Margaret Hazlett margaret.hazlett@fandm.edu

Feb 6, 2020, 4:00 PM

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff,

Again this week, we are writing to reassure you that we have no identified cases of novel coronavirus virus here at F&M or in our area. We are monitoring the situation carefully and staying in touch with the Department of Health and the CDC.

We continue to see cases of influenza on our campus at a pace that is typical for this time of year. As a reminder, symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, and muscle aches. Students who think they have the flu should seek medical attention:

· Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: visit the Wellness Center.

· Evenings and weekends: The Wellness Center website offers information for after-hours care, including information about the area’s urgent care facilities, assistance with transportation, and links to view current wait times.

· Emergencies: call Public Safety at 717-358-3939 or call 911.

On Wednesday, the Pennsylvania Department of Health issued a new advisory that those who traveled from China within the last two weeks should self-isolate until 14 days after the date of their departure from China. We have a very small number of students on our campus who fall into that category. The Wellness Center has been in contact with them, and while we do not suspect that any have been exposed to the virus, we are complying with the advisory and assisting those students with temporary isolation.

We know the novel coronavirus outbreak is an unusual circumstance that is receiving a great deal of media coverage and public speculation. If you are experiencing anxiety or stress, we encourage you to reach out for support through the Wellness Center, College Houses, or the Office of International Programs. Employees of the College can seek support through the Employee Assistance Program. Information is available through the Office of Human Resources.

As always, we remind everyone that simple wellness practices are highly recommended to help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses:

· Cover your mouth and nose with tissue or sleeve when coughing and sneezing.

· Wash your hands frequently, and keep washing them for 20 seconds.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.

· Do not share eating and drinking utensils.

· Do not share saliva.

· Be sure to get adequate sleep, good nutrition, and regular exercise.

Even though we continue to be at low risk for coronavirus here, these preventative practices are the best way to maintain health during flu season.

Margaret Hazlett

Vice President and Dean of Student Affairs

Dr. Amy Myers

Managing Physician of the Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health Student Wellness Center at Franklin & Marshall College