INFORMATION ABOUT CORONAVIRUS FROM HEALTH SERVICES

Updated: March 19, 2020

As a college community, we are continuing to follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and we are in close contact with the New York State Department of Health and the Albany County Health Departments. 

Important Health Information For Those Who Have Recently Traveled to A COUNTRY WITH A LEVEL 3 CDC WARNING:

At this time, any member of the Siena community who travels to or from a CDC Warning Level 3 country is required to self-identify prior to returning to campus and will be required to self-quarantine for 14 days. Anyone returning from these countries must contact the Office of Student Life or the Office of Public Safety for direction and guidance. You may be required to provide medical clearance from your county health department before returning to or visiting campus. 

There are currently no interstate travel restrictions or special procedures for traveling within the United States; however, state and federal authorities are recommending individuals avoid social gatherings of 10 or more people to limit the spread of the disease. 

During this flu season, everyone is encouraged to continue practicing good health hygiene habits: 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, use hand sanitizer often
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Avoid toughing your eyes, nose and mouth
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash
• Clean and disinfect frequently touch objects and surfaces
• Stay home and self-isolate when you are sick, except to seek medical care

Symptoms

Human coronaviruses commonly cause mild-to-moderate illness in people. Symptoms can include:

• Runny nose
• Headache
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Fever

How Does 2019 Novel (New) Coronavirus Spread?

Since this virus is very new, health authorities continue to carefully watch how this virus spreads. It is known to spread from animals to humans, and it also may be spread from person to person. It’s not clear yet how easily Novel (New) Coronavirus spreads from person-to-person. It’s important to know this in order to better understand the risk associated with this virus.

Prevention

The CDC website has a complete list of preventative actions you can take to safeguard against the spread of the disease. The list includes:

• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment available for any coronavirus. People infected with coronavirus should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms 

What to do if you have recently traveled and become sick?

Faculty and staff are encouraged to call ahead to a healthcare professional if you develop a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as cough or difficulty breathing, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19. Please contact the Siena Health Services 518-783-2554 if you are a student on campus and school is in session. 

Additional Resources

CDC: Coronavirus

World Health Organization: Coronavirus

Local NYS County Health Departments

Flu in NYS

The New York State Department of Health has established the following hotline number to answer questions or obtain more information about the Novel Coronavirus. Call 1-888-364-3065.