COVID-19 Information

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.

COVID-19 is a new disease and there is limited information regarding risk factors for severe disease. Based on currently available information and clinical expertise, older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-at-higher-risk.html.

The virus that causes COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly from person to person, mainly through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Spread is more likely when people are in close contact with one another (within about 6’). For more information visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html.

Coronaviruses are generally thought to be spread from person to person through respiratory droplets. Currently, there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with food. Before preparing or eating food it is important to always wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds for general food safety. Throughout the day use a tissue to cover your coughing or sneezing, and wash your hands after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing or going to the bathroom. For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/faq.html.

There is still a lot that is unknown about COVID-19 and how it spreads. Coronaviruses are thought to be spread most often by respiratory droplets. Although the virus can survive for a short period on some surfaces, it is unlikely to be spread from domestic or international mail, products or packaging. However, it may be possible that people can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms may appear 2-10 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

• Fever or chills
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Fatigue
• Muscle or body aches
• Headache
• New loss of taste or smell
• Sore throat
• Congestion or runny nose
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea

This list does not include all possible symptoms. The CDC will continue to update this list as we learn more about COVID-19. For more information, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html.

We encourage all Cleary community members to become familiar with the CDC recommendations https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html for prevention, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick, even inside your home.
• Put distance between yourself and other people outside of your home. Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face covering when around others.
• If you are around others and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow and do not spit.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets and sinks.
• Monitor your health and be alert for symptoms. Watch for fever, cough, shortness of breath or other symptoms of COVID-19.

For updated state information, visit the Michigan Coronavirus website a https://www.michigan.gov/coronavirus/.

If you find out you were around someone who tested positive for COVID-19:
If you have had contact with a person with confirmed COVID-19, you are expected to self-quarantine for 10 days after exposure and monitor symptoms or produce a negative PCR test result.

If you develop COVID-19 symptoms:
Cleary University community members who have symptoms of COVID-19 should self-isolate, monitor symptoms, and contact their primary care physician.

Screening for COVID-19 follows the State of Michigan guidelines. If testing is warranted, Cleary University employees, faculty, students, student-athletes, and residential students who show symptoms should report their symptoms and be tested.

Recommended testing sites are:

St. Joseph of Mercy Livingston Hospital designated testing site or Ascent Urgent Care:

St. Joseph Mercy Livingston COVID-19 Screening Site
620 Byron Road West Entrance Drive
Howell, Michigan 48843
1-833-247-1258

Ascent Urgent Care & Walk In Clinic
1255 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
(517) 545-7400

COVID-19 presents with a wide range of symptoms that range from mild to severe. Symptoms may appear 2–10 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19.
● Fever or chills
● Cough
● Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
● Fatigue
● Muscle or body aches
● Headache
● New loss of taste or smell
● Sore throat
● Congestion or runny nose
● Nausea or vomiting

If you are a resident at Cleary and have been advised to quarantine, you show symptoms, or have a fever, contact the housing director at housing@cleary.edu.The Health and Safety Team will work closely with any student in self-isolation to provide emotional support, academic support, and the safe delivery of regular meals.

Cleary University provides antigen tests for student athletes weekly as they are participating in collegiate sports. Other students, faculty or staff that are feeling ill or concerned they may have been in contact with a COVID-19 positive individual may schedule to be antigen tested.