As you prepare to depart campus for spring break, we wanted to share information that you might find helpful regarding the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and its potential impact on the Ithaca College community.
First, it is important to note that as of this time there have been no reports of any members of the campus or local communities contracting coronavirus.
Ithaca College officials are actively monitoring the coronavirus outbreak. The college is closely following the situation in each country where the virus has been widely reported and where there currently are IC students studying abroad. In addition to communicating directly with students and their families, the college is providing important information and updates on a dedicated website designed to be helpful in making informed decisions about travel and health, especially as situations change.
While you enjoy your break, and perhaps do some traveling, we strongly encourage you to please be mindful of the recommended enhanced hygiene protocols from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which include the following:
- Avoid close contact (a minimum of 6 feet distance) 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. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
- 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.
In addition, we ask that you partner with us, and our wider Ithaca College community, by reconsidering personal travel plans to locations that may have recently been affected by COVID-19. The status of individual locations, as reported by the CDC, is changing rapidly and may be reclassified during your travel, creating potential travel issues for you and the possibility of required self-quarantine upon return.
Self-Quarantine
All Ithaca College students, faculty, and staff who return to the United States after having traveled through or from countries with a CDC Warning Level 3 Travel Health Notice — Avoid All Non-Essential Travel will be required to self-quarantine for a minimum of 14 days after last being in the CDC Warning Level 3 country before they will be allowed to return to the Ithaca campus.
As of this date, the countries with this warning level as a result of COVID-19 are Italy, Iran, South Korea, and China (this does not include Hong Kong, Macau, or the island of Taiwan).
“Self-quarantine” means remaining at home, not going to classes or work, limiting time outside of the home and monitoring your health for at least 14 days after you were last in any CDC Warning Level 3 country. Additional guidance for self-quarantine includes:
- Do not come onto the Ithaca campus.
- Work or study from home, as possible. The college is currently developing policies and protocols for any remote work and study that may be necessary.
- Avoid non-essential travel outside of the home.
- Do not share cups, utensils, etc.
- Avoid shaking hands, hugging, kissing, etc.
- Avoid close contact (keep more than 6 feet between you and other people).
- Take your temperature twice a day (in the morning and evening), not within an hour of eating a meal.
- Call for medical assistance if you have any symptoms, such as
- A temperature reading of 100.4 F or higher
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing
- Any flu-like symptoms
Informed Decisions
We want Ithaca College students, faculty and staff to make informed decisions about travel and health. Because the situation with respect to the coronavirus is so fluid, we encourage you to regularly review the latest information from:
More Information About Coronavirus
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the managing agency in the United States for information about the coronavirus. Please see the links below for the most up to date information.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Situational Summary About the Virus (CDC)
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ (CDC)
World Health Organization (WHO)
World Health Organization Information About Coronavirus
The college will continue to periodically communicate with students and their families, faculty, and staff on this evolving issue. While some of this information may be alarming, we want you to understand that our greatest priority is the health and safety of our IC community, and we will continue to follow the guidance of our public health partners and official agencies. We will keep you updated as our situations evolve.
We hope that you are able to have an enjoyable spring break, and wish you safe travels wherever they may take you.
Sincerely,
Rosanna Ferro, Vice President for Student Affairs & Campus Life
La Jerne Terry Cornish, Provost & Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs