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1/25: Health Advisory Alert: Novel Coronavirus

The following message was emailed to the campus community on January 25, 2020.

Dear Santa Clara University community,

The purpose of this email is to provide an update to the campus community on the Wuhan Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak first identified in China. As you know from news reports, national and global public health officials are closely tracking rapid developments in the spread of this virus. Since this is a rapidly developing situation, we encourage you to check trusted news sources throughout the week as well as learn more from the Center for Disease Control Coronavirus website. A detailed FAQ on the CDC website is a helpful resource as well.

Please note there are no known cases of 2019-nCoV on our campus. We will continue to monitor and work with our local Santa Clara County Public Health Department as well as update our community with any new information as it arises.

According to our Global Engagement Office, there are no SCU students, faculty, or staff on university-sponsored global programs currently in China and we are not aware of SCU students traveling back to campus from regions that may be experiencing coronavirus outbreaks. In addition, we are not aware of any of our international students or their families who have been impacted by the Coronavirus. We will continue to monitor this as well.

As we approach the peak of the flu season, we do want to remind everyone that there are simple precautions one can take to minimize the risk of contracting or spreading any respiratory viral illnesses. Those include:

  • Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

  • Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

  • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

  • Staying away from classes, group meetings, work, and common areas if you are sick.

  • Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throwing the tissue in the trash.

  • Covering your cough with your elbow or sleeve.

  • Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.

The health and safety of our community is very important to us. Our goal is to keep our campus healthy and to keep you informed of significant new developments.  

We encourage students who are concerned that they may have had close contact with an ill student or who are experiencing flu-like symptoms to visit the Cowell Center which is open from 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m., Monday-Friday. When the Cowell Center is closed, students should contact the EMT’s through Campus Safety at 408-554-4441. Faculty and staff should consult with your primary care physician for advice and guidance.

Additional information will be posted on the Cowell Center website and social media accounts. 

Jeanne Rosenberger
Vice Provost for Student Life

John Ottoboni
Chief Operating Officer