ENMU-Roswell Campus Operations Update

ENMU-Roswell will be open for the fall semester. Our faculty and staff are actively planning to use a combination of in-person and online instruction to deliver the best educational experience possible to our students.

In the coming days, we will post our revised Return to Campus Plan on our website. We will share our strategies to safely re-open the ENMU-Roswell campus to students, staff, and visitors. The plan will include a phased transition to an in-person fall semester and adjustments to classroom learning, campus services, and activities following appropriate public health protocols. We will update the website regularly as our planning evolves with additional input and data.

ENMU-Roswell will make any decisions on changes to instructional delivery or operations based on state and federal health guidelines and is prepared to shift to fully online delivery of instruction, if needed. We are committed to providing faculty, staff, and students with a safe and positive environment that will foster student success.

Return to Campus Plan, 5-28-2020 (PDF Download)

—Previous updates below–

Previous Updates

Summer 2020 Return to Campus Plan

Summer Building Status

“Open” – building is open, electricity in on the buildings

“Stand by” – building is accessible, electricity is on, power has to be reset

“Closed” – building is closed, no entry

Open

  • Administration Center: East door
  • Automotive/Welding Technology Center: West doors: 1 for welding, 1 for auto
  • Aviation Maintenance: North door
  • Campus Security: North door
  • Health Science Center: South West door
  • Learning Resource Center: North door
  • Occupational Technology Center: North East door
  • Physical Plant: North doors
  • Student Services Center: South door

Stand by

  • Arts and Sciences Center: South West door
  • CDL Test Center: South door
  • College Services Center: North West door
  • Instructional Center: East center door
  • Instructional Technology Center: East door

Closed

  • Campus Union Building
  • Child Development Center
  • Performing Arts Center
  • Physical Education Center
  • Swimming Pool/Pool House

Summer to Fall 2020 Return to Campus Plan

Campus operations are ongoing remotely

Access to campus is restricted

 May 15 to May 31 (Preparation Phase) 

  •  Until further notice plan to continue working remotely
  • Anyone on campus has to have permission from a Vice President
  • Campus buildings remains closed to students and the public
  • Social distancing – maintain minimum of 6 feet physical distance
  • Swimming Pool and Physical Education Center will not be open this summer
  • No external events or gatherings will be held (other than academic classes) on campus at least until the Fall term or until further notice
  • All faculty/staff/administrators should wear appropriate face coverings in the workplace
  • Minimize travel, all travel has to be approved by a Vice President, adhere to all CDC guidelines and state orders regarding self-isolation following out of state travel and airport arrivals.

June 1 to June 30 (Phase 1)

  • Buildings on campus remain closed to students and the public with the exception of students in select technical education and health science courses
  • Limited access to campus for faculty, staff, and administrators -anyone on campus has to have permission from a Vice President
  • Until further notice faculty/staff/administrators continue to work remotely to the maximum extent possible
    • Follow state guidance regarding social distancing and mass gatherings
    • Close common areas where people congregate
    • All faculty/staff/administrators are required to wear appropriate face coverings at work
    • Entry to buildings will be monitored in keeping with state guidance
  • Mass gathering limits maximum ratio of 5 students to 1 instructor
  • Arrange workspaces to provide 6 feet of distance between individuals
  • Contractors will be allowed access to campus
  • Testing Centers may open on a limited basis (e.g., Testing Center, Proctored Testing, CDL Testing Center, Nurse Assistant Testing)
  • Train all faculty/staff/administrators on daily cleaning and disinfecting protocols, hygiene, and respiratory etiquette (i.e., covering coughs)
  • Handwashing, sanitizer, and other hygiene support available in all buildings
  • Individuals with known close contact to a person lab-confirmed to have tested positive for the COVID-19 virus should not return to work until the end of a14-day self-isolation period
  • Screen individuals daily before they enter campus buildings; the CDC lists the following COVID-19 virus symptoms downloaded 5.3.2020 from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html:

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of symptoms may have COVID-19: cough and/or shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Or at least two of these symptoms: fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and/or new loss of taste or smell.

