March 4
Coronavirus COVID-19 Advisory, Updates and Resources
A message from President Patricia A. Gentile
Greetings NSCC College Community,
As promised, every Wednesday I will be emailing you to update NSCC status regarding COVID-19. Today, I’m writing to inform you that we continue to actively monitor the global outbreak of the new coronavirus, termed “COVID-19.” While the flu virus is currently of greater risk in Massachusetts, we want to alert the college community that our expanded Emergency Response Team (ERT) is meeting regularly to proactively make plans to keep our community safe in the event we are impacted. While there has been one confirmed case of the coronavirus in Massachusetts, state officials note that the risk to residents in Massachusetts remains low.
We are guided by information provided by the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization (WHO), and state and local health departments. The ERT will meet weekly or as needed to evaluate the ongoing situation and make decisions to safeguard the health of the college community. Campus Police Chief David Cook will serve as the primary contact person for incoming information on the disease. He can be reached at dcook@northshore.edu.
Coronavirus causes a respiratory (lung) infection. Symptoms include fever, cough and shortness of breath, and in severe cases, pneumonia (fluid in the lungs). The virus has spread rapidly and currently has been detected in over 60 countries including the United States. With spring break around the corner, students, faculty, and staff may be planning or have already made travel arrangements for destinations far and wide. The CDC has provided general travel information with regard to COVID-19 considerations, including many additional more specific links. 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 US State Department and the CDC advise reconsidering plans if cruising to or within Asia. All travelers should thoroughly research their destinations and consult with medical or nursing providers on medical concerns. Continue to stay tuned to CDC and WHO travel advisories which are being updated on the web daily.
We recommend that everyone take preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs, including:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
- Cover coughs and sneezes.
- Get a yearly flu shot to prevent complications.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
NSCC’s Facilities Department is working diligently to prevent the spread of disease throughout our campus buildings. Activity includes: cleaning bathrooms multiple times a day and ensuring they are supplied with soap, water, and paper towels; supplying common areas and all classrooms with hand sanitizer; wiping down classroom & cafeteria surfaces, stair handrails, and door handles with disinfectant daily; and placing signage in all bathrooms to remind students and staff of the importance of proper handwashing. Our facilities folks are requisitioning sanitizing wipes for computer and other lab use as well as office use. As soon as the supplies are received, we will distribute to all campuses. Over spring break college buildings will receive a deep cleaning with disinfectant specifically targeted at the coronavirus.
We have been attending meetings called by the state and at the MA DPH meeting yesterday were informed that Governor Baker has requested institutions of higher education cancel all international student travel and recall students from study abroad programs. We will continue to regularly attend such meetings to stay abreast of any developments. Domestic travel is not affected at this time.
If you would like additional information, the following resources are available:
https://www.mass.gov/guides/information-on-the-outbreak-of-2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/
https://www.who.int/health-topics/coronavirus
We have also created our own college landing page which will provide timely updates and resources. You can access it at www.northshore.edu/corona.
Stay healthy!
Pat