What you should know

  • As of February 3, 2020, according to the latest official government health officials, there are eleven (11) confirmed cases of the Coronaviruses in the US.
  • While cases are reported to be under investigation in New York City, none have been diagnosed as the Coronavirus.
  • There are currently no identified cases at Metropolitan College of New York. The College will continue to monitor updates regarding this health crisis to protect the health and well-being of the MCNY community.
  • Following its Emergency Committee meeting on January 30, The World Health Organization (W.H.O.) has declared the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC).
  • Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has updated its travel health notice for this destination to restrict travel.
  • United States Department of State, Bureau of Consumer Affairs released a “China – Level 4: Do not travel” travel advisory on January 31, 2020.
  • The United States Department of Health and Human Services announced that the U.S. government will implement temporary measures to detect and contain the coronavirus, beginning Sunday, February 2, 2020; hhs.gov
  • On February 2, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security issued supplemental instructions for inbound flights with individuals who have been in China.
  • The CDC and local officials continue to meet on this situation. We will provide updated information based on any new information provided.

About the Coronavirus

There was an outbreak of respiratory disease (which affects breathing) caused by a new virus centered in Wuhan, China. Infections with this new virus are also being reported in other regions of China and in some travelers from Wuhan to other countries, including the United States. Since the virus is very new, health authorities continue to carefully watch how this virus spreads. There is no vaccine or treatment available for this or other coronaviruses at this time.

Symptoms

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

Prevention

Anyone who has recently traveled to China and has a fever and cough or shortness of breath is advised to do the following:

  • Inform their medical provider of having visited China in the last 14 days.
  • Hospital staff will not ask about immigration status, and all patients will be seen regardless of ability to pay.
  • After you have been seen by a medical provider, stay home and avoid contact with others until you are well.
  • Avoid travel on any public transportation (such as bus, subway, train or airplane).
  • Wear a face mask if you need to leave your home when sick.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

Additional Information

  • Remember, it is currently flu and respiratory disease season and the CDC recommends that everyone receive vaccination, take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs, and take medications if prescribed. While the current flu vaccine has no impact on the Coronaviruses, it is still advised that everyone receive the flu vaccine to prevent other strains of the flu.
  • Where there is opportunity, students should be reminded to avoid coming to class when they are ill, and if they have a fever, they should not return until they have been fever-free (without fever-reducing medication) for 24 hours.
  • Students who are out ill will work with their instructors, Deans, and Student Services to make up work; flexibility is important.
  • As a final note, we caution against potentially stigmatizing international students from Asia. If students report they are subject to bias or harassment please refer them to the Dean of Students.

Additional resources

Other Federal Agencies and Partners