Frequently Asked Questions

The following is based on information provided by multiple public health agencies at the county, state and federal levels.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has NOT identified a risk to the Cal Poly Pomona campus. The university is aware of the changing nature of the situation and is continuing to monitor any related developments.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of the 2019 novel coronavirus include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Cases of individuals presenting infections with 2019-nCoV are being reported in a growing number of countries, including in the United States.

Person-to-person transmission can occur. Based upon available information, it appears that very close contact to respiratory droplets from someone who is symptomatic (fever, cough) is needed for transmission. Casual contact (such as walking by or working near someone) DOES NOT pose a risk.

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands)
• Wear a mask only if you are caring for someone that is sick with COVID-19 and when you are coughing or sneezing due to illness.
• Wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Do this frequently, and certainly after sneezing, coughing, or before/after touching your face.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth as much as possible.
• Do not share drinks or food.
• Get the seasonal flu shot annually. Students may still receive a flu shot at the Health Center.
• Avoid contact with others who are sick.
• Avoid travel if you are sick.

At this time, if you are ill, you may have a cold or flu. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze.

If you have recently traveled to any of the affected areas (China, Iran, Italy, S. Korea) in the past month AND have respiratory symptoms, stay home and avoid contact with others, except for seeking medical care. Seek medical care right away.

The university is asking all individuals who have traveled to any of the affected areas in the past month AND have respiratory symptoms (fever, cough or difficulty breathing) to:

• Students: Contact Student Health (909-869-4000) or their healthcare provider. Call the Health Center BEFORE coming so that we can make appropriate arrangements.
• Faculty and staff: Contact your primary care physician or health care provider. Call the provider BEFORE going to the facility.

Students who are experiencing increased anxiety or stress can call Counseling & Psychological Services at 909-869-3220 to arrange an appointment.

Faculty and staff who are experiencing anxiety may seek out resources from CPPLifeMatters by Empathia.

Yes, all travel to China is restricted.

The U.S. Department of State has issued several travel advisories to affected countries, including China, Iran, South Korea and Italy. For the latest travel advisory updates, visit the U.S. Department of State website.

Additional questions can be directed to CSU systemwide Risk Management at 562-951-4580 or e-mail Zachary Gifford at zgifford@calstate.edu.

Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for COVID-19 information for travel. 

In the event of a CPP student being infected with COVID-19, the patient would receive appropriate medical attention and would be under monitoring of public health officials. Any roommates or suitemates concerned about close contact would be assisted in temporary relocations and any other needed support by the university.

No, the flu shot is formulated to match influenza viruses expected to be circulating in the United States during the 2019-2020 flu season (Los Angeles County is currently seeing a rising number of cases, so please get a flu shot if you have not already done so). The influenza virus is a different genetic makeup from the coronavirus. The coronavirus has many genetic variants, including the “common cold” that generally does not present serious adverse health risks. The Student Health Center has free flu shots available for students and we highly encourage students to take advantage of this benefit.

As we respond and adapt to new information, we want to remind everyone that no member of our community should be made to feel that they are unwelcome due to their race, national origin or recent travel, or because they are wearing a mask. Those who believe they have experienced mistreatment should contact Cal Poly Pomona's Office Institutional Equity & Compliance at 909-869-4646 or officeofequity@cpp.edu.

Diseases can make anyone sick regardless of their race or ethnicity.

People of Asian descent, including Chinese Americans, are not more likely to get COVID-19 than any other American. Help stop fear by letting people know that being of Asian descent does not increase the chance of getting or spreading COVID-19.

As we respond and adapt to new information, we want to remind everyone that no member of our community should be made to feel that they are unwelcome due to their race, national origin or recent travel, or because they are wearing a mask. Those who believe they have experienced mistreatment should contact Cal Poly Pomona's Office Institutional Equity & Compliance at 909-869-4646 or officeofequity@cpp.edu.