  • June 1 (M) Summer classes start – online formats only
  • July 24 (F) Summer classes end

July 1 to August 3 (Phase 2)

  • Buildings on campus remain closed to students and the public with the exception of students in select technical education and health science courses
  • Limited access to campus for faculty, staff, and administrators –
  • anyone on campus has to have permission from a Vice President
  • Until further notice plan to continue working remotely
  • Prepare campus for Fall semester opening
  • Students in select technical education and health education courses requiring hands on instruction may begin/continue completing course requirements from the Spring 2020 term (small gatherings for academic programming within state guidelines)
  • Entry to buildings will be monitored in keeping with NM state guidance
  • Maximum group size to be determined
  • Campus visitations are limited with reduced provision of “in person” campus services
  • The Student Services Center, Learning Resource Center, and Administration Center open by appointment only from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Thursday.
  • Ed Ready placement testing transition from Accuplacer
  • Maxient training for BIT members
  • Adult Education prepares for NMYCA
  • Consider scheduling external events for fall
  • July 27 (M) Students employees may start work on a limited basis

August 4 forward (Phase 3)

  • Campus is open to all faculty, staff, and administrators
  • Campus reopens to the public and students following latest NM DOH guidance
  • Maximum group size to be determined in accordance with state guidance
  • Class and lab sizes to be determined following state guidance
  • Faculty consider the possibility of switching to online instruction later in the fall in case of a resurgence of COVID-19 virus
  • 6 (Th) New Student orientation
  • 11 (T) New Student orientation
  • 13 (Th) Faculty In-Service
  • 14 (F) Faculty/Staff In-Service
  • 17 (M) Fall term begins
  • Sept 21 & 22 (M-Tu) HLC Verification Visit

 

ENMU-Roswell Campus Operations Update – 5/8/2020

 

  1. Governor Lujan Grisham extended the stay at home instruction through May 15, 2020. In keeping with this directive our campus is closed to the public and students at least until Monday, May 18th. This date may be extended depending on the Coronavirus and future state guidance. Our faculty, staff members, and administrators are working remotely. You can contact offices and individuals on our campus by email and phone during this time. There is a link to our campus directory on the front page of our website.

 

  1. For the latest information about the Coronavirus please visit the Centers for Disease Control’s, the Governor’s, and the New Mexico Department of Health’s websites.
  2. A reminder for our students, you are eligible to receive dental and medical services through La Casa. The La Casa Dental Office, is located on campus in the Health Science Building and is open for appointments. The medical clinic has been relocated off-campus to better serve the Chaves County community. Their address is 1511 S. Grand Ave.

 

  1. Students, if for any reason you are unable to complete the requirements for your classes this term, contact your instructors.

 

  1. We are holding classes this summer and fall. Enrollment, Advising, and Registration is ongoing for summer and fall. Academic advisors are available by phone and email. More information about registering for summer and fall classes is available on the front page of our website.

 

  1. Books for summer and fall are available online.

 

  1. We will post a virtual graduation ceremony on this evening at 6:00 pm. The ceremony will be streamed on this Facebook page. Additionally, all spring graduates will also have the option to participate in our December graduation ceremony. Thanks to Alan Trevor, Jacob Puckett, and Donna Oracion for coordinating the efforts to produce this virtual ceremony.

 

  1. Our HLC verification visit will be September 21 and 22. This is a required visit following our virtual site visit that occurred in March.

 

  1. Budget: We have been asked to reduce our budgets by 10% for the remainder of this current fiscal year, the current month and next month, May and June. The latest information available is the legislature will be called to a one or two day Special Session in June. After that session we anticipate our budget will be reduced an anticipated 15% to 25% in available funds.

