To: The Manhattan College Community
From: Brennan O’Donnell, Ph.D., President
William Clyde, Ph.D., Executive Vice President and Provost
Richard Satterlee, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Life
Subject: Update on Coronavirus
Date: March 3, 2020
We continue to closely follow the potential public threat posed by the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak, especially in light of today’s confirmed case of the virus found in a Westchester County resident. That individual’s child attends a nearby secondary school that closed today out of an abundance of caution.
There are still no confirmed or suspected cases of this virus at Manhattan College. We have no plans to interrupt classes and other normal business, but do want to prepare for the possibility that the coronavirus may cause a public health threat to our community.
Please know that the health and safety of our community is always our top priority. Our Emergency Management Team is closely following communications from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the New York City Department of Health.
Our Sodexo and Residence Life personnel are accelerating the cleaning of doorknobs, elevator panels and the cleaning of common areas and bathrooms. Gourmet Dining also is taking steps to ensure the safe sourcing, storing and handling of food and water, obtaining and using protective gear for staff and a comprehensive food distribution plan.
We are discouraging students, faculty and staff from any nonessential international travel as we continue to monitor developments provided by the CDC, the New York City Department of Health and the New York State Department of Health. Our international spring break trips have been cancelled.
We also encourage our students studying abroad in Spain, France and Hungary to remain in their host cities. We are continuing to monitor developments with the CDC and NYC Department of Health and will stay in close contact with you.
Students who may be experiencing symptoms – which may be similar to the flu or common cold, and may include fever, coughing or shortness of breath – should call Health Services immediately at (718) 862-7217.
If any employees experience any symptoms, please contact your primary care physician immediately for direction, avoid class/work, and stay at home until you have been cleared by a healthcare provider. If you have any additional concerns, please contact Human Resources at (718) 862-7392.
After business hours, call 911 or the Office of Public Safety at (718) 862-7333 in the case of an emergency. That phone number is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Prevention is very important. You should go about your daily life, but take the same precautions that you would during cold and flu season:
- If you have not received a flu vaccine this year, get one as soon as possible.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when sneezing or coughing — do not use your hands.
- Stay home if you are not feeling well.
We will continue to provide additional updates as the CDC and NYC Department of Health provides more information. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Health Services.
For more information, visit: