USC launches relief fund for students affected by coronavirus. Here’s how to help
The University of South Carolina has set up a relief fund for students who have been affected by the coronavirus.
Fundraising efforts have generated $118,390 toward the $200,000 goal, according to the relief effort’s website, as of Tuesday afternoon. The money will primarily go toward students who are experiencing financial hardship because of school being closed or the student being laid off, according to the relief fund’s website.
The money will go toward buying laptops, software, expenses to travel home, paying off federal loans and more, according to the site.
So far, 382 students have applied for funding. Given how much money has been raised and how many students have applied as of Tuesday, that equates to $309 per applicant.
Some of the donations were made in memory of COVID-19 victims and in honor of the health care workers who are fighting the virus on the front lines. Others were given in honor of a friend, family member or a graduating class of USC, according to the site.
To donate, either log on to USC’s donations website at https://bit.ly/2xaWM7v or make a check out to: Gift Processing, 1600 Hampton Street, Suite 736, Columbia, SC 29208.
Students in need of aid can apply online at this link.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhat you should know about the coronavirus
The coronavirus is spreading in the United States. Officials are urging people to take precautions to avoid getting sick, and to avoid spreading the disease if they do contract it.
Click the drop-down icon on this card for more on the virus and what you should do to keep yourself and those around you healthy.
What is coronavirus?
Coronavirus is an infection of the respiratory system similar to the flu. Coronaviruses are a class of viruses that regularly cause illnesses among adults and children, but this outbreak has spawned a new disease called COVID-19, a particularly harsh respiratory condition that can lead to death.
Health officials believe COVID-19 spread from animals to humans somewhere in China. It spreads among humans by physical person-to-person contact, including via coughs. That’s why health officials urge sick individuals to avoid contact with other people.
For more information, visit the website for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms are similar to the flu and include fever, coughing and shortness of breath.
How can I stop the spread of the coronavirus?
Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
If you develop symptoms similar to the coronavirus, you should seek medical attention. Stay home from work or school and avoid contact with others. It can take up to 14 days after coming into contact with the virus to develop symptoms.
COVID-19 is a new condition and there’s much about the disease we still don’t understand. For now, taking precautions is the best way to stop the spread of the coronavirus.