Appendix A: Frequently Asked Questions
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is a disease caused by a virus called SARS-CoV-2. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people can become severely ill. Although most people with COVID-19 get better within weeks of illness, some people experience post-COVID conditions. Post-COVID conditions are a wide range of new, returning, or ongoing health problems people can experience more than four weeks after first being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19. Older people and those who have certain underlying medical conditions are more likely to get severely ill from COVID-19. Vaccines against COVID-19 are safe and effective.
Why is the disease being called coronavirus disease 2019, COVID-19?
On February 11, 2020 the World Health Organization announced an official name for the disease that is causing the 2019 novel coronavirus pandemic, 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.”
How does the virus spread?
COVID-19 is thought to spread mainly through close contact from person to person, including between people who are physically near each other (within about 6 feet). People who are infected but do not show symptoms can also spread the virus to others. Cases of reinfection with COVID-19 have been reported but are rare. We are still learning about how the virus spreads and the severity of illness it causes.
COVID-19 spreads very easily from person to person. How easily a virus spreads from person to person can vary. The virus that causes COVID-19 appears to spread more efficiently than influenza but not as efficiently as measles, which is among the most contagious viruses known to affect people.
For more information about how COVID-19 spreads, visit the How COVID-19 Spreads page to learn how COVID-19 spreads and how to protect yourself.
What is community spread?
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. Each health department determines community spread differently based on local conditions.
How can I protect myself?
Visit the How to Protect Yourself & Others page to learn about how to protect yourself from respiratory illnesses, like COVID-19.
Does the CDC recommend the use of masks to prevent COVID-19?
Yes. CDC recommends that people wear masks in public settings, at events and gatherings, and anywhere they will be around other people. When you wear a mask, you protect others as well as yourself. Masks work best when everyone wears one. A mask is NOT a substitute for social distancing. Masks should still be worn in addition to staying at least 6 feet apart, especially when indoors around people who don’t live in your household.
While masks are strongly encouraged to reduce the spread of COVID-19, CDC recognizes there are specific instances when wearing a mask may not be feasible. In these instances, adaptations and alternatives should be considered whenever possible.
More information about masks can be found on our masks site.
Does the CDC recommend the use of masks to prevent COVID-19?
Yes. CDC recommends that people wear masks in public settings, at events and gatherings, and anywhere they will be around other people. When you wear a mask, you protect others as well as yourself. Masks work best when everyone wears one. A mask is NOT a substitute for social distancing. Masks should still be worn in addition to staying at least 6 feet apart, especially when indoors around people who don’t live in your household.
Effective February 2, 2021, masks are required on planes, buses, trains, and other forms of public transportation traveling into, within, or out of the United States and in U.S. transportation hubs such as airports and stations.
While masks are strongly encouraged to reduce the spread of COVID-19, CDC recognizes there are specific instances when wearing a mask may not be feasible. In these instances, adaptations and alternatives should be considered whenever possible.
More information about masks can be found on our masks site.
What should I do if I think I have COVID-19?
- Students who report COVID-19 symptoms on the health assessment or who have had contact with an individual who tests positive for COVID-19 will be required to contact the Campus Care Coordinator.
- Students will be required to stay in their on-campus residential hall or off-campus home until further instruction has been given from the Campus Care Coordinator.
- Students should contact their professor if they will be missing class.
- Students should contact their coach if they are going to miss practice.
- Students who need accommodations for courses must contact Disability Services at tiffin.edu/studentservices/disability-services
- Employees who report COVID-19 symptoms on the health assessment or who have had contact with an individual who tests positive for COVID-19 will be required to stay at home, and contact their family physician or Teladoc for further instructions.
- Employees should contact their supervisor if they are going to be absent from work.
- Employees must work with the Office of Human Resources for accommodations.
How is COVID-19 passed on?
COVID-19 is spread through contact with respiratory droplets (droplets of saliva or mucus from the nose or mouth) from someone who has the virus. This mainly occurs when someone with the virus coughs or breathes and these droplets land on nearby surfaces and objects. The virus is then spread when another person comes into contact with the droplets and touches their own face, particularly eyes, nose or mouth; an infected person sneezes, coughs or breathes, and people around them breathe in these droplets.
How can I stop the spread of COVID-19?
The main ways you can stop the virus from spreading are:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If you don’t have access to clean water and soap, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and keep rubbing it into your hands for 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Sneeze or cough into a clean tissue, then throw it away and wash your hands. If you don’t have a tissue, use the inside of your elbow to cover your nose and mouth.
- Stay at least six feet away from other people, especially if they are unwell.
What is social/physical distancing?
People are advised to keep their distance from others to prevent COVID-19 from spreading if they have not been vaccinated.
Social distancing works by reducing the number of people you meet in a day, which slows the spread of the virus. Individuals who are not vaccinated should stay at least six feet away from individuals and properly wear a facial covering.
If I have already had COVID-19 and recovered, do I still need to get vaccinated with a COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes, you should be vaccinated regardless of whether you already had COVID-19. That’s because experts do not yet know how long you are protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19. Even if you have already recovered from COVID-19, it is possible—although rare—that you could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 again. Learn more about why getting vaccinated is a safer way to build protection than getting infected.
If you were treated for COVID-19 with monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, you should wait 90 days before getting a COVID-19 vaccine. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure what treatments you received or if you have more questions about getting a COVID-19 vaccine.
Experts are still learning more about how long vaccines protect against COVID-19 in real-world conditions. CDC will keep the public informed as new evidence becomes available.
Do I need to wear a mask and avoid close contact with others if I am fully vaccinated?
No. Fully vaccinated people can resume activities without wearing a mask or physically distancing, except where required by federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial laws, rules, and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance. If you are fully vaccinated, you can resume activities that you did before the pandemic.
Additional recommendations can be found at When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated.
