January 30, 2020

2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV): Update 5 [International Concern]

As you may have heard, earlier today, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Coronavirus a public health emergency of international concern.

At a second press conference today, Dr. Nancy Messonnier, director of CDC’s national center for immunization and respiratory diseases, said:

"I understand that many people in the United States are worried about this virus and whether it will affect them. Outbreaks like this are always concerning. Particularly when a new virus is emerging, but we are well prepared and working closely with federal, state and local partners to protect our communities and others nationwide from this new public health threat. At this time, we continue to believe that the immediate health risk from this new virus and the general American public is low."

Given the latest news from major public health agencies, we continue to believe the College can avoid any significant outbreak if everyone in our community follows recommended, preventative guidelines.

We appreciate everyone who has contacted the Environmental Health and Safety office with questions and concerns, and we'd like to thank those who have already taken proactive steps to be informed, establish primary care physicians (PCP) through our health insurance plan, and take overall responsibility for their personal health and hygiene.

We encourage everyone to remain vigilant and adhere to the guidelines sent earlier this week (Update #4), including taking daily preventative actions to stop the spread of germs, consult the CDC's global map and seek out your PCP if you've traveled from or through any regions with confirmed 2019-n CoV cases, and consider getting a flu vaccination since we are still in the midst of cold and flu season. Additionally, while not required by any public health agency, general use surgical and particulate masks are available from the security desks at each building entrance as well as security command centers.

As a reminder, the 2019 Coronavirus is a respiratory illness. It is a good reminder to maintain a general sense of health and wellness by eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and avoiding tobacco and smoking products.

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