This week, several college officials took part in meetings, calls and webinars regarding the state’s and SUNY’s response to novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
On Wednesday, March 4, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the suspension of study abroad programs in China, Italy, Iran, Japan and South Korea due to concern over the novel coronavirus. SUNY is arranging for transportation of non-essential students, faculty and staff currently studying or working in those countries and those returning will begin a 14-day quarantine upon their return to New York. Additionally, SUNY has halted campus-sponsored travel to these countries for the Spring semester.
Please note that Hudson Valley Community College is not currently sponsoring international study abroad programs, nor are we aware of any member of the college community who is affected by the coronavirus. Nevertheless, we are following all New York State and SUNY guidance and assisting in efforts to raise awareness of Department of Health decisions.
As directed by SUNY, we are asking you to alert College Health Services Director Claudine Potvin-Giordano (518-629-7436) of any current students, faculty or staff who are now in, or planning to travel to, or return from China, Italy, Iran, Japan or South Korea. We are required to share this information with SUNY in order to notify local and state public health officials. Individuals returning from countries or regions with an active CDC travel guidance Level 2 Alert (Practice Enhanced Precautions) or Level 3 Warning (Avoid Nonessential Travel) will be urged to remain in quarantine for 14 days upon return.
With spring break coming up (March 16-21), it is also advised that members of our college community refrain from traveling to countries with active CDC travel guidance Level 2 Alerts or Level 3 Warnings in effect for COVID-19. As this is a fluid situation, travel guidance may be issued for additional areas or raised to higher levels, leading to unexpected consequences such as delays in returning or quarantines. Individuals should carefully consider their own circumstances prior to travel.
For up-to-date travel guidance, please refer to the following CDC website:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
We will continue to communicate with the college community as state public health and education officials provide additional information.
Published: Thu, 05 Mar 2020 13:25:21 +0000 by c.potvingiordano