Institution Wide Public Health Statement

To: The Praxis Institute (TPI) Academic Community

TPI is closely monitoring the latest information related to the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19 or “coronavirus”). TPI is working to ensure that you have current information to stay healthy.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that the health risk to the general public from coronavirus remains low. At this time, no cases of the coronavirus have been reported in South Florida.

The CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) recommend that the most important thing you can do to prevent getting sick is to wash your hands frequently, for at least 20 seconds.

TPI is working closely with our janitorial contractor to ensure the campuses facilities are clean and safe. In addition, there are hand- sanitizing stations located throughout the campuses. However, we would like to reiterate that the best defense will always be HANDWASHING (Soap and Water).

Preventive Strategies:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are ill;
  • When sick with a respiratory bug, limit your contact with others;
  • When sick with the flu, stay home for at least 24 hours AFTER your fever is gone without the help of a fever-reducer;
  • Exceptions to the previous statement include getting medical care or running errands to get  necessities;
  • Frequent hand-washing with soap and water (for a minimum of 20 seconds) – one trick is to sing or hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice in a row to time your hand-washing;
  • If soap and water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer (only if soap and water are unavailable);
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth;
  • Remember to “cover your cough” with a tissue or the bend of your elbow (be sure to throw the tissue away);
  • Whenever possible, disinfect commonly touched areas (door knobs, elevator push buttons, computer keyboards and mouse, telephones, etc.)

Symptoms:

The symptoms of coronavirus include mild to severe respiratory illness with:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

Having these symptoms alone does not mean that someone has the virus. If you have these symptoms, you should contact your health care provider immediately. Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. The greatest risk of infection is for individuals who have traveled internationally. These symptoms mimic flu-like symptoms and there are currently no specific treatments for COVID-19. However, preventive measures for the COVID-19 are similar to other respiratory viruses such as the flu.

For additional information please visit the following resource links:

TPI will continue to monitor the situation and will communicate with you further if needed. Any new information will be posted online at this site (consumer information).