March 7, 2020
Dear Siena Community,
As we head into Spring Break recognizing many will be traveling, I wanted to provide an update to the evolving situation regarding the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
As a campus, 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. Siena has created this webpage which will be updated regularly with the latest developments for our campus community.
At this time, any member of the Siena community who travels to or from a CDC Warning Level 3 country (China, Iran, Italy, and South Korea as of March 6) 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.
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.
On March 7, Governor Andrew Cuomo declared a state of emergency to help New York more effectively contain the spread of the virus. Information concerning the state of emergency declaration can be found here.
The New York State Department of Health has established the following hotline number to answer questions or to obtain more information about the Novel Coronavirus: 1-888-364-3065.
Carrie Hogan, M.S., ANP-C
Director of Health Services