Coronavirus/COVID-19
Wesleyan University is actively monitoring the global coronavirus (COVID-19) emergency and its potential impacts on our campus community. To date, there are no confirmed cases at Wesleyan or in the state of Connecticut. The Wesleyan Emergency Response Team is actively managing our readiness and response to the coronavirus epidemic as a rapidly evolving situation. Health and safety continue to be the University’s top priorities in our decision making and support.
Davison Health Center staff are in frequent communication with state health officials on the virus. Wesleyan has stood up an emergency planning group of personnel from across the University as we work to keep our students, faculty, and staff healthy, safe, and informed. We will continue to communicate with our campus community, and will post regular updates to this website.
This webpage catalogs important information for our university community, but is not intended to serve as a single reference about the rapidly evolving situation. Other official sources include:
SYMPTOMS OF CORONAVIRUS
Similar to the flu, symptoms of coronavirus are mild to severe respiratory illness including:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
At this time, the CDC reports that symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure.
REDUCING RISK OF EXPOSURE
The CDC recommends preventative actions to reduce the risk of developing the flu or other respiratory diseases, including:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- When you are sick, stay home.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
General
- How do I know if I have been exposed to coronavirus? What should I do if I have concerns?
Unless you have encountered someone known to have been diagnosed with coronavirus or you have traveled to a country with high numbers of confirmed cases, your risk for being exposed is low. If you experience symptoms, you should take precautions to prevent spreading germs and see a healthcare professional.
Students who are currently on campus and believe they may have coronavirus should call the Davison Health Center at 860-685-2470. Do not show up without calling. If students are at home when they develop symptoms of coronavirus, seek help from your personal physician. Do not return to campus for 14 days or until symptoms abate.
- How is Wesleyan monitoring the novel coronavirus outbreak?
Staff at the Davison Health Center have been in regular contact with the Connecticut Department of Public Health regarding the latest information and advice on the coronavirus. We are also closely monitoring the Centers for Disease Control’s recommendations, and regularly communicate with our peers at other higher ed institutions on response to the virus.
- What advice does Wesleyan have for avoiding the coronavirus?
The Davison Health Center recommends taking common sense measures to avoid the spread of illness, including not sharing drinks; coughing into the crook of one’s arm rather than the hand; and frequently using hand sanitizer or washing hands in soap and water for 20 seconds. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website offers additional tips for prevention of coronavirus and other illnesses.
Travel
- What advice does Wesleyan have for visa-holding community members?
Wesleyan strongly recommends that members of our community who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents should not travel internationally, except in true cases of emergency. In addition to health and safety concerns, these individuals face a risk of becoming stranded outside the country. The U.S. Department of State has made a decision not to permit re-entry to the U.S. for many travelers returning from mainland China and Iran who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents during the 14-day period preceding their entry or attempted entry into the United States. For details, please see proclamation 9984 issued on Jan. 31, 2020. Due to the rapid spread of the virus around the world, it’s quite possible that travel restrictions could be expanded in the near future to other countries.
Study Abroad
- How is Wesleyan making decisions about its study abroad programs?
We are monitoring the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s travel notices and warning/alert levels around the world. We’re also consulting with peer institutions, as well as our resident directors and staff on the ground at Wesleyan’s study abroad programs. Students in several independent Wesleyan-approved programs in South Korea have been sent home The university closed its study-abroad program in Bologna, Italy Questions about study abroad can be directed to Associate Director of Study Abroad Emily Gorlewski at egorlewski@wesleyan.edu.
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