Members of the Clarkson University Administration, in close coordination with government agency representatives at the New York State and national levels along with local health officials, have been monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) that originated in late 2019. On Sunday evening, New York State reported its first known case in New York City by a woman who had been travelling abroad in a country with an outbreak. We are not aware of any COVID-19 cases among faculty, staff or students at any Clarkson campus or facility. We are providing the information below as a precautionary measure to raise awareness and inform the Clarkson community.
How is coronavirus impacting international travel? Clarkson has adopted the recommendations of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in suspending University-sponsored travel to any country listed as a “Level 3” or higher. The University will continue to monitor the latest travel advisories available from the CDC. Students and staff who are already in a country listed as a “Level 3” or higher are being recalled and will be subject to quarantine for a period of 14 days upon their return per the CDC protocols. We are working individually with each student to facilitate completion of their coursework to ensure that they do not fall behind in their studies or graduation status. Additionally, the University is monitoring, evaluating, and adjusting future plans for international travel.
Spring Break Travel Personal travel during spring break is an individual choice. We are asking all campus members to evaluate nonessential international travel plans. Travelers should recognize that situations could change, and a country that is not identified for travel restrictions today may be added to the list of “Level 3” countries tomorrow (or while you are in-country). It is possible that you may be subject to non-optional quarantines upon your return from these countries. Clarkson will make reasonable efforts to work with any student who may require remote delivery of instruction while undertaking isolation protocols.
Based on current information, we are not aware of any recommendations regarding restrictions of domestic US travel.
Students who are part of organized trips have the option to change their plans and not participate. We have asked all faculty and staff to support these decisions — both choosing to go and/or choosing not to go.
Students who need to change their plans to remain on campus over break may email reslife@clarkson.edu for assistance.
Campus Emergency Response Team Members of the University Emergency Response Team have been meeting to revise and update a comprehensive pandemic preparedness plan based on the current information available from federal and state agencies, and from healthcare networks in our local communities.
While there is understandable concern about COVID-19, it is important to maintain perspective on its current status in the United States and use the counsel from federal and state agencies. Per agency recommendations, we have 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 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.
More Information and Campus While University leadership continues to work with federal, New York State and community health experts on protecting our students, faculty, staff, and our community, it’s important to keep in perspective the worldwide victims of COVID-19 and the impact on their friends and family. Further, it’s a timely reminder to be inclusive of our world community and avoid stereotyping or stigmatizing any individuals or groups. Please live the Clarkson values and be diligent in caring to treat all people with respect.
We will continue to monitor this situation, and our medical and emergency response staff will continue to stay up to date with guidelines and recommendations to help promote the health and safety of our campus.
For more detailed information about COVID-19, we encourage you to reference the materials being shared by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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