so many.
I wish you all the best for a joyous holiday season. I hope that your time over the winter break is peaceful, rejuvenating and safe.
I look forward to seeing you in 2021. Take good care.
Rick MacLennan
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is coronavirus?
A novel coronavirus is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified. The virus causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is not the same as the coronaviruses that commonly circulate among humans and cause mild illness, like the common cold.
On February 11, 2020 the World Health Organization announced an official name for the disease that is causing the 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak, first identified in Wuhan China. The new name of this disease is coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated as COVID-19. In COVID-19, ‘CO’ stands for ‘corona,’ ‘VI’ for ‘virus,’ and ‘D’ for disease. Formerly, this disease was referred to as “2019 novel coronavirus” or “2019-nCoV”.
There are many types of human coronaviruses including some that commonly cause mild upper-respiratory tract illnesses. COVID-19 is a new disease, caused by a novel (or new) coronavirus that has not previously been seen in humans.
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How does it spread?
The virus that causes COVID-19 most commonly spreads between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet, or 2 arm lengths).
It spreads through respiratory droplets or small particles, such as those in aerosols, produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, sings, talks, or breathes.
These particles can be inhaled into the nose, mouth, airways, and lungs and cause infection. This is thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
Droplets can also land on surfaces and objects and be transferred by touch. A person may get COVID-19 by touching the surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or eyes. Spread from touching surfaces is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.
It is possible that COVID-19 may spread through the droplets and airborne particles that are formed when a person who has COVID-19 coughs, sneezes, sings, talks, or breathes. There is growing evidence that droplets and airborne particles can remain suspended in the air and be breathed in by others, and travel distances beyond 6 feet (for example, during choir practice, in restaurants, or in fitness classes). In general, indoor environments without good ventilation increase this risk.
COVID-19 seems to be spreading easily and sustainably in the community (“community spread”) in many affected geographic areas. Community spread means people have been infected with the virus in an area, including some who are not sure how or where they became infected. -
What are the symptoms of this infection?
Symptoms of COVID-19 may include the following:
- Fever of 100.4 degrees or have chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
*For the most up-to-date information check the CDC’s website for symptoms as they will continue to update the list as more is learned about the virus.
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I feel anxious about coronavirus. What can I do?
We understand that some community members are concerned. If you would like to talk with someone, support is available to students through campus mental health services.
You can help prevent the spread of colds and other viral ailments by doing the following:
- Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and immediately dispose of the tissue.
- Wash your hands often and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
- Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched.
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Where can I get more information about the novel coronavirus?
For current information about this evolving public health situation, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s COVID-19 pages.
Read more about NIC and COVID-19
-Keep NIC Safe and Healthy through Prevention
-Campus Life Spring 2021