Map of Coronavirus from CDC https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html

The coronavirus remains a serious threat, both inside the U.S. and its country of origin, China, with the The Washington Post reporting the death toll in China has climbed past 200. 

In the United States, the number of those infected appears to remain at 5, with 68 negative cases and 92 pending cases, which include specimens received and awaiting testing, as well as those en route to the CDC.

On Thursday, the U.S. Department of State issued a Level 4 Travel Advisory, the highest level that can be issued:

"Do not travel to China due to the novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China. On January 30, the World Health Organization determined the rapidly spreading outbreak constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. Commercial carriers have reduced or suspended routes to and from China.

Those currently in China should consider departing using commercial means. The Department of State has requested that all non-essential U.S. government personnel defer travel to China in light of the novel coronavirus."

Read the rest of the advisory here.

Finally, security companies like Allied Universal remain on alert, with the company issuing its own advisory:

Recently, the United States has identified an increase in the number of cases of the Novel Coronavirus in the United States. As China struggles to contain the outbreak of the deadly pneumonia-like virus, global authorities are grappling with a rising number of cases at their borders. Canada and Portugal both announced suspected cases recently. In China, the number of people confirmed infected with the Coronavirus since the outbreak began last year in Wuhan has increased rapidly. The death toll in China also continues to rise. China is taking measures to contain the spread of the illness in its population by restricting travel and several other limitations.

The United States Center for Disease Control continues to monitor both global and local information and is engaged and deployed to many regions across the US.

What are Coronavirus Infections?

Coronaviruses are a group of common viruses. They are named for the crown-like spikes on the surface of the virus. Some coronaviruses only affect animals, but others can also affect humans. Most people get infected with human coronaviruses at some time in their life. This usually causes mild to moderate upper-respiratory infections, like the common cold. But they can also cause more severe illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia. There are several different types of human coronaviruses, including the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) coronaviruses.

The 2019 Novel Coronavirus is a new respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.

What are the Symptoms?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), for confirmed Coronavirus infections, reported illnesses have ranged from infected people with little to no symptoms to people being severely ill and dying. Symptoms can include:
Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
The CDC believes at this time that symptoms of Coronavirus may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 after exposure.

Allied Universal offers the following preventative measures to help safeguard your health:

Avoid potential exposure. Practice good hygiene and safe food practices.
Wash your hands frequently. Carry hand sanitizer for use when soap and water are not readily available. Avoid touching your face.
Avoid direct contact with animals (alive or dead) in their environment.
Keep your distance from people who are obviously sick.
Ensure food, including eggs, is thoroughly cooked.
Do not travel if you are sick. Please note: Some locations have implemented screening, and travelers may face quarantine and testing.

For Businesses/Employees:

Communicate with your employees, especially if they are in impacted areas.
Put in place measures to prevent the spread of the virus (hand sanitizer, different cleaning materials, extra cleaners on-site, different cleaning routines etc.)
Place posters advising staff about behaviors to prevent illness.
Ensure you have a strategy and plan to deal with staffing levels if your employees are put into a quarantine situation.
Have regular touch points with management teams

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International Foundation for Protection Officers Mission Statement

Mission Statement Part I.

The International Foundation for Protection Officers provides professional learning opportunities for security practitioners, to impart the knowledge, skills, and competencies required to maximize job performance and enhance career potential.

Purpose: to make a positive difference in the quality of the participant’s job performance and elevate the professional status of students who partake of our learning opportunities.

Business: to supply committed security practitioners with a quality education to help achieve their highest potential and provide recognized accreditation for successful completion of educational goals.

Values: commitment, integrity, responsibility, and standards of excellence, provide the platform that supports our journey as we pursue our mission.

Vision Statement

Commitment to Excellence: To be the recognized center of excellence and primary provider of education and training products and services to the security industry.

Mission Statement Part II.

“The International Foundation for Protection Officers is committed to the support and professional development of protection officers and supervisors. Through advocacy, promoting training standards, and providing accessible training, education and certification opportunities, we seek to enhance their professional standing as well as increase and diversify the value of the vital services they provide.”