Generally Staying Healthy
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers the following everyday actions people can take to stay healthy:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and throw the tissue in the trash after you use it
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you cough or sneeze
- Alcohol-based hands cleaners are effective after all visible dirt and debris has been washed off
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, as this can spread germs
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people (influenza is thought to spread person-to-person mainly through coughing or sneezing of infected people)
- If you get sick, stay home and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them
UC Merced Preparedness
UC Merced has actively prepared for the potential of a pandemic and has plans and procedures in place to ensure an effective response.
Vaccinations at UC Merced
Registered students are offered seasonal flu vaccinations each year by Student Health Services. Employees will be offered the same vaccination for $16.
What to Do When You are Sick
If you have mild symptoms:
- Stay home or in your dorm room to avoid making others sick.
- Remain at home or in your dorm room, except to get medical care or other necessities, until your fever has been gone for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
- Students should call their personal health care provider or Student Health Services (209-228-2273). Please call for a consultation rather than dropping by the Center.
- Faculty and staff are urged to contact their primary care provider by phone rather than dropping by their physician’s office.
If you have severe symptoms or are at high risk for complications from the flu (e.g.— you have a condition such as diabetes, asthma and obesity), contact your health care provider. Your health care provider will decide whether flu treatment is needed.
Additional advice about how to avoid spreading the flu is available on the CDC website.
Can the University Require You to Stay Home?
Employees should not come to work sick, and students should not come to class sick. Supervisors should consult Human Resources if they have concerns about an employee's health.
Guidelines Regarding Cancellation of Classes
In a public health emergency, it is the responsibility of the public health departments at the county and state levels to issue quarantine orders, direct closures of facilities, designate key healthcare facilities, and distribute anti-viral medications.
The UC Merced campus is located in Merced County and has facilities in other counties in California as well. All segments of UC Merced work closely with the appropriate county and state public health offices to comply with all guidance and recommendations.
Driving Safety
Buckling Up Isn't Enough: Your Role in Avoiding Accidents
The Police Department Reminds Campus Community to Drive Safely
With increased traffic on Bellevue and Lake roads, we remind drivers, cyclists and pedestrians to be careful while traveling to and from campus. Your safety is our top concern. A number of things can contribute to driver distraction including eating, adjusting the music, taking in the scenery or using a cell phone. We urge you to avoid such distracting activities and keep these important guidelines in mind:
- Always wear your seat belt
- Deal with phone conversations, text messages, e-mails and other alerts after you have reached your destination
- Slow down
- Allow plenty of time to get to your destination
- Above all, stay focused on the road
If you are involved in an accident or witness an accident, please notify campus police immediately at 209-228-2677 (CAT-COPS) or 911.
