Dear Campus Community:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning to avoid non-essential travel to China at this time. As you may be aware, a new coronavirus – 2019 Novel (New) Coronavirus – was detected in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China that has not been previously found in humans. There are hundreds of confirmed cases in China, including cases outside of Wuhan and additional cases being identified in a growing number of countries internationally, including the United States.
What can travelers do to protect themselves and others?
CDC recommends avoiding nonessential travel to China. If you were in China in the last 14 days and feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you should:
- Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
- Avoid contact with others.
- Not travel while sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
How Does 2019 Novel (New) Coronavirus Spread?
Since this virus is very new, health authorities continue to carefully watch how this virus
spreads. It is known to spread from animals to humans, and it also may be spread from person
to person. It’s important to know this in order to better understand the risk associated with this virus.
For additional information, please see:
- Novel Coronavirus 2019, Wuhan, China
- Information for Healthcare Professionals
- Interim Recommendations for Airline Crew: Novel Coronavirus in China
- WHO, Coronavirus
- U.S. Department of State China Travel Advisory
General Health & Safety Precautions
We encourage that members of the Campus Community and anyone who travels regularly to practice healthy behaviors that include:
- Washing your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
In General, When to Seek Medical Care / Treatment
If you have recently traveled and are experiencing symptoms, please call Student Health or Urgent Care prior to your visit to inform the health providers of your situation. This allows them to be prepared for your visit. Students who are feeling ill should consult the Health Center, located on the 1st floor of the ERC, open Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. If you need assistance after hours, please contact Campus Safety in person or by calling 315-268-6666.
Faculty and staff should consult their health provider or visit your nearest Urgent Care should you experience these symptoms. There is no specific treatment available for any coronavirus. People infected with coronavirus should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms.
At this time Clarkson University and the Department of Health are taking precautionary measures to communicate – educate – and if needed, contain any potential cases of the virus. We will continue to send updates to campus as information and recommendations are released.
Student Health & Counseling Center
ERC, 1st Floor
315-268-6633