 

  • To response to the budget shortfalls we have implemented several measures:
    • holding future external hiring decisions at the current time
    • postponing the Strategic Enrollment Management Plan
    • requiring all purchases to be approved in advance by a Vice President
    • reducing the number of active P-Cards to 5 people from different areas of campus
    • suspending travel unless approved by a Vice President

 

  1. The ENMU system (Portales, Roswell, Ruidoso) has received CARES act funding from the US Department of Education to be divided among students who meet specific requirements. Eligible students will receive payments in the coming days via their ENMU student account. These funds were included in the congressional stimulus package related to the COVID- 19 virus outbreak. It is understood students likely experienced interruption to their Spring 2020 semester and their mode of instruction changed with very little notice. These funds are intended to help students offset the costs related to technology, room & board, and other expenses related to these changes and interruption. Funds will be distributed to students at a rate of $34.55 per credit hour, up to full time, 12hrs undergrad and 9hrs graduate. Enrollment is determined as of March 13th, 2020, the date the national emergency was declared.

                   Student eligibility requirements:

  • US Citizen or Eligible Non-Citizen
  • Degree seeking undergraduate or graduate
  • NOT already enrolled in an exclusively online program of instruction
  • Possess a High School Diploma or equivalent credential
  1. Senior tuition waiver – age 65 and over are eligible for up to six hours of coursework per term. The tuition costs are $5.00 a credit hour plus general and specific course fees.

Last Day to Withdraw from classes for Spring 2020 is May 1.

Campus Operations Update – 4/21/2020  

  1. Governor Lujan Grisham extended the stay at home instruction through May 15, 2020. In keeping with that directive our campus is closed to the public and students. Our faculty, staff members, and administrators are working remotely. You can still contact offices and individuals on our campus by email and phone during this time. There is a link to our campus directory on the front page of our website.

 

  1. For the latest information about the Coronavirus please visit the websites of the Centers for Disease Control, Governor Lujan Grisham, and the New Mexico Department of Health.

 

  1. The Coronavirus is presenting many challenges to people in our community. We are working with students to the best of our ability for the remainder of the spring term to ensure you can be successful. In addition to contacting your instructors for assistance, our Student Success Center is offering online tutoring. Please contact Dr. Russell Baker for more information on available tutoring. Dr. Baker’s office phone number is 575-624-7246.
  2. The state of New Mexico provides free behavioral health resources available through the NM Crisis and Access Line. This is a 24 hour behavioral health support line, the number is toll free 855-NMCRISIS or 855-662-7474. The New Mexico Crisis and Access Line (NMCAL) is a statewide mental health service for New Mexicans concerned with suicidal thoughts, substance use, grief, and other behavioral health issues. Again, the number for these free behavioral health services is 855-NMCRISIS, or 855-662-7474. If you are in need of assistance please reach out to this resource for help.

 

  1. A reminder for our students, you are eligible to receive dental and medical services through La Casa. The La Casa Dental Office, is located on campus in the Health Science Building and is open for emergencies. The medical clinic has been relocated off-campus to better serve the Chaves County community. Their address is 1511 S. Grand Ave.

 

  1. Students, if for any reason you are unable to complete the requirements for your classes this term, contact your instructors. Also, the withdrawal date for the Spring 2020 term has been extended until May 1st.

 

  1. We are preparing for the summer and fall terms. Enrollment, Advising, and Registration is ongoing for summer and fall. The summer term will offer online classes. For many students this will be a chance to complete degree requirements. More information about registering for summer and fall classes is available on the front page of our website. Academic advisors are available by phone and email.
  2. We will hold a virtual graduation ceremony on May 8th at 6:00 pm. The ceremony will be streamed on the campus Facebook page.

 Additionally, all spring graduates will also have the option to participate in our 74th Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, December 10, 2020.  

 

  1. As a note for the community please complete the census. The information is important to the Roswell and Chaves County and will be used as the basis of federal funding for the next 10 years.
  2. Our next Facebook Live Session will be Tuesday, May 5, at 11:00 am on the Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell Facebook page.

