General / COVID-19 FAQ
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What is the novel coronavirus?
Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes COVID-19.
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What resources can I use to keep myself updated on COVID-19?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) both have pages dedicated to the COVID-19 outbreak.
You can also review Antigua-specific COVID-19 information here.
CDC WHO: Current information for Antigua https://www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/country/antigua-and-barbuda/
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Do face masks protect the general public from novel coronavirus infection?
The CDC recommends wearing face coverings in public settings where social distancing measures are difficult to maintain. See more here.
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How is the novel coronavirus spread?
COVID-19 is believed to spread mainly from person to person, between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) or through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
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What steps can I take to minimize my risk of infection?
It is essential to take precautions to avoid getting sick with COVID-19. Read more here.
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What should I do if I am at a higher risk of complications from COVID-19?
According to the CDC, based on currently available information, older adults or patients of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions may be at risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Read more here.
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What precautions are in place at AUA to prevent exposure to COVID-19?
AUA staff have been working around the clock to diligently follow recommended guidelines provided by the CDC, WHO/PAHO, and Antigua’s Ministries of Education and Health. This includes:
- Increasing routine cleaning and sanitizing by housekeeping
- Increasing hand sanitizer stations throughout campus
- Closing campus to all non-AUA visitors
- Providing information to the student body about COVID-19 symptoms and safety procedures
- Creating a special area away from the clinic with personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare personnel and potentially affected individuals to be safely evaluated
- Limiting class sizes
- Providing and recommending masks for everyone entering campus; along with COVID testing for all within the AUA community.
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Will the university be providing face masks on campus?
Yes, reusable face masks will be provided for everyone on campus.
