A Coronavirus Update
The Coronavirus has officially touched down in many states spreading across the United States, including Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
BSU is taking the necessary precautions to protect students and employees in the rise of this outbreak. Earlier this week, President Clark’s office sent out an email to the BSU community to inform us of what they’re doing to combat the spread throughout the university.
Luckily, as of right now, there have been no reported cases of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in any of Bridgewater’s students, faculty, or those who are part of study or work abroad programs.
Since reports in the United States started increasing, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has placed a serious travel warning on countries that have been most affected by the virus, including China, Italy, South Korea, and Iran.
In response to the outbreak, BSU reported that they are following recommendations from the CDC to ensure the health of our community.
They have canceled all study abroad and international travel courses that were set for spring break. The school plans to work with students and families who may be affected financially and academically by this decision.
BSU also said they’re working with students who are already in countries that are in a “CDC Warning Level 2 or below” to determine what steps to take next with each individual.
Perhaps the biggest part of this email to note is what BSU is requiring students and employees to do if they do visit a country that the CDC has labeled as a Level 3 threat, such as China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea.
Upon arriving back home from a trip in one of those areas, you can not return to a BSU campus for 14 days, even if you’re symptom-free. BSU is requesting that students or employees who come back from one of those previously stated countries should remain in “self-isolation” for 14 days. This means you should stay in your home or dorm and not attend class, work, group gatherings, or invite people to your residence.
BSU is taking these measures in order to be cautious of the spread of this virus, but the Massachusetts Department of Public Health believes the risk to Massachusetts residents is low as of right now.
As always, the CDC recommends that we should all take precautions to keep ourselves safe from COVID-19 as we would to prevent the flu and colds. BSU reminded all of these precautions:
- Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose with unwashed hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then throw the tissue away.
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick and stay home when you’re sick.
- Clean/disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces
President Clark’s office recommended that you contact Dr. Christopher Frzaer, Executive Director of the Wellness Center, at 508-531-1252 or wellnesscenter@bridgew.edu for any health-related concerns or questions.