Update on ENMU-Roswell Campus Operations 04.03.2020

To: Campus community

 

From: Shawn Powell, Ph.D. President, ENMU-Roswell  (575-420-2217)

  • I know this is a difficult time for everyone in Roswell and Chaves County. We know the Coronavirus has presented many challenges to everyone in our community.

 

  • In exploring information about the Coronavirus I encourage you to visit the CDC website, our state Governor’s website, and the New Mexico Department of Health.

 

  • Our students are eligible to receive dental and medical services through La Casa. The La Casa Dental Office, located in the Health Science Building, on our campus is open for emergencies. The medical clinic has been relocated off-campus for community services. Their address is 1511 S. Grand Ave. Students

 

  • All our decisions place health and safety concerns as our foremost consideration. With this in mind I need to inform you that until further notice starting Monday, April 6, 2020 we will not offer face to face instruction on our campus. All instruction will be online. This will affect students in our technical and healthcare fields.

 

  • We are thankful for everyone involved with our campus, especially students. We will continue to work with you to assist you reach your professional and academic goals. In conjunction with our Faculty members we are looking at different options for recording grades for this term and extending our withdrawal date.  Our next Facebook live session will be Tuesday, April 21, 2020 at 11:00 am.

 

  • I appreciate our faculty, staff members, and administrators for their work. Everyone on our campus have been extremely innovative in working with our students and community members in a safe manner.

 

  • Until further notice our campus remains closed to the public.

 

  • Faculty, staff members, and administrators will continue to work from home to the maximum extent possible. We are operating on limited daily schedules with minimum staffing to ensure essential campus functions continue to operate.

 

  • Our classes have moved online. Students please contact your instructors for information regarding class assignments for the rest of this term.

 

  • To the extent possible we will assist students scheduled to graduate next month meet their degree and certificate requirements.

 

  • Admissions and Registration (Nika Najafova, Director of Advising –575-624-7044)

 

  • Summer and Fall class registration will open Monday April 6.  Check our website for information on how to contact advisers and register for classes.

 

  • Our summer classes will be conducted online with the exception of Respiratory Therapy courses and an Automotive Technology Course.

 

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ENMU-Roswell – Campus Update – 3.26.2020

 

Campus Operations will resume Monday, March 30, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Thursdays, in order to provide essential services to students. All campus facilities will be locked and closed to the public. The campus will be closed Fridays.

Please refer to the CDC, NM Governor, and NM Department of Health webpages for additional information regarding the Coronavirus and the State of New Mexico’s response.

All essential functions of the ENMU-Roswell campus are staffed to the greatest extent possible while complying with the provisions of executive and/or public health order(s) of the state of New Mexico.

We will adhere to social distancing protocol and maintain at least six-foot social distancing from other individuals, avoid person-to-person contact, and direct employees to wash their hands frequently. All employees working in offices and/or buildings shall ensure all surfaces are cleaned routinely.

Travel Forms – Before coming to campus on March 30, 2020, all students and employees who have traveled out of the state of New Mexico in the last 14 days or been in contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 14 days must complete the travel form located on the campus website, www.roswell.enmu.edu.

Medical & Dental Services – La Casa Dental Office is open for emergencies on our campus. The medical clinic has been relocated off-campus for community services. Their address is 1511 S. Grand Ave. Students are eligible to receive dental and medical services through La Casa.

Students – contact your instructor(s) for class meeting times, formats, and building access if it is required for instruction.

Enrolled students will be allowed in LRC/Student Success Center on a check-in, limited basis from 8:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursdays.

Please email or call our campus if you want to schedule an appointment to speak to a faculty member, staff member, or administrator. There is a directory at the bottom of our website that provides emails and phone numbers for all of our employees, which also lists the service they provide.

Students enrolled in courses that require a skills training component that cannot be moved online will be allowed on campus to attend those courses starting Monday, March 30, 2020. Since attendance requirements may be changed due to social distancing issues, please contact your instructors by email or through your Blackboard shell prior to coming to campus to determine possible changes in class meeting times and dates. A majority of our instruction will transition to online classes and/or using alternate delivery formats. We are monitoring this rapidly changing situation and planning accordingly, keeping health and safety at the forefront of our decision-making.

