March 9 Coronavirus update

Published date
4:30 p.m.
News Type

The following is a roundup of the current information related to the development of concerns over novel coronavirus - or COVID-19.

Out of an overabundance of caution, we provide this information so you can be informed and exercise your best judgement as you make decisions that could affect your preparation and health. Please remember that many measures are advised in the interest of public health and protecting the most vulnerable members of our population, including those with compromised immune systems.

College Planning, Preparation and Response

Senior leadership of the college has participated, and continues to participate, in several conference calls, emails and conversations with representatives of SUNY system, the New York State Department of Health, the Governor’s office and other professionals.

SUNY Morrisville continues to have no confirmed cases on campus. We have infectious disease protocols in place and work with local health officials to be prepared for a broad range of contingencies in the event of an outbreak.

We follow the guidance of SUNY system, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the New York State Department of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Department of State.

Travel and Spring Break

We urge everyone to be aware of Travel Health Notices from the CDC to be informed about current health issues that impact travelers’ health in specific international destinations. Pay special attention to Warning Level 3 and Alert Level 2 destinations, which may lead to quarantine or other restrictive measures for those returning from such areas.

SUNY Morrisville has no reported instances of students, faculty or staff participating in any study abroad programs in the affected areas.

Of the 142 total individuals in New York State who tested positive for the virus, the geographic breakdown is as follows:

Westchester: 98 (16 new cases)

New York City: 19 (7 new cases)

Nassau: 17 (12 new cases)

Rockland: 4 (2 new cases)

Saratoga: 2

Suffolk: 1

Ulster: 1

Students who wish to stay on campus during spring break may do so. Please notify Residence Life by emailing reslife@morrisville.edu. Mustang Alley is currently scheduled to be open for lunch, and students can use Mustang Money at participating locations for other meal and supply needs during the break.

Enhanced Cleaning on Campus

Cleaning staff has been instructed to disinfect touch surfaces (door handles, handrails, bathrooms, entryways, etc.) more regularly, using CDC-recommended products with a a detergent-based cleaner. SUNY Morrisville uses a Pioneer product called Eclipse Aurora HB, a germicide detergent and deodorant.

Dining areas are using Keystone Peroxide Disinfectant & Glass Cleaner for doorknobs, equipment handles, bathroom sinks, tables, sneeze guards, etc. Close monitoring of employee health, along with increased review of cleaning/disinfecting instructions with student staff and handwashing, contributes to regular and heightened safety measures in dining spaces.

The campus has a large quantity of hand soap in stock and has ordered more hand sanitizer and dispensers, which will arrive between March 18 and April 1.

Coordinating with Residence Life, Maintenance staff is acquiring posters to promote hand washing and other measures and will post throughout campus.

New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the state will provide alcohol-based hand sanitizer to New Yorkers free of charge. To help combat price-gouging and ensure New Yorkers have access to this vital prevention method, the state will produce up to 100,000 gallons of hand sanitizer each week in 1.7 oz., 7 oz. and gallon bottles. The hand sanitizer will be made available to residents free of charge, and distribution will be prioritized by the most impacted and high-risk communities, including state agencies.

Individuals and offices can download, print and post CDC-prepared fact sheets in their own spaces:

Contingencies for Course Interruption

The Office of the Provost is soon distributing a memo to faculty, requesting each member complete a form to indicate plans for continuity of service. This will help everyone understand how students can continue in their coursework, whether they or their instructors are affected by individual quarantine or illness or a broader curtailing of services. This is a planning activity only at this stage.

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