The City University of New York is closely monitoring reports involving the coronavirus outbreak

This story was first reported on CUNY.edu.

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

The City University of New York is closely monitoring reports involving the outbreak of the 2019 coronavirus, and following the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), New York State Department of Health and New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene to proactively manage the risk.

The 2019 coronavirus, a so-called “novel virus,” is a respiratory tract illness that presents flu-like symptoms and was first identified in December 2019 in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. It has spread to several countries, including five confirmed cases in the U.S., but none in New York State.

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced on Monday that the New York State Department of Health has sent samples from nine individuals for testing by the CDC. Four of those cases tested negative, while five results are pending. Those five individuals remain in isolation pending the outcome of their tests.

For ongoing updates on coronavirus, visit:
New York State Department of Health
CUNY’s Health and Wellness Services
New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
World Health Organization

Out of an abundance of caution, CUNY asks the following:

• People who have had fever and/or symptoms of lower respiratory illness (coughing, difficulty breathing, etc.) within 14 days after travel from Wuhan, China, and symptomatic individuals with exposure to someone with recent travel to Wuhan or laboratory-confirmed coronavirus, as well as people who have recently traveled to Wuhan and may be in doubt of exposure to the coronavirus should not come to classes or offices until deemed safe by health personnel or after a two-week observation period of possible exposure. These people should call ahead to a health care provider and mention your travel or recent close contact. Your health care provider will work with public health authorities to determine if you need to be tested.
• Instructors and teaching assistants in these categories should inform their department chairs or program directors immediately to make an alternative arrangement for teaching. Students should inform their instructors to make alternative arrangements for taking classes. Staff should inform their supervisors.

CUNY Campus Health Services can assess for symptoms of the coronavirus, but it is recommended that students report directly to emergency rooms or outside medical services if symptoms align with the illness. Hospitals in New York are more fully equipped to isolate infectious patients and treat illnesses of this type than campus health services. Campus health services are available to answer questions and make referrals for this and other illness students face.

Sincerely,

Félix V. Matos Rodríguez
Chancellor