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Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information

March 9, 2020

A Message from Human Resources

To SUNY Niagara employees,

As you know, information about the coronavirus outbreak is changing on a regular basis, and we are writing with new details that affect the SUNY Niagara community. First, we provide here updated information with regard to travel; second, we offer information regarding questions of quarantine; third, we use this opportunity to remind the community of the health-related information that is being distributed by state and federal health agencies; and fourth, we want to remind you to remain calm even though it is challenging to do so as we continue to receive new information on a continuous basis.

Precautionary measures and SUNY Niagara operating schedule
We are currently receiving information, developing plans, and making decisions based on facts available to us through SUNY System Administration and city and state agencies, and there is every expectation that the campus will continue to operate on a regular schedule.

Precautionary measures and travel
Following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), SUNY Niagara is suspending all nonessential travel by SUNY Niagara employees or students to any of the Level-2 or Level-3 countries (Japan, Iran, China, South Korea, Italy). This curtailment includes class-, conference-, presentation-, and research-related travel. Any other proposed course-related travel is subject to review and approval by the vice president for Academic Affairs or vice president of Student Services.

Moreover, SUNY System Administration has notified all campuses that study abroad programs in China, Italy, Japan, and South Korea are being curtailed, effective immediately, and this was announced earlier by Governor Andrew Cuomo. Chartered flights are being arranged by SUNY in order to transport students, faculty, and on-site administrators to John F. Kennedy International Airport from these locations in the coming days. SUNY System Administration is in direct communication with these individuals regarding travel directions, and SUNY Niagara will communicate with students and faculty as we obtain more information as SUNY System Administration and the New York State Department of Health are identifying quarantine procedures and further information is forthcoming.

Precautionary measures and quarantine
If you have recently returned from any Level-3 countries, you will be required to self-quarantine for a 14-day period upon your return. Contact the Human Resource Office at (716) 614-5950 and do not return to work.

As you may know, there are currently no travel restrictions for domestic travel or countries that are not at Level 3. However, if you have recently returned from any Level-2 country-and possibly those others that are experiencing a new outbreak-you may be required to self­quarantine for a 14-day period upon your return. Contact the Human Resource Office at (716) 614-5950 and do not return to work.

Please contact the Human Resource Office immediately at (716) 614-5950 to receive guidance on informing your supervisor and instructions on working from home during that period.

There will be no change to job status, payroll status, or time bank for employees who fall in this category of quarantine.

Precautionary measures and health-related information (from the New York State Department of Health)
Signs and symptoms including fever, cough, and shortness of breath may appear 2-14 days after exposure if:

  • You have contact with someone with confirmed coronavirus.
  • You traveled to countries that are considered Level 2 or 3 (at this time the countries are Japan, Iran, South Korea, Italy, China) in the last 14 days.
    ** In some cases there may be no known source of exposure identified.

If you suspect that you may be infected with coronavirus, follow the steps below to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community:

  1. Stay home, except to get medical care.
  2. Stay away from other people in your home, if possible.
  3. Call ahead before visiting your doctor (to decrease the risk to others in the office).
  4. Wear a face mask when you are around other people.
  5. Cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow, and then wash your hands thoroughly.
  6. Avoid sharing personal household items.
  7. Clean your hands often.
  8. Clean all “high-touch” surfaces (keyboards, phones, tablets, etc.) every day with household wipes or sprays. Click here for a list of cleaning solutions that kill the coronavirus.
  9. Monitor your symptoms.
    a. Seek prompt medical attention if your illness is worsening (i.e., difficulty breathing)
  10. Home isolation will continue until the risk to others is thought to be low. (The decision to discontinue home isolation precautions should be made in consultation with health care providers and the state and local health departments.)

The CDC recommends everyday prevention, including:

  • 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 when hands are visibly dirty.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Avoid parties or other social gatherings.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

The health and safety of the SUNY Niagara community are our highest priority and we appreciate your cooperation in reviewing these guidelines and following related news as it is presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as the New York State Department of Health.

Catherine Brown
Assistant Vice President of Human Resources
Title IX Coordinator (Employees)