Dear Campus Community:
Please remember that just because someone has a cough that does NOT mean they have the (new) coronavirus. It is flu season. The CDC recommends getting a flu shot if you haven’t. This virus is being transmitted person-to-person, so remember to take precautionary measures, as defined below.
We are part of a global community and as part of our Clarkson values, we want to cultivate a positive and friendly atmosphere where we appreciate our mutual differences and cultures. As such, please do not make assumptions based on an individual’s nationality, place of travel, or country of origin.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus (named “2019-nCoV”) that was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and which continues to expand. Chinese health officials have reported thousands of infections with 2019-nCoV in China, with the virus reportedly spreading from person-to-person in many parts of that country. Infections with 2019-nCoV, most of them associated with travel from Wuhan, also are being reported in a growing number of international locations, including the United States. The United States reported the first confirmed instance of person-to-person spread with this virus on January 30, 2020.
The CDC has issued a warning to avoid non-essential travel to China at this time.
While the immediate risk of this new virus to the American public is believed to be low at this time, everyone can do their part to help us respond to this emerging public health threat:
- For everyone: It’s currently flu and respiratory disease season and CDC recommends getting vaccinated, taking everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs, and taking flu antivirals if prescribed.
- For healthcare professionals:
- Be on the look-out for people with travel history to China and fever and respiratory symptoms.
- If you are a healthcare professional caring for a 2109-nCoV patient, please take care of yourself and follow recommended infection control procedures.
- For people who may have 2019-nCoV infection: Please follow CDC guidance on how to reduce the risk of spreading your illness to others.
- For travelers: Stay up to date with CDC’s travel health notices related to this outbreak.
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 has 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 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
