An Important Health Message for the NYU Community
To: The NYU Community
From: Provost Katherine E. Fleming, Assoc. Vice President for Student Health Dr. Carlo Ciotoli, MD, and Exec. Vice President Martin Dorph
Date: Monday, February 3, 2020
Dear Members of the NYU Community:
The safety and health of the NYU community are of paramount concern to the University. NYU has been actively monitoring developments since the first reports of a new coronavirus-based illness that emerged from the Wuhan region of China. So far, there are no identified cases illness among members of the NYU community.
Late last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the situation a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, and in reaction the US government has warned against travel to China and placed new restrictions on travelers coming from China.
With that in mind, we want to determine who in our community may have come from China and make sure they are getting the most up-to-date medical and public health guidance. Accordingly:
- All NYU affiliates -- students, faculty, administrators, and staff -- who are currently in China or who have returned from China since January 20th should complete this health form by tomorrow (Tuesday, February 4) so that the University can follow up with you with the appropriate information, guidance, and assistance. Any information you provide will be kept confidential.
- If you were in China prior to January 20th and you are not exhibiting any symptoms associated with the coronavirus illness - fever, coughing, difficulty breathing - you do not need to take any action.
- University-related travel to China remains suspended.
Coronavirus-related developments continue to come rapidly, and the situation is evolving. We appreciate your forbearance and your attention, as well as your efforts to ensure that we fulfill our academic mission fully even in challenging circumstances. We will continue to update you through the webpage established by the Student Health Center and through emails.
We also understand that news of this illness can be emotionally difficult. We want to remind you of the availability of the Wellness Exchange for students and Carebridge for employees. Beyond that, we would also ask that you bear in mind how important it is to be supportive of those who, through no fault of their own, may be experiencing this crisis most sharply; we urge you to remain calm, not to take the counsels of your fears, and to abide by our campus' commitment to diversity and inclusion. The US, New York, and our University all have expertise and resources to respond effectively to illnesses such 2019-nCoV.
If you have health related questions, please call the Student Health Center at 212.443.1000.
Sincerely,
Katherine Fleming
Provost
Dr. Carlo Ciotoli, MD
Assoc. Vice President for Student Health
Martin Dorph
Exec. Vice President