Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,
We understand that many of you may have concerns about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and its potential impact on the Ithaca College community. We want to share some information that you might find helpful, particularly as you may have plans to travel over the upcoming spring break.
It is important to first note that there have been no reports of any members of the campus or local communities contracting coronavirus disease.
College officials have been closely monitoring the situation in each country where coronavirus disease has been reported and where there are currently IC students studying abroad. Their health and well-being is our highest priority, and the college has been in continual contact with them and with their families.
We strongly encourage all members of the IC community to be prudent in their travel choices. At this time, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided the following travel health notices:
Warning Level 3
The CDC recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to:
Alert Level 2
These destinations are experiencing sustained community transmission of respiratory illness caused by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), which can spread from person to person. Older adults and those with chronic medical conditions should consider postponing nonessential travel:
The CDC recommends that all travelers to or through Alert Level 2 countries utilize enhanced hygiene protocols, which include:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning product.
Watch Level 1
The CDC does not recommend canceling or postponing travel to the following destinations. Travelers should practice usual precautions.
Because the situation with respect to the coronavirus is so fluid, we encourage you to regularly review the CDC Coronavirus Disease 2019 Information for Travel website for the latest information about CDC travel health notices.
Our Office of International Programs and our Health Center, in particular, have been working with the appropriate programs and agencies — locally, nationally, and internationally — to stay updated on the latest information and recommendations.
The college will continue to periodically communicate with our students and their families, faculty and staff on this evolving issue. Updates can be found at www.ithaca.edu/coronavirus.
Sincerely,
La Jerne Terry Cornish
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs
Rosanna Ferro
Vice President for Student Affairs and Campus Life