To the Manhattan College community,
On February 25, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued an update on COVID-19, commonly known as coronavirus. The CDC confirmed COVID-19 in a person who reportedly did not have relevant travel history or exposure to another known patient with COVID-19.
At this time, the CDC reports this virus is NOT currently spreading in the community in the United States. There are no confirmed cases in New York State and New York City at this time.
This is a rapidly evolving situation. The immediate risk at Manhattan College is low but here in the Office of Health Services, we are actively monitoring developments. We have been on weekly calls with the New York City Department of Health and are closely following the messages sent by the CDC.
There are no confirmed or suspected cases of this virus at Manhattan College. Our Office of Study Abroad has been in touch with students who are studying and travelling abroad in Spain, France and Hungary and have advised them about the precautions to take. In January, we cancelled our summer 2020 China study abroad program.
Any student experiencing symptoms – which may be similar to the flu or common cold, and may include fever, coughing or shortness of breath – should call Health Services immediately at (718) 862-7217.
After business hours, call 911 or the Office of Public Safety at (718) 862-7333 in the case of an emergency. That phone number is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Prevention is very important. You should go about your daily life, but take the same precautions that you would during cold and flu season:
- If you have not received a flu vaccine this year, get one as soon as possible.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing — do not use your hands.
- Stay home if you are not feeling well.
Finally, you may see misleading and inaccurate information circulating in the news media and on social media. We encourage you to rely on the information distributed by the CDC, New York City Department of Health, and your state department of health for updates.
Manhattan College also reminds all members of our community to treat one another with civility and respect. Infectious diseases are neither confined to nor the responsibility of any one ethnic group.
We will provide additional updates as the CDC and NYC Department of Health provides more information. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call our office.
For more information, visit:
Sincerely,
Anne Mavor
Director of Health Services, Nurse Practitioner
health.services@manhattan.edu
(718) 862-7217