February 06, 2020

2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV): Update 7

As we continue to be proactive in our response to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-n CoV) by following recommended, preventative guidelines, we would like to remind you of the most effective ways to combat the spread of any respiratory virus, including 2019-nCoV.

Stay home when you are sick. It is imperative you stay home when you are sick, for any reason, and especially when you begin to feel flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough or shortness of breath. Students should contact their instructor to discuss online or other available lesson options. Faculty, likewise, should inform their Department Chair and students of their absence and provide an alternate lesson plan for their class. Similarly, staff members should always inform their immediate supervisors of any unexpected or planned absences.

See a doctor. If you feel pre-symptomatic or have begun to exhibit symptoms, please contact your primary care physician (PCP) immediately. Everyone is encouraged to secure a PCP through their health insurance and be readily prepared to contact your doctor should you begin to experience symptoms.

Wash your hands. It takes 20 seconds to wash your hands properly, using soap and water. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides detailed information about proper handwashing, including a series of instructional videos. Washing your hands remains one of the best ways to protect yourself from getting sick.

Self-monitor. Since the coronavirus has a 14-day incubation period, we believe anyone arriving on campus for Orientation or the start of the Spring term should be out of the incubation period by the end of this week. However, if you have been around others that have traveled from or through any impacted region as indicated on CDC’s global map, you should continue a self-monitoring regimen.

While not required by any public health agencies, general use surgical and particulate masks remain available from the security desks at each building entrance as well as security command centers.

Lastly, the College continues to provide increased janitorial services of high-trafficked areas and shared spaces at both campuses throughout the day and is performing a deep cleaning process at night.  

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact the office of Environmental Health and Safety at ehs@artcenter.edu.