Vice President, Student and Campus Life Ryan Lombardi; and Vice President, Student and Campus Life for Health and Wellbeing Sharon McMullen sent the following message 2nd March:
As you know, the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) are evolving rapidly.
Recently, the US government issued new warnings against travel to Italy and Iran and new screening protocols for travelers returning to the US from affected areas (CDC Level 3 – Avoid unnecessary travelcurrently mainland China, South Korea, Italy and Iran). In great caution for the health and safety of our faculties, staff and students, the University has suspended the Cornell in Rome program in Architecture, Art and Planning and is working with the remaining students abroad in Italy and South Korea.
In addition, the university has updated its travel policy in line with instructions from the New York State Department of Health to require that all students, faculties, and staff returning from a CDC Level 3 area as well as Japan be quarantined will be at least 14 days. Many returning community members have chosen (with strong university encouragement) to quarantine in their permanent residence or with other family members. Students with exceptional, attenuating circumstances who must return to Ithaca immediately will be quarantined in Ithaca off campus for a period of 14 days. All quarantined employees receive paid vacation. For more information on self-quarantine, see Cornell’s coronavirus website.
Campus visitors from CDC Level 3 affected areas and Japan should postpone their travel at this time.
These guidelines apply to all members of the campus community who return from an area affected by CDC Level 3 or who respond to instructions from health officials.
We are aware of the academic pressures faced by students, faculties and staff as more travel destinations and study programs abroad are affected by the spread of the virus. Cornell colleges and schools, in coordination with the Provost Office, will use their best endeavors to support those whose semesters may be interrupted due to coronavirus concerns so that they can complete their semesters online or on campus.
Students abroad with concerns should contact the Education Abroad team at Abroad@cornell.edu. Note that if you are in a country that is designated (now or in the future) as a Level 2 or 3 Affected Area, you must contact International Travel Safety (below) intlsafety@cornell.edu) or training abroad (Abroad@cornell.edu) as quickly as possible.
As you may know, the first confirmed case of COVID-19 was reported in New York State late yesterday. The patient is isolated in New York City, and both state and local health officials have indicated the risk to the Cornell community – in both New York City and Ithaca – remains low.
While there is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19, the CDC recommends these preventive measures to reduce the risk of influenza and other respiratory diseases:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
- Do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with sick people.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces with a normal household cleaning spray or cloth.
We understand this is an extremely stressful time for many of you, including those being displaced from study programs abroad and those with family and friends in the affected areas. We hope that you all strive to remain compassionate, understanding and supportive of one another.
If you need additional assistance, please contact one of the offices listed below. You can also visit Cornell’s coronavirus website for ongoing updates and related information.
