To the WCSU community:
Our community’s safety, health and wellbeing are of paramount importance. We strive daily to ensure we take every possible precaution to provide a safe environment. To that end, we are issuing this communication to provide some valuable information regarding the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV,) including the decision of the World Health Organization to declare a global health emergency. While there is no doubt this is a serious virus, the risk for the general American public is still considered low as we are more likely to get sick from the flu that is now present throughout the U.S.
As an institution, we have been closely monitoring the evolving situation. We are in daily contact with state and local departments of health and are following regular updates from the federal Centers for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov.) As of 1/30/2020, there were six confirmed cases of the Novel Coronavirus in the United States, with none in the state of Connecticut.
We will continue to pay close attention to the Novel Coronavirus issue and will provide relevant updates as and when necessary. Any cause for increased concern will be shared with you immediately through official university and social media communications.
In the meantime, if you have recently traveled to China or been in close contact with someone who has, please follow the guidelines below:
- Anyone who has symptoms of fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing and within the past 14 days has traveled from China or has had close contact with someone who has, should seek medical care right away.
- Students should call WCSU Health Services at (203) 837-8590. After hours, go to the Danbury Hospital Emergency Department.
- Faculty/staff may contact their primary care physician or go to a local urgent care office.
- It is important that you call ahead before arriving at the emergency department, WCSU Health Services or doctor’s office.
Please continue to take precautions to protect yourself from the flu and other common respiratory infections:
- Wash your hands
- Cover your cough
- Do not share foods, drinks, eating utensils or vapes
- Stay away from people who are sick
- Isolate yourself if you are sick
- Get a flu shot if you have not already had one this season
More information and the latest updates are available:
- Centers for Disease Control (cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019)
- CT Dept. Of Public Health (portal.ct.gov/dph)
- CT Dept. of Public Health 24/7 helpline (860 509-8000)
Sincerely,
Nancy Haensch, MSN, APRN, NP-C Director, Health Services
Pano Koukopoulos, CIT, CHMM. Director, Emergency Management
Western Connecticut State University changes lives by providing all students with a high-quality education that fosters their growth as individuals, scholars, professionals and leaders in a global society. Our vision: To be widely recognized as a premier public university with outstanding teachers and scholars who prepare students to contribute to the world in a meaningful way.