Dear 51·çÁ÷ Community,
It has been almost a month since the first campus communication related to the Novel Coronavirus, now known as COVID-19, and while there are still no reported cases in New York State as I send this message, the international spread of the virus has created a number of challenges for students connected to one of the many affected countries, and for those participating in Off-Campus Study academic programs. I want to update you on the University’s related planning and response.
Staff in the Office of Off-Campus Study are in regular contact with 240 51·çÁ÷ students who are currently studying abroad, and Director of Off-Campus Study Joanna Holvey Bowles is monitoring travel recommendations for each country where 51·çÁ÷ students are studying. The safety and well-being of our students continues to be the University’s number one priority in our decisions and support. Please visit the Off-Campus Study website for additional information related to specific study groups.
Any change to impacted study groups will be communicated directly with student participants. Students on 51·çÁ÷-sponsored study groups should continue close communication with their individual faculty leaders, and students in approved programs sponsored by outside organizations should continue to follow directions from those groups.
The University understands that a number of international students and dual citizens may be impacted by this developing situation due to frequently changing travel restrictions in many countries. If you expect travel difficulties in the days ahead, or if you have any other related concerns, please contact The Office of International Student Services for assistance.
Staff in Student Health Services and Environmental Health and Safety continue to monitor state and federal recommendations related to COVID-19, and Director of Student Health Services Dr. Merrill Miller, and Associate Vice President of Campus Safety, Environmental Health, and Emergency Management Dan Gough participate in a weekly call with the New York State Department of Health (DOH) to receive and respond to continued updates and guidance.
Yesterday, more than 50 staff who regularly participate in the University’s emergency preparedness meetings gathered for ongoing planning updates from the offices who are closely monitoring the global situation related to COVID-19, and to learn more about the epidemiology of the virus from Associate Professor of Biology Geoffrey Holm. This Emergency Operations Group is scheduled to meet again for an extended planning session next week.
In accordance with U.S. Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations, 51·çÁ÷ community members should carefully monitor travel advisories prior to and during any international travel, including travel for the upcoming spring recess. This is especially important as other countries affected by COVID-19 are implementing their own travel restrictions, which are subject to change without notice and have the potential to impede return travel to the United States.
As an example, the CDC continues to recommend that all travelers avoid non-essential travel to China and South Korea.
The CDC has established a with comprehensive information about reducing the risk of infection, advice related to international travel, and what to do if you think you may be sick.
As we advise during every flu season, the preventive steps outlined by the CDC are common-sense measures that we can all take to help keep our community healthy, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
In this dynamic situation, there are also important lessons of wisdom and empathy. I want to thank the faculty and staff members who are dedicating themselves to monitoring and responding to the needs of our community. I ask us all to hold in our thoughts the nations and the neighborhoods impacted by COVID-19, and I encourage you to engage the news you hear with curiosity and rigor. Inform yourself through research from reputable sources such as the CDC or the . In this way, each of us can best care for one another and exercise informed leadership during a moment of unease around the world. After all, we learn together — whether we are at home or abroad.
With regards,
Paul J. McLoughlin II, Ph.D.
Vice President & Dean of the College