The following message was emailed to the campus community on January 31, 2020.
Dear Santa Clara University community,
We are writing today to provide a brief update on the Wuhan Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) outbreak first identified in China. The Santa Clara County Public Health Department (SCCPHD) received confirmation today from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that an adult male resident of the county has tested positive for the novel (new) coronavirus. This is the first case of novel coronavirus for Santa Clara County. Santa Clara County is composed of over 1,304 square miles and over 18 cities and towns. According to Dr. Sara Cody of the SCCPHD, “The risk to the general public remains low as a result of this case.”
We will continue to work closely with the SCCPHD on this rapidly developing situation and will provide additional information as it becomes available. Updates will be posted to on the Cowell Center website and SCU social media accounts.
Since we are in the midst of flu season, the SCCPHD encourages anyone who has not yet received the flu shot, to do so. Developing these everyday habits can help prevent the spread of several viruses.
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Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
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Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
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Stay home when you are sick.
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Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
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Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
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 EMTs through Campus Safety at 408-554-4441. Faculty and staff should consult with your primary care physician for advice and guidance.
The health and safety of our community is very important to us. We realize this is an uncertain time but want to remind all to treat each other with kindness and respect. We will continue to inform our community of any developments and key information as it becomes available.
Jeanne Rosenberger
Vice Provost for Student Life
John Ottoboni
Chief Operating Officer