Students and Clarkson Parents,
We have been monitoring the international news on the spread of the coronavirus 2019-nCoV and responding to calls from concerned parents and students. There are no cases in New York State at this time.
Clarkson University and staff from the Dean of Students Office, the Environmental Health & Safety Team, and the Health Center medical professionals, who are affiliated with the St. Lawrence Health System Network, have been on regular calls and meetings for the last several months with the New York State Department of Health regarding the Coronavirus 2019-nCoV advancing protocols and preparation in the event of cases that come to New York State. The Emergency Response Team for the University has also been meeting and is up to date on the current guidance and protocols from New York State’s response agencies and the Centers for Disease Control.
At this time Clarkson University and the Department of Health are taking precautionary measures to communicate – educate – and if needed into the future, respond to any potential cases of the virus that may impact our community. We will continue to send updates to campus as information and recommendations are released. We have been in touch with students studying abroad and groups traveling abroad and actively working with them to evaluate the circumstances in those countries as well. Stay up to date with CDC’s travel health notices related to this outbreak
We have also been encouraging students, faculty, and staff in a series of communications to exercise good personal health practices and to take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs. As a matter of general health and safety precautions, we encourage members of the Campus Community and anyone who travels regularly to practice healthy behaviors that include:
· Washing 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 eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
· Seek medical attention if you are sick and limit contact with others.
If you have (or your student has) recently traveled and are experiencing symptoms, please call the Student Health Center 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 1stfloor of the ERC, open Monday – Friday from 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM. 315-268-6633, shac@clarkson.edu. If you need assistance after hours, please contact Campus Safety by calling 315-268-6666.
Students who are sick for any reason should contact the Dean of Students Office at 315-268-6620 and/or their faculty directly. Faculty have been asked to understand that students who are sick should not be attending class, meetings or labs.
We will continue to communicate with the Clarkson community with updates based on guidance from the CDC and on ongoing communications with the Department of Health and our local medical community.
Brian Grant ‘93
Vice President for Enrollment and Student Advancement