2/4/2020: COVID-19 Update
Students, Faculty and Staff
Nyack College continues to closely monitor the rapidly evolving developments related to the Novel Coronavirus. There are now 11 confirmed cases in the U.S. and dozens of other suspected cases.
Travel Warnings:
Because the virus is spreading beyond borders as the result of international travel, the following warnings have been issued:
— The U.S. Department of State elevated its warnings to a Level 4 on travel, advising that Americans do not travel to China, not just the city of Wuhan in Hubei Province.
— The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Warning advising that Americans avoid all nonessential travel to China.
Accordingly, we strongly encourage all faculty and staff to pay close attention to CDC and State Department warnings in contemplating their travels to China.
Nyack College Travel Registry:
Given the recent international concern over the spread of the virus—and its impact on international travel to and from the China—we are implementing a travel registry. This measure will add a greater layer of protection to our campus community.
— All members of our campus community will be required to register any international travel they are undertaking personally or for College business, regardless of length and destination, prior to their departure.
— Registration essentially means letting the College know about dates of travel, destinations and contact information in case we need to reach them or an emergency contact.
To Register:
— Faculty and Staff: Send an email to Karen Davie, Director of Human Resources and Title IX Coordinator, at karen.davie@nyack.edu identifying the traveler(s), all destinations and the dates of travel.
— Manhattan Students: Send an email to Charles Hammond, VP of Church Relations/Dean of Chapel, at charles.hammond@nyack.edu identifying the traveler(s), all destinations and the dates of travel.
— Rockland Students: Send an email to Wanda Velez, Vice President for Student Development/Dean of Students, at wanda.velez@nyack.edu identifying the traveler(s), all destinations and the dates of travel.
Self-Report China Travel:
Finally, if you have been to China in the last 21 days, we ask that you self-report this travel by contacting the same personnel listed under “To Register” (karen.davie@nyack.edu, charles.hammond@nyack.edu, or wanda.velez@nyack.edu). This information will be treated as confidential.
Safety Precautions:
We continue to remain acutely focused on education and prevention efforts to contain the spread of any communicable illness, given that we are also in the middle of flu season. We urge you to remain diligent. Students should call their Resident Director and faculty and staff should contact their primary care physician should they develop symptoms of a respiratory illness, including fever, cough or shortness of breath.
We will continue to monitor the information, protocols and recommendations from the CDC and the New York State Department of Health.
