Statement by NYU Spokesman John Beckman
"The safety and health of the NYU community is a foremost concern the University.
“The University is closely monitoring developments in connection with the emergence of the Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in the Wuhan area of China, and our Student Health Center is staying in regular contact with government health authorities.
"There are no known cases of 2019-nCoV among members of the NYU community at this point, and the leadership at NYU's Student Health Center urges calm. Respiratory illnesses are common at this time of year; the Student Health Center has well-established protocols for dealing with communicable illnesses, and there will be a heightened emphasis on determining travel histories for those presenting with respiratory illnesses.
Resumption of Classes
“With the exception of NYU Shanghai, all classes, activities, operations, and events are expected to go forward as scheduled at all NYU sites and locations.
“"In Shanghai, municipal authorities have asked universities to put new public health protocols in place. With the Chinese New Year holiday period beginning tomorrow, NYU Shanghai will delay its start of the spring semester by one week, so as to facilitate a smooth return of students thereafter. Therefore, spring classes for NYU Shanghai are now scheduled to start on February 10.
Outreach
"The medical staff at the Student Health Center, as mentioned, is in regular touch with governmental health authorities so as to insure we are following the most up-to-date guidance. As we receive new information or directions, we will update the community. We have already taken a number of steps to communicate with relevant groups of students:
- We have communicated with those students who, according to our records, are from the Wuhan region. We have provided them with information about the symptoms, instructed them to check in with us if they are experiencing those symptoms, reminded them about the availability of NYU health services, and other related information. In addition, we have advised them on whom to contact if travel restrictions imposed on Wuhan prevent them from being able to return to campus for the start of the spring semester.
- We have advised all the students at NYU Shanghai—many of whom customarily travel in China or elsewhere in Asia during the Chinese New Year period—to avoid travel to the Wuhan area; that advice should also apply to others in the NYU community thinking about traveling to China. We have also provided them with information about the symptoms of 2019-nCoV, reminded them about availing themselves of health services in China, and other related information.
- We have communicated with all the students who were studying at NYU Shanghai during J-term (January Term), providing them with information about the symptoms of 2019-nCoV, how to proceed if they are experiencing symptoms, and other related information.
- We have posted information about 2019-nCoV on the Student Health Center site as a general information resource to the community
Continued Monitoring
“The Student Health Center's posture is currently in line with most up-to-date guidance the World Health Organization, the CDC, and State and City health agencies. The SHC will continue to monitor and be in touch with those agencies, and will be seeking and acting on any guidance specific to university settings.
"Those who have questions may call the NYU Student Health Center at 212.443.1000."