You may have heard about the new Coronavirus, an infection initially detected in Wuhan, China that is now spreading to other parts of the world.

While no cases have been confirmed yet in New York State or at St. Francis College, we want to help ensure you remain healthy while authorities continue to monitor the spread.

Many of the symptoms of the Coronavirus mimic those of the flu, the common cold, or other illnesses.

There are currently no vaccines to protect against the new Coronavirus.

• To protect yourself and others, members of the campus community:Are encouraged to seek immediate medical attention if they are experiencing fever, cough or having difficulty breathing.

• Should not attend classes, work, or College events if they are ill. They should stay home except when seeking medical care and should avoid contact with others.

• Should cover their mouths or noses with a tissue or their shirtsleeves – not their hands – when coughing or sneezing.

• Should wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

• Should avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.

• Should avoid close contact with people who are sick.

If you have recently been to China - or have been in contact with someone who has - and feel sick with fever, cough, sore throat or trouble breathing, please stay home and contact your healthcare provider immediately. This Coronavirus is serious and some deaths have been attributed to it.

We will continue to provide updates at sfc.edu as we receive them from health officials, and we encourage you to email Elizabeth Giugliano RN, St. Francis College's resident nurse ([email protected]) if you have questions specific to Coronavirus. You can also visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's website, which is updated continuously.

We are committed to providing information and support in this rapidly evolving situation.