Wednesday, March 11, 2020 | 9 p.m.
Dear Members of the Campus Community,
As of this evening, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Fordham.
To date, all of the Fordham personnel who previously had suspected cases of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) have tested negative—including the most recent undergraduate case—and those who may have been exposed to individuals with the virus remain symptom free.
Unfortunately, yesterday a University staff person reported exposure to someone with possible COVID-19 symptoms. The staff person was directed to self-isolate for 14 days and to see a healthcare professional. All the individuals at Fordham who were in contact with the staff person are being identified and contacted so that their health may be monitored. At present it is estimated that it will take up to 7 days to get results from laboratory tests for COVID-19. The employee’s work and adjacent areas, and locations to which they traveled on campus, received a deep cleaning overnight (as per Fordham’s standard procedures in these cases).
Following the precautions recommended by the CDC and Department of Health remain critically important, especially as the number of cases of COVID-19 in New York continues to increase exponentially.
Fordham has called home all students studying abroad in Europe, including those enrolled in the London program.
Today the University suspended all study abroad programs in Europe in light of the rapidly worsening COVID-19 situation throughout Europe. The University took this step to protect the health and wellbeing of study abroad students, and to ensure that none might be stuck overseas by other nations’ quarantine measures. The University will ensure that the returning students can complete their academic requirements for the spring semester via distance learning options.
The COVID-19 outbreak will become more widespread in the coming weeks. The University reemphasized the importance of following the precautions below to stay healthy, and to prevent the virus from spreading.
Effective immediately, all on-campus University events are canceled at least through March 29.
This includes outside organizers renting space at Fordham, and Fordham events at off-campus venues in New York City. Some of these events may be rescheduled; organizers will reach out to the University Community when they have more information about their specific event. The only exceptions to the above are a limited number of intercollegiate athletic events at which only the athletes and coaches may be present.
Regional chapter events outside of the greater New York City area may still proceed as planned. We urge you to use discretion when considering attending such events; check news.fordham.edu/events for updates.
Sincerely,
Joseph M. McShane, S.J.
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Coronavirus Information and University Contacts
Again, the spread of the coronavirus is a rapidly evolving situation, with multiple new cases being reported daily in the United States and New York State. Please see fordham.edu/coronavirus for detailed information on the University’s preparation and planning.
Any student experiencing symptoms (which may be similar to the flu or common cold, and may include fever and coughing) should call (rather than visit) University Health Services (UHS) immediately:
Lincoln Center: (212) 636-7160
Rose Hill: (718) 817-4160
After business hours, contact the Department of Public Safety at (718) 817-2222. Someone will be available to take your call at this number 24/7.
Faculty and staff should contact their health care provider.
Prevention is very important. Here are ways to stay healthy:
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
Increase your fluid intake.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, and face.
Keep home/personal spaces clean, disinfect common surfaces.
Avoid contact with sick people.
Cover your cough with tissue/paper towel or the crook of your elbow.
If you have not received an influenza (flu) vaccine this year, do get one as soon as possible.
If you are sick, please stay home and contact your medical provider.
Fordham custodial personnel continue to deep clean common areas and restrooms on an accelerated schedule.
In general, students, faculty, and staff should avoid non-essential international travel until advised otherwise by University administration.
For more information, visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/coronavirus.page
If you have Fordham-specific questions please see the full contact list below.
Maureen Keown, MSN, Director
University Health Services
mkeown@fordham.edu
University Health Services health@fordham.edu Lincoln Center: (212) 636-7160
Rose Hill: (718) 817-4160
Department of Public Safety publicsafetyrh@fordham.edu (718) 817-2222 Available 24/7
Dean of Student Services gpappas@fordham.edu (718) 817-4395
Dean of Students (RH) deanrodgers@fordham.edu (718) 817-4755
Dean of Students (LC) deanofsalc@fordham.edu (212) 636-6250
Residential Life (RH) resliferh@fordham.edu (718) 817-3080
Residential Life (LC) reslifelc@fordham.edu (212) 636-7100
For more general questions, please consult the Student Handbook as a guide to Fordham offices.