ECHS students should plan on resuming college classes again on March 30, 2020. Most coursework will be online, but those enrolled in courses with on-site skills components should contact their instructors for more information.

We are coordinating our academic efforts with Financial Aid guidance and directives to ensure that students are not harmed due to changes in the manner in which their classes are being offered.

Dual credit students enrolled in on-line college courses should resume coursework by March 30, 2020. Dual credit courses taught on high school campuses are being reviewed, and options are being discussed.

Faculty and staff should work with the Vice Presidents from your areas to determine work locations, duties, and hours.

Supervisors are directed to send work schedules to Human Resources. Supervisors should communicate with employees on a frequent basis to ensure work assignments and expectations are clear as well as checking on their well-being. If you become aware of an employee with a specific need please contact Dr. Powell.

 

DATE: March 24, 2020

  1. Students thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. At the present time, our campus is closed to the public. Students will be allowed on campus starting Monday, March 30, 2020. A majority of our instruction will transition to online classes and/or using alternate delivery formats. We are monitoring this rapidly changing situation, and planning accordingly keeping health and safety at the forefront of our decision-making.
  2. I realize a transition to online classes can cause confusion and difficulty, especially for students who have not taken an online class previously. Please work with your instructors for information regarding your class formats for the remainder of this term.
  3. Please refer to the CDC, NM Governor, and NM Department of Health webpages for additional information regarding the Coronavirus and the State of New Mexico’s response.
  4. In keeping with the Governor’s directives and current Public Health Order, the following are the latest updates to our campus operations (For clarity, all other information previously relayed in earlier emails and posted on the campus website remain in effect.):
    1. Social distancing, limiting gatherings to no more than 5 people, and self-isolation is the guidance from the Governor to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus. We plan to follow this guidance.
    2. To the maximum extent possible faculty, staff, and administrators should continue to work from home following the guidance of the Governor and the Public Health Order, which extends through April 10th.
    3. Supervisors are encouraged to communicate with employees on a frequent basis to ensure work assignments and expectations are clear as well as checking on their well-being. If you become aware of an employee with a specific need please let me know.
    4. The La Casa Dental Office is open for emergencies on our campus. The medical clinical has been relocated off-campus for community services, their address is 1511 S. Grand Ave. Students are eligible to receive dental and medical services through La Casa.
    5. Campus housing will remain open.
    6. Foodservice will be limited to pick up starting March 29.
  5. Please regularly check our campus website and Facebook page for additional information and updates on our campus operations.
  6. Our next Facebook live event will be Friday, March 27, at 9:00 am (MT).
  7. In conclusion, thank you for your continued patience as this situation has rapidly evolved. I appreciate your efforts to ensure we are serving our present and future students to the best of our abilities each and every day.

DATE: March 23, 2020

Please consult the Centers for Disease Control and the New Mexico Department of Health web sites for the most current information.

In response to a revision of the New Mexico Department of Health Public Health Emergency Order, the ENMU-Roswell campus is implementing the following steps:

Until Further Notice:

  • ALL campus buildings and services are Closed to the students and the general public until further notice.
  • All staff and faculty are hereby directed to work from home. The only exceptions are Physical Plant (Maintenance) and Security.
  • Classes will be offered online starting Monday, March 30.
  • Please continue to check the website and Facebook pages for additional information and updates in the next few days.

DATE: March 19, 2020

ENMU-Roswell Campus Operations Update

Due to the changing nature of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in New Mexico and the United States, please consult the Centers for Disease Control and the New Mexico Department of Health web sites for the most current information.

