The following is a roundup of the current information related to the development of concerns over novel coronavirus - or COVID-19.
SUNY Study Abroad Programs
New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo and SUNY have determined that it is necessary to cancel the study abroad programs in China, Italy, Japan, Iran and South Korea due to health and safety concerns related to the Coronavirus outbreak. This means that SUNY is instructing all program participants in the impacted countries to return to New York immediately.
SUNY Morrisville, Surrounding Area and New York State
SUNY Morrisville has no reported instances of students, faculty or staff participating in any study abroad programs in the affected areas.
There have been no cases reported in Madison County or the CNY/Upstate region. There are three positive cases in New York City, and 19 positive cases in New York State outside of NYC.
Colgate University (see its coronavirus updates) has 240 students in study abroad programs. Twelve students were in Italy as part of a group from Syracuse University and have returned. None of these students are enrolled in campus classes.
Testing for the virus is now being conducted in Albany; previously, samples for testing were being sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta.
Understanding Quarantine and Isolation
Quarantine is used to separate and restrict the movement of well persons who may have been exposed to a communicable disease to see if they become ill. These people may have been exposed to a disease and do not know it, or they may have the disease but do not show symptoms. Quarantine can also help limit the spread of communicable disease.
Isolation is used to separate ill persons who have a communicable disease from those who are healthy. Isolation restricts the movement of ill persons to help stop the spread of certain diseases. For example, hospitals use isolation for patients with infectious tuberculosis.
Fight Back with Facts
80% of reported COVID-19 cases are considered mild in nature.
The CDC has prepared useful fact sheets you can print, post and share:
- Share Facts About COVID-19
- Stop the Spread of Germs
- What to do if you are sick with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
- VIDEO: What You Need to Know About Handwashing
References to CDC Travel Health Notice Levels
Travel Health Notices inform travelers and clinicians about current health issues that impact travelers’ health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters, in specific international destinations.
Warning Level 3 (Red): Avoid all non-essential travel to this destination. The outbreak is of high risk to travelers and no precautions are available to protect against the identified increased risk.
Alert Level 2 (Yellow): Practice enhanced precautions for this destination. The Travel Health Notice describes additional precautions added, or defines a specific at-risk population.
Watch Level 1 (Green): Practice usual precautions for this destination, as described in the Travel Health Notice and/or on the destination page. This includes being up-to-date on all recommended vaccines and practicing appropriate mosquito avoidance.