Augustana is monitoring and responding to the outbreak of the respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus. This page provides information that is regularly updated for the campus community, including AU's preparedness and response, guidance for travelers, and links to important resources.
In response to the rapidly evolving events surrounding COVID-19 (also called novel coronavirus), Augustana is updating its information and guidance in the following ways, which may be further updated as local and global conditions change.
The South Dakota Department of Health (SD-DOH) continues to monitor the emergence of the novel coronavirus. ► View updates.
SARS-CoV-2 is the virus identified as the cause of the COVID-19 outbreak. The latest situation summary updates are available on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) web page Coronavirus Disease 2019.
• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
It is recommended that anyone over the age of 6 months get the flu shot, and especially people with chronic medical conditions who are at high-risk for flu-related complications. View information regarding how to get a flu shot at Augustana and what to do if you think you have influenza.
The virus is spread from person to person through close contact and respiratory droplets that are produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It may be possible to get COVID-19 through contact with a contaminated surface or object; however, this is not the main way the virus spreads.
Some populations are at higher risk of getting very sick from this illness. This includes:
According to the CDC, the best way to prevent infection with SARS-CoV-2 virus is to avoid exposure. However, there are everyday preventive actions recommended by the CDC to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:
Augustana’s Sanford Campus Clinic is open to students Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.