Dear Campus Community:
In alignment with national and state-wide warnings, D’Youville wishes to share information relating to campus preparations for a potential outbreak of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) in Erie County.
COVID-19 is a newly identified virus that is causing an outbreak of respiratory illness. It was first identified in December 2019 in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Since then, cases have been identified in multiple other countries including the United States. There are a small number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in New York State and in the province of Ontario; given the international nature of our community there is potential for occurrences of COVID-19 in Buffalo. For more information about COVID-19 you may visit: World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, New York State Department of Health, Erie County Department of Health.
As we actively monitor the global and regional situation, we are keeping the health and safety of our community a top priority. To that regard, institutional leadership is drafting emergency plans for future campus events to ensure no unneeded risk is introduced to the community. Should a campus event be transitioned to a digital experience or canceled due to COVID-19, we will share updates with you directly via email as soon in advance as possible.
SPRING BREAK
With the upcoming spring break period, we would like to encourage you all to use precaution and strong personal judgment while finalizing travel and strongly advise that you cancel traveling abroad. Please reference CDC guidelines for travel and remember – spring break is a time for you relax and rejuvenate – travel plans can always be postponed until health risks are mitigated.
STUDY ABROAD
Students who were registered for the study abroad trips this Spring should contact Ms. Laryssa Petryshyn in the Center for Global Engagement at 829-8119 or petryshl@dyc.edu for further information about trip cancellations. Faculty members and department chairs are currently working to develop an alternative option for students to complete the course credits that would have been earned through the faculty led trip. We understand this is disappointing, but the health and safety of students and staff is our highest priority.
HEALTH CENTER
As a reminder, D’Youville has identified WellNow Urgent Care at 1751 Sheridan Drive, Buffalo, NY 14223 as an appropriate and convenient provider for non-emergency medical needs that accepts a number of health insurance plans including the college provided United Healthcare.
Should you need emergency medical attention while on campus, please contact Campus Safety at 716-829-7777 or notify a faculty or staff member for assistance.
Please call your healthcare professional if you develop symptoms, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you have recently traveled from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread of COVID-19.
Reported illnesses have ranged from mild symptoms to severe illness and death for confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
CONTINUATION OF ACADEMIC INSTRUCTION
Should D’Youville need to initiate an emergency campus closure, we will share this information with you via our emergency notification system and follow-up with details via email. Maintaining instruction and scheduled academic completion is one of our top priorities and a task force comprised of faculty and administration has been established and is finalizing details on how to continue offering classes to students digitally throughout an emergency closure and until health and safety is completely restored.
CDC GUIDANCE ON THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF COVID-19
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
- CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
- Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workersand people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
- If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website
For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings
These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.
CDC Frequently Asked Questions Relating to COVID-19
We appreciate your cooperation with campus instructions and guidance from local, state and federal health officials. We will continue to update you regularly on this important health and safety issue.