Thursday, August 28, 2025
71.1 F
Beckley
More

    WVU Dean advising travel precaution in face of COVID-19

    Though there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in West Virginia, Dr. Clay Marsh of West Virginia University is advising Mountaineers to employ precautions when traveling for spring break.

    Advertisement

    The school's Vice President and Executive Dean for Health Sciences, Marsh says non-essential travel should be limited, and he's asking students, faculty, and staff to so officials can keep them appraised of virus hot-spots.

    "Everyone has to make a personal decision about their activities, but limiting non-essential travel right now is a prudent thing to do," Marsh said.

    "This is especially true for international travel, travel to hot spots in the United States, and on cruise ships.

    Advertisement

    "We are strongly encouraging students, faculty, and staff to disclose spring break travel plans so that we can help notify them where COVID-19 blossoms and provide guidance on how to respond.

    Cruise Ships

    The Centers for Disease Control have issued a travel advisory for cruise ships, Marsh reminds, and . "Because of the enclosed space and number of passengers, those at risk for serious complications from COVID-19—including older people and those with chronic medical illness—should not travel on cruise ships for now."

    Plane Travel

    Plane travel is safer than ship travel, but airports may be hot-spots for the virus, he warns. "Plane travel is safer than cruise ships, because of the way air recirculates and is filtered, but being in airports and around large numbers of people can increase risk. Avoiding non-essential leisure travel and crowds, for now, is prudent."

    Domestic Travel

    For domestic travel, WVU and other universities have banned work-related and non-essential travel within the U.S. and internationally. In the U.S, there are hot spots of COVID-19, and more are emerging. "Some of these hot spots are within New York, California, and Washington state. If traveling this spring, please check ahead at the CDC website to gain ," he says.

    Advertisement

    The key to avoiding the virus is staying away from people that are sick, Marsh said. "Six feet appears to be a safe distance," he says. "Wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds with soap or hand sanitizer, and avoid putting your hands to your face.

    "We all still have many responsibilities in our lives, and if you need to travel, travel safely," Marsh says. "There is no need to panic, but it is smart to be informed and prepared."


    Sign up to receive a FREE copy of West Virginia Explorer Magazine in your email weekly. Sign me up!
    David Sibray
    David Sibray
    Historian, real estate agent, and proponent of inventive economic development in West Virginia, David Sibray is the founder and publisher of West Virginia Explorer Magazine. For more information, he may be reached at 304-575-7390.

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here

    Hot this week

    Beloved Camp Kootaga scouting landmark in W.Va. saved for generations to come

    PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — For more than a century, Camp...

    West Virginia Explorer celebrates record 3.3 million monthly users amid 25th anniversary

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Explorer, the state’s most...

    Retro commercial realty for sale near Hatfield-McCoy ATV trails in West Virginia

    PINEVILLE, W.Va. — Once a gathering place for miners...

    West Virginia monitoring seasonal hemorrhagic disease in deer populations

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Cases of hemorrhagic disease in deer...

    West Virginia reminds hunters about upcoming youth seasons, changes to regulations

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — With the first slate of youth...

    Topics

    Beloved Camp Kootaga scouting landmark in W.Va. saved for generations to come

    PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — For more than a century, Camp...

    West Virginia Explorer celebrates record 3.3 million monthly users amid 25th anniversary

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia Explorer, the state’s most...

    West Virginia monitoring seasonal hemorrhagic disease in deer populations

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Cases of hemorrhagic disease in deer...

    West Virginia reminds hunters about upcoming youth seasons, changes to regulations

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — With the first slate of youth...

    West Virginia sets new migratory game bird seasons and 2025-2026 regulations

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia has set new season...

    WVU supply chain expert explains why Halloween is hitting shelves in August

    MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Have you noticed Halloween merchandise appearing...

    Related Articles

    Popular Categories