Health Update on the Coronavirus
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2020 |
Contact: Kelly Depsee Director, Communications and External Relations 973-200-1099 KME@BerkeleyCollege.edu |
Berkeley College is keeping a watch on the coronavirus outbreak amid recent developments. At this time, there are no reported coronavirus cases in New York and New Jersey and no cases at Berkeley College. The coronavirus is a novel virus that originated in Wuhan, China. It is a respiratory illness in a family of viruses that include the common cold, and viruses such as SARS and MERS. It has resulted in more than 6,000 confirmed cases in China, including cases outside Wuhan City. Additional cases have been identified in a number of other countries, including the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Warning on all nonessential travel to China, the highest level of travel restrictions. About the CoronavirusSigns and symptoms of this illness include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. This novel form of the coronavirus has the potential to cause severe disease and death. Available information suggests that older adults and people with underlying health conditions or compromised immune systems may be at increased risk of severe disease. Because coronavirus symptoms replicate the flu, it is important not to panic, and to see your healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses. There are several known coronaviruses that infect people. These viruses usually only cause mild respiratory disease, such as the common cold. However, at least two previously identified coronaviruses have caused severe disease — severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) coronavirus. Initially, some patients were linked to the Wuhan South China Seafood City (also called the South China Seafood Wholesale Market and the Hua Nan Seafood Market). Caution to Travelers to and from ChinaIf you were in China in the last 14 days and feel sick with fever, cough, or have difficulty breathing, you should seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms. Anyone who has travelled recently to Wuhan and is symptomatic should not come to classes or offices until cleared by a licensed healthcare provider or deemed safe following a two-week observation period. Travel AlertsIn response to this outbreak, Chinese officials are screening travelers leaving some cities in China. Several countries and territories throughout the world are reported to have implemented health screening of travelers arriving from China. On arrival to the United States, travelers from China may be asked questions to determine if they need to undergo health screening. Travelers with signs and symptoms of illness (fever, cough, or difficulty breathing) will have an additional health assessment. For Additional InformationBerkeley College is monitoring the situation and are in contact with our colleagues in China and students and staff in the United States to ensure the exchange of information that keeps us current on the status of the outbreak. The College continues to follow guidelines set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health authorities. More information on the coronavirus can be found on The World Health Organization website. If students have any questions, they should contact a Student Development and Campus Life Representative at their local campus. Please refer to the list below. Student Development and Campus Life ContactsWoodbridge CampusKevin Frey
Helena Ross
Newark CampusSandra Garcia
Helena Ross
New York City CampusJeunelle Sanabria
James Marshmon
Alexandra Silvestre
Online CampusChrissy Andrascik
Paramus CampusJennifer Litvak
White Plains CampusAlexandra Silvestre
Suzeana Stewart
Woodland Park CampusMario Sencion
Heather Eaton-Dwyer
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