The health and wellbeing of everyone who comes to Governors State University is our top priority; therefore, we believe it is imperative to keep you informed about the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although the health risks of COVID-19 remain low for the Chicagoland area and the United States as a whole, we will continue to provide information and updates regarding COVID-19. Please check this webpage regularly for any further updates
Q & A
Q: Have there been any confirmed cases on GSU campus?
A: No
Q: Have there been any confirmed cases in Illinois?
A: Yes. For ongoing updates, please visit the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Q: Is there a test to see if you have Novel Coronavirus?
A: At this time, CDC only recommends diagnostic testing of patients who meet the clinical criteria for a COVID-19 person under investigation (PUI), per Interim Guidelines for Collecting, Handling and Testing Clinical Specimens from Persons Under Investigation (PUIs) for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
- At this time, PUIs are identified as individuals with a history of travel to China or close contact with a person confirmed to have the COVID-19 illness and symptoms of respiratory illness such as cough or shortness of breath.
- For more information please visit the CDC website.
Q: Has any patient from GSU been deemed a “Patient Under Investigation”?
A: No, we have not even had one patient that has met the State Health Department’s criteria to be considered for testing.
Q: What symptoms does the Coronavirus cause?
A: Fever, (Temperature of 100.4° F or 38° C or higher), cough, shortness of breath.
Q: What is the difference between Coronavirus and the flu?
A: Both are caused by viruses that can cause fever, cough and shortness of breath. However, the flu is more likely to cause headaches, severe body aches, and possibly nausea and diarrhea. Also, the flu is much more common in humans.
Q: Will antibiotics help Coronavirus?
A: No, since it is a virus, antibiotics will not help.
Q: What can I do to Prevent becoming ill?
A: The steps are the same as they are for preventing any illness:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
For more information on prevention and treatment please visit the CDC website.
Resources