Dear Adelphi Community,
We continue to monitor the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), which originated in Wuhan, China. Our Health Services Center is in continuous contact with federal, state and local health authorities for updates and required protocols. Additionally, our offices of International Services, Health Services and Student Success have been actively reaching out to students potentially impacted by this outbreak and the travel restrictions to support them as needed. Adelphi officials meet regularly to stay abreast of the latest information and to review and plan measures to ensure the health and well-being of the entire Adelphi community.
To keep you informed, I want to share the most current news and updated guidelines from our federal, state and local health authorities. Here is the latest, as of today, Thursday, February 6:
- The number of confirmed cases in the United States stands at 12, with none confirmed in New York state.
- Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), for anyone who recently traveled from mainland China and who arrived/will arrive in the United States on and after February 3, 2020, the following now applies: A 14-day quarantine period is required upon arrival, during which they will be monitored by local and state health officials, whether they are sick or not.
Steps for Adelphi Community Members:
- For anyone who recently traveled to Wuhan or the Hubei Province, or who returned from mainland China on or after February 3: Instructors should inform their department chairs or program directors immediately to make an alternative arrangement for teaching. Students should inform their instructors to discuss their absence from classes and make alternative arrangements for their studies. Staff should inform their supervisors.
- If you are unsure if you fit into an at-risk category: Please call the Adelphi Health Services Center at 516.877.6000. All calls and visits are confidential, and your privacy will be protected.
- If you have general questions or concerns about novel coronavirus, please send an email to adelphihealth@adelphi.edu—questions will be addressed by the appropriate Adelphi administrator.
As we shared previously, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization (WHO) continue to monitor the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), which originated in Wuhan, China. We are following their ongoing reports, are in continuous contact with health officials, and are taking proactive and prudent measures for our Adelphi community that are in accordance with the guidance of the CDC and local and state health departments.
It is important to point out that while the chance of contracting the novel coronavirus is extremely low at this time, types A and B of the flu are widespread in New York–including on our Garden City campus and at our centers in Manhattan, Hauppauge and the Hudson Valley. With all of these viruses in mind, we recommend that all our community members follow standard protocols for health and well-being in general:
Individuals who are experiencing fever and/or lower respiratory symptoms, such as coughing or difficulty breathing, should not attend classes or come to work until they have been evaluated by a healthcare professional.How Can You Protect Yourself and Others?
- While the available flu vaccine will not protect you from the novel coronavirus, it will decrease your chance of contracting influenza type A and type B, which are widespread in New York at this time, with symptoms similar to novel coronavirus. If you have not had your flu vaccine, please contact Health Services at 516.877.6000 to schedule an appointment.
- Cover your mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick or have flu-like symptoms.
- Stay home and seek medical attention if you are symptomatic.
- Wash 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.
- Anyone who shows symptoms of the flu should get checked by a healthcare professional right away. To help your healthcare providers prepare for your visit and ask some screening questions, call ahead to let the Health Services Center or your doctor’s office know you are coming.
- In response to growing concerns over the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all nonessential travel to China be suspended at this time.
We understand that some Adelphi community members may feel anxious about this evolving public health situation or have concerns about friends and family living in areas currently experiencing the outbreak.
For further information, contact:
Student Counseling Center
Nexus Building, Room 132
Phone: 516.877.3646
Email: scc@adelphi.edu
If you have questions about this letter or any health-related matter, contact:
Health Services Center
Waldo Hall
Phone: 516.877.6000
Email: adelphihealth@adelphi.edu
And for more information about the novel coronavirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for the latest information.
Yours truly,
Nicole Gaudino, MS, AGNP-C
Interim Director, Health Services Center
» Recent information about the coronavirus shared with the Adelphi community