A message from our Student Health Services and Occupational Health regarding the Coronavirus
The following was sent to the University community on Monday, February 3, 2020 from our Student Health Services and Occupational Health regarding the Coronavirus:
Members of the Boston University Community,
We are continuing to provide you with information regarding the novel coronavirus through BU Today and university-wide email communications. Boston University is actively monitoring the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) and working with the Boston Public Health Commission to ensure we are following all recommendations to keep our campus safe.
At this time the immediate risk to Boston University is still considered low. As of February 3rd, all incoming flights to the United States from mainland China are being routed to specific airports. Advanced screening, detection, and quarantine protocols are currently in place at these locations.
With classes starting for the majority of our students on January 21st, most students and employees who did travel over the winter break are now past the 14-day period of symptom-monitoring.
We would like to reiterate two key points that have not changed at Boston University:
- Students or employees who have traveled within mainland China but do not have symptoms should closely monitor their health status daily but do not require isolation at this time.
- Students or employees who have had contact with a person confirmed to be infected with the novel coronavirus but do not have symptoms themselves should closely monitor their health status daily but do not require isolation at this time.
Students or employees who have either been in close contact with a person with a confirmed diagnosis of 2019-nCoV or are returning from mainland China and develop fever, shortness of breath, and new cough within 14 days of potential exposure should remain at home and immediately call the following:
- For any student: Student Health Services at 617-353-3575
- For any employee: Occupational Health at 617-353-6630
Standard precautions to prevent the spread of the flu, the 2019-nCoV and other infectious agents are encouraged:
- There is still time to get vaccinated against the flu.
- Avoid contact with others who appear ill.
- Wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. This is likely longer than you’re used to doing.
- Cover your sneeze, cough or sore throat with a mask—even if you do not have a fever.
- Stay home or in your room if you have a cough with fever (100.4 F or above), contact your healthcare provider, and remain isolated until you are without fever or the use of fever-reducing medicines for 24 hours.
Our goal remains to provide our community with accurate information that will empower everyone to take the appropriate measures to keep themselves healthy. For more information about 2019-nCoV please visit the CDC website.
Thank you all for your continued partnering in health,
Judy Platt MD, Director of Student Health Services
Ann Zaia PhD, CNP, SM, MSN, MHA, CHE, COHN-S, FAAOHN, Director of Occupational Medicine
Alan Rodgers MD, MSc, Medical Director of Occupational Medicine
Thomas H. Winters MD, FACOEM, FACPM, Medical Director, Research Occupational Health Program