Dear Adelphi Community,
Earlier this week, I wrote to you about the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), which first emerged in the Chinese city of Wuhan and has since spread. To date, the number of confirmed cases in the United States remains at five, with none confirmed in New York state. [After this message was distributed, a sixth confirmed case was announced, this one in Chicago.]
At Adelphi University, your well-being is the top priority. We continue to be in touch with all community members known to have recently traveled to Wuhan or elsewhere in the Hubei province of China, and we will continue to work with and follow the guidelines of local, state and federal health agencies.
Jacqueline Jones LaMon, JD, vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Adelphi, offers this important reminder:We understand concerns surrounding illness and disease. To be concerned and vigilant is a natural response to the reality of infection; to do all that we can to preserve our health and well-being is natural. However, it is important that during these times our values as a community and the best of our humanity are most reflected to ensure that our reasoning as rational, thinking beings is called into action.Please be mindful and acutely aware that a community member’s race or national origin is never a cause for concern. Let us take stock of our perceptions, behavior, body language and subconscious reactions to continue to develop our compassion, civility and empathy.What You Can Do
- While the available flu vaccine will not protect you from the novel coronavirus, it will decrease your chance of contracting influenza type A and type B, which are widespread in New York at this time, with symptoms similar to novel coronavirus. If you have not had your flu vaccine, please contact the Health Services Center at 516.877.6000 to schedule an appointment.
- Cover your mouth with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick or have flu-like symptoms.
- Stay home and seek medical attention if you are symptomatic.
- 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.
- Anyone who shows symptoms of the flu should get checked by a healthcare professional right away. To help your healthcare providers prepare for your visit and ask some screening questions, please call ahead to let the Health Services Center or your doctor’s office know you are coming.
If you have questions about this letter or any health-related matter, please contact the Health Services Center at 516.877.6000. And for more information about the novel coronavirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for the latest information.
Yours truly,
Nicole Gaudino, MS, AGNP-C
Interim Director, Health Services Center
» Recent information about the coronavirus shared with the Adelphi community