WHAT IS COVID-19?

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV).  A novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was identified in 2019 in Wuhan, China. This is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified in humans.

Coronaviruses are zoonotic, meaning they are transmitted between animals and people. Several known coronaviruses are circulating in animals that have not yet infected humans. 

HOW IS THE CORONAVIRUS TRANSMITTED?

Person-to-Person 

• This virus is believed to be spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about six feet). This occurs through 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.

• People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest). There have been reports of the virus being spread before the onset of symptoms, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

Spread from contact with infected surfaces or objects

• It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads.

WHAT ARE SYMPTOMS OF THE CORONAVIRUS?

Diagnosing COVID-19 shortly after infection can be difficult as symptoms can appear 2-14 days following exposure. Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed COVID-19 cases. The most common symptoms include:

• Fever

• Cough

• Shortness of breath

About five to 40 COVID-19 cases in 1,000 will result in death, with the "very best assessment" being a mortality rate of 3.4%. This figure is being updated regularly as more information becomes available. 

COVID-19 has more serious complications for people 60 years and older and with preexisting health conditions including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory diseases. 

WHAT IS FIMRC DOING TO PREPARE?

• We have a protocol in place for each site and are providing training to all site staff.

• Our headquarters staff is checking travel advisories and case numbers at each of our sites daily.

• If we have to cancel travel to a site, we will inform volunteers immediately and provide options to reroute to another site with less risk or reschedule the trip if possible.

• We are working with universities and volunteers to provide a special cancellation policy to promote volunteer safety and longevity of FIMRC. 

WHAT IF THERE ARE CONFIRMED CASES THAT PRESENTS IN THE COUNTRY WHILE WE ARE THERE?

• Depending on the exact location and number of cases, FIMRC HQ will follow our protocol plan. That may include evacuation or other preventative measures. 

• In the case of an evacuation, our site staff will help get volunteers out safely, minimizing possible contact points.

• We recommend all volunteers get iNext travel insurance to cover a medical evacuation. Please consult with their time to select the plan most suited to your needs. 

SHOULD I STILL TRAVEL DURING THE OUTBREAK?

As with any travel and activity, there are inherent risks and the decisions lie with you and you alone. As the coronavirus spreads, it continues to impact the economy, health systems, and our communities alike. We are constantly monitoring the situation and will work with you to make the most informed decision possible at that time.

CAN I RESCHEDULE MY TRIP?

YES! We will work with you to reschedule your trip and will reserve 100% of your funds for a future trip.

CAN MY VOLUNTEER PROFILE DEADLINE BE CHANGED?

If you have an upcoming deadline for travel slated for the future, don’t hesitate to reach out to us and ask for more time. We understand that this is a new, quickly evolving situation, so we are working hard to make sure everyone feels comfortable moving forward with their decision to travel.

CAN I TALK TO SOMEONE AT FIMRC ABOUT THIS?

Absolutely! We are always here as a resource for you, so please feel free to call us and we will answer questions as adequately as possible with current information as it becomes available.

WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE CORONAVIRUS?

For more information, we suggest reading more information provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). They are some of the best online resources that are updated regularly.

IS THERE A WAY I CAN STILL HELP?

Yes! FIMRC, now more than ever, needs your generous donations. Please consider contributing to help sustain our necessary grassroots programming for community members around the world.