March 19, 2020
Dear Students, Faculty, Staff, and Parents,
I am writing to share the news that, like many communities around the world and across our country, Wagner College has now been touched by the coronavirus. This afternoon we learned that two members of our Wagner College community have tested positive for the coronavirus. Our colleagues are safe at home recovering under medical guidance. Our thoughts and prayers are with them for a speedy recovery.
Since these are the first confirmed cases of COVID-19 on our campus, we wanted to personally inform you of these events. As additional cases are diagnosed, we will post as much information as we can on our COVID-19 website. We also will continue to communicate with you about significant developments as we work together through this challenging time.
The last time that these employees were on campus were March 9 and March 13, and we are heavily disinfecting all areas where these people were present.
This afternoon, the Governor announced that there are 3,615 confirmed cases in the NYC area. While we have been anticipating this development as a community, given the rapidly rising numbers of confirmed cases in the U.S. as testing becomes more available, it is a sobering reminder of the collective effort we must all make to try to stem the spread of this virus locally and nationally. The efforts we have been taking need to continue and intensify. Therefore, new restrictions will be effective tomorrow. We will be sending additional information with updates.
If you have experienced the following, you should contact your health care provider concerning possible exposure to COVID-19:
- Fever of more than 100.5 degrees
- New or worsening cough
- New or worsening shortness of breath
- Close contact (6 feet or less) for a duration of 15 minutes or more with someone diagnosed with COVID-19
- Recent travel to a country at a Level 3 CDC designation
Any member of the campus community who is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 should contact a medical provider by phone.
While you are experiencing symptoms, we ask that:
- Employees inform their supervisor, and plan to self-isolate at home for 14 days and not report to work.
- Any students that are still on campus and experiencing symptoms should call the Center for Health and Wellness (718) 390-3158.
In the meantime, all students, faculty and staff are reminded to:
- Wash their hands with soap and water regularly
- Avoid touching their eyes, nose or mouth
- Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces
- Practice social distancing by limiting exposure to crowds, avoiding handshaking and personal contact with others
Please know we appreciate your partnership as members of our campus in doing all we can to slow the spread of the coronavirus and contribute to the health and well-being of our community. Now more than ever, we need to treat one another with care, understanding, and respect.
Take care, be healthy, and stay strong and connected. We will get through this together.
Sincerely,
Joel W. Martin
President
