COVID-19 Resources

The 2019 novel coronavirus is a new respiratory illness first identified in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, in December 2019. The virus has been named SARS-CoV-2, and the disease it causes has been named coronavirus disease 2019, abbreviated as COVID-19.

The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person, between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet), and via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. More information from the CDC.

For confirmed COVID-19 infections, reported illnesses have ranged from people with little to no symptoms or mild cold symptoms to people being severely sick.

Symptoms may include fever, cough and sore throat. In some patients, these symptoms can worsen into pneumonia, with chest tightness, chest pain and shortness of breath. Persons who are elderly, immunocompromised, or who have other health conditions, such as heart disease or liver disease, are at higher risk of developing severe pneumonia.

Symptoms of the coronavirus may appear in as few as two days or up to 14 days after exposure, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This is a rapidly evolving situation worldwide. Members of the San Francisco State community are encouraged to stay informed about the changing travel advisories and restrictions, guidelines about returning to campus after traveling abroad, as well as simple ways to prevent the spread of respiratory diseases described below. Most importantly, do not come to work or classes if you are sick.

Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home and do not travel or go to work or school when you are sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or an elbow when you cough or sneeze. Throw any used tissues in the trash. Then wash your hands with soap and water.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Students, if you are near campus and are feeling symptoms that might be COVID-19 you should reach out to Student Health Services via phone at 415-338-1251 for advice. If you are at your primary home (off-campus)you should reach out to your primary care provider or urgent care via phone.

Faculty and staff should reach out to your primary care provider via phone for advice from a healthcare provider.

San Francisco State seeks to offer an environment where everyone feels welcome and supported. During this epidemic, it is more important than ever that the campus community lives its values.

Employees and students who believe they are being treated unfairly, discriminated against or harassed based on a protected category, including their disability, medical condition, race or national origin, should contact the Office of Equity Programs & Compliance.

In addition, San Francisco State has counseling services for students who would like to talk about their feelings. Contact Counseling & Psychological Services (415-338-2208) to schedule an appointment. Faculty and Staff should contact Life Matters (1-800-367-7474), the University’s employee assistance program for support.

• Eat healthy.
• Maintain good sleep habits.
• Manage stress.

• Cough or sneeze into an arm or a tissue.
• Wash or otherwise sanitize your hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• In public spaces, keep at least 6-feet of separation between yourself and others and wear a cloth face covering that is not a surgical mask for N-95 face mask.
• Shelter-in-Place and do not go outside except for essential activities like going to work, to the grocery store, or other activities allowed in your area.

• If feeling ill, call or email a health provider for advice.
• Stay home until your symptoms subside. 

For more information on COVID-19, visit the San Francisco Department of Public Health's website.

Students, if you are near campus and are feeling symptoms that might be COVID-19 you should reach out to Student Health Services via phone at 415-338-1251 for advice. If you are at your primary home (off-campus) you should reach out to your primary care provider or urgent care via phone.

In addition, San Francisco State has counseling services for students who are experiencing stress or anxiety. Contact Counseling & Psychological Services (415-338-2208) to schedule an appointment.

Face coverings should be worn when you are:

• Waiting in line at a service desk, counter or in the dining center;
• on the campus BART shuttle (or waiting for it);
• seeking in-person care at Student Health or Counseling and Psychological Services;
• going into any open campus facilities;
• working an essential job that interacts with the public.

Since COVID-19 can be spread by people who are not showing symptoms, cloth face coverings, when combined with physical distancing and hand washing, may prevent the spread of the virus to others when going outside for essential activities. Covering your face is about helping others by limiting the spread of the virus.

Anyone not wearing a face covering in locations where they are required will be asked to comply or leave the facility.

• anyone who has trouble breathing or is not able to take off a face covering without help;
• those with documented chronic health conditions;
• those who are deaf and use facial and mouth movements as part of communication, may remove their mask while signing.

Individuals requiring this exemption should contact the Disability Programs & Resource Center (DPRC) as soon as possible to review potential accommodations. 

Campus community members are encouraged to procure or make their own face coverings. The CDC has simple instructions on how to make your own face covering. It is important to follow best practices for wearing and cleaning face coverings. Visit the CDC website for guidelines.

Yes, the University will provide employees required to work on campus with face coverings through their department or unit managers. Masks can be picked up 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday in Administration 260. To request face coverings for employees outside of these hours or by other means, managers should contact ehs@sfsu.edu.

No, only students living in Residential Life facilities and employees directed by their manager to report in-person for work should come to campus. Remember that SF State continues to offer instruction and most services remotely to limit transmission of the virus.

If you have questions regarding wearing face coverings on campus, please contact the Office of Emergency Services at sfehs@sfsu.edu. Thank you and continue taking care of yourselves.