STUDENTS: We are committed to your educational success and will do everything possible to ensure you safely complete the semester. Spring Break continues through March 29, 2020 and classes will resume March 30, 2020. The majority of classes are being transitioned to online delivery. For Health Education and Technical Education classes, alternative instructional delivery formats are being developed. Check your ENMU-Roswell student email and Blackboard account on a regular basis for further instructions.

ENMU-Roswell has implemented the following actions until further notice:

  • Limited access to all campus buildings following the Governor’s directive. Anyone who has traveled outside of NM within the past 14 days should self-isolate and not come to campus. See NM Department of Health Travel Recommendations
  • Employees who need access to buildings/offices must use their key cards or contact Campus Security at 575-624-7180.
  • Follow state and federal guidance regarding social distancing and mass gatherings; limit the number of people in a given space to no more than 10.
  • No university travel will be authorized in-state or out-of-state.
  • The Student Services Center and Administration Center are open by appointment only from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday-Thursday. All other campus buildings are closed to the public.

Update on ENMU-Roswell Operations 3/17/2020-Due to the fluid nature of the Coronavirus related to campus operations, please continually check here for updated guidance and information.

As you are aware, there are confirmed cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in New Mexico and Governor Lujan Grisham has declared a Public Health Emergency for the State.

We anticipate the number of COVID-19 cases to increase in New Mexico. Our decisions are guided with the safety of our campus and the health and well-being of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors in mind. The following measures are in place on the ENMU-Roswell campus to reduce the spread of the virus and mitigate its impact on our campus community.

  • Due to the changing nature of the Coronavirus in New Mexico and the United States, please consult the Centers for Disease Control and the New Mexico Department of Health web sites for the most current information.
  • Spring Break will be extended an additional week for all students, through Sunday, March 29, 2020. All classes will resume Monday, March 30, 2020.
  • During this additional week of Spring Break, ENMU-Roswell will finalize plans to initiate alternative instructional methods that will allow students to continue their education. Students should regularly monitor their ENMU-Roswell email for updates on how their courses will be delivered.
  • Faculty should report to work on Monday, March 23, 2020 unless otherwise directed by a supervisor.
  • The date for students to withdraw from classes has been extended to April 3, 2020.
  • Our May graduation ceremonies and pinning ceremonies will NOT be held. Alternate plans for recognizing student achievement will be announced.
  • All events and gatherings (other than academic classes) scheduled in ENMU-Roswell facilities are canceled until further notice. Questions related to scheduled events on campus should be directed to our Facilities Coordinator at 575-624-7250 or [email protected]
  • The PE Center is closed until further notice.
  • The Learning Resource Center (Success Center, Library) is open to ENMU-Roswell students from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to Noon on Friday. The Learning Resource Center is closed to the public until further notice
  • The campus swimming pool will NOT open this summer. For refunds on pool events already scheduled, contact our Facilities Coordinator at 575-624-7250 or [email protected]
  • Campus computer labs will be available for student/faculty/staff use ONLY.
  • Class registration/enrollment for the upcoming summer/fall semesters will be primarily online starting April 5; however, offices will be open for on-campus registration starting April 6, 2020.
  • All ENMU-Roswell sponsored or funded travel is suspended until further notice. We strongly encourage everyone to consider the risks related to out-of-state and international travel for personal reasons.
  • ENMU-Roswell has plans in place to address the needs of students residing on campus. Student residents are strongly encouraged to practice appropriate social distancing and enhanced preventative public health and hygiene measures. Additional information regarding preventative measures can be found at cdc.gov.

 

Thank You,

 

Shawn Powell, Ph.D.
President, ENMU-Roswell

  • Coronavirus hotline health-related questions: 855-600-3453
  • Coronavirus hotline for family support and non-health-related questions: 833-551-0518

 

Visit this dedicated COVID-19 webpage

Q: What is the status of the Coronavirus in the state of New Mexico?

A: Governor Lujan Grisham has declared a Public Health Emergency for the State of New Mexico. For more information, please visit the NMDOH website.

Q: What is the Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

A: Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19), is a new respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. A novel coronavirus (CoV) is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified.

