March 6, 2020
An Update from Ursuline College President Sister Christine De Vinne, OSU, PhD
Ursuline College continues to monitor the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel coronavirus, COVID-19. We remain in contact with the Cuyahoga County Board of Health, the Ohio Department of Health, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
All three recommend taking the following best practice precautions:
- Good hand hygiene. Handwashing reduces transmission.
- Cough etiquette. Cough or sneeze into your sleeve or handkerchief or tissue.
- Avoid sharing cups, utensils, water bottles and other personal items.
- Stay home when sick and avoid others who are sick.
Here is the CDC page with further information regarding best practices for prevention.
Symptoms
The CDC reports that patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
Treatment
Should you begin to experience any of these symptoms and have recently traveled to or near affected areas or been exposed to others who have traveled to or near affected areas, contact your healthcare provider immediately. Call before heading to an office or clinic.
Spring Break Travel
With Ursuline's spring break March 9-13, students, faculty, and staff may be planning to travel to destinations far and wide. For those who have booked a cruise, proceed with caution. Once embarking, you are subject to local or maritime authorities regarding disembarkation, quarantine, and isolation in the event of suspected COVID-19 infection. Both the State Department and the CDC advise reconsidering plans if cruising to or within Asia.
All travelers should thoroughly research their destinations and consult with their travel provider and medical or nursing providers on medical concerns. Travelers should stay tuned to State Department, CDC, and WHO travel advisories.
Here is the CDC link for travel information.
Service Learning Trip to Nepal
A group of Counseling and Art Therapy students, faculty and alumni are spending spring break in Nepal on a service learning trip. Nepal has no cases of the Coronavirus and the trip does not involve any stopovers in any countries that are Department of State threat Level 3 or 4. We have ensured the following is in place: The faculty member in charge of the trip maintains international service on her phone, and the VP of Academic Affairs is the on-campus point person to communicate with her.
The students on this trip are all graduate students (there are no undergrads), and should restrictions change upon re-entry, we will make sure that no students are penalized in the case of a voluntary or mandatory quarantine. We have resources for distance learning such that students will be able to continue their studies even in the unlikely event of a quarantine.
Resources