Q: What is ENMU-Roswell doing to prepare for the Coronavirus?

A: Eastern New Mexico University –Roswell has taken the following steps to respond to the Coronavirus:

  • We utilize a mass notification systems to update students, faculty and staff of any changes to operations. To sign up for mass notification about campus events, go to Everbridge Emergency Notification System.
  • Information about campus events are posted on the website and the ENMU-Roswell Facebook page.
  • Guidelines for preparing for the Coronavirus have been distributed on campus.
  • Restricted access to campus buildings
  • Our campus also has the ability to administer courses online or using alternative delivery methods.
  • Hand sanitizing dispensers are available near campus bathrooms.

Q: What is New Mexico doing to prepare for the Coronavirus?

A: The New Mexico Department of Public Health has created a web page to keep citizens of New Mexico informed. For more information, please visit the NMDOH website.

How is the Coronavirus similar to the flu, and how are they different?

Coronavirus vs. Flu

Influenza (Flu) and Covid-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus, are both infectious respiratory illnesses. Although the symptoms of COVID-19 and the flu can appear similar, the two illnesses are caused by different viruses.

You can find information on COVID-19 at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at cdc.gov.

Similarities: COVID-19 and the Flu

Symptoms

  • Both cause fever, cough, body aches, fatigue; sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.
  • Can be mild or severe, even fatal in rare cases.
  • Can result in pneumonia.

Transmission

  • Both can be spread from person to person through droplets in the air from an infected person coughing, sneezing or talking.
  • A possible difference: COVID-19 might spread through the airborne route (See Details Under Differences).
  • Flu can be spread by an infected person for several days before their symptoms appear, and COVID-19 is believed to be spread in the same manner, but we don’t yet know for sure.

Prevention

There is guidance available from the federal government and the state of New Mexico to prevent the spread of this virus. In short, thorough hand washing, coughing into the crook of your elbow, staying home when sick and limiting contact with people who are infected are the recommendations. For more information on Coronavirus prevention, please visit cdc.gov.

Differences: COVID-19 and the Flu

Cause

COVID-19: Caused by one virus, the novel 2019 coronavirus, now called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, or SARS-CoV-2.

Flu: Caused by any of several different types of strains of influenza viruses.

Transmission

While both the flu and COVID-19 may be transmitted in similar ways (See Similarities Above), there is also a possible difference: COVID-19 might be spread through the airborne route, meaning that tiny droplets remaining in the air could cause disease in others even after the ill person is no longer near.

 

Q: I’m sick. How do I know if it is COVID-19?

A: If you are sick please stay home and contact your healthcare provider. Anyone with flu-like symptoms can  call Student Health Services (La Casa) 575-624-7106, or their healthcare provider for advice and assistance regarding their symptoms prior to traveling to a treatment facility. In the event of an emergency where 911 may be used involving an individual with flu-like symptoms, the caller should advise dispatch of the symptoms so this information can be relayed to Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and other first responders in preparation for a potential exposure.

Symptoms may include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. If you have these symptoms, or have been in contact with someone with these symptoms, it is important to seek advice from a health care provider.

Q: How do medical providers test for the Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

A: The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH’s State Scientific Laboratory (SLD) now has capacity to test for COVID-19, the novel coronavirus. The tests kits, provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), allow the Department of Health to test several hundred patients without having to send samples out of state for testing.

Resources and References:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

New Mexico Department of Public Health (NMDOH)

John Hopkins Medicine

World Health Organization (WHO)

Travel Advisory

Governor Lujan Grisham has extended the New Mexico Public Health Emergency. At the current time, individuals who travel into the state are directed to self-quarantine for 14 days. This directive has been expanded to include individuals who travel into the state by any means. The Governor’s Executive Order include exemptions for individuals employed in certain fields or who travel into the state to conduct business activities. Please see the Governor’s Executive Order for more information regarding this travel directive. Link Below.

https://cv.nmhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/Executive-Order-2020-054-2.pdf