Notre Dame College is providing an update on the growing national concern about the novel Corona virus (also known as COVID-19) and the College’s management planning for it locally on campus, the broader environment and the likelihood of contagion spreading.
Spring break is approaching. As of today, March 9, 2020, all on-campus operational systems are NORMAL, but students and travelers are advised to monitor the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Ohio Department of Health (ODH) websites for current recommendations on travel safety. There is a wealth of information with links provided below:
Ohio Department of Health Resources for Colleges and Universities:
Learn more about College and University Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
Visit the CDC to learn more about Corona Virus
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), people are not at risk of contracting the virus if they have not had direct contact with a person with active symptoms of the disease. Direct contact includes exposure to an infected person’s body fluids or providing care to an individual with active symptoms. Simply shaking hands with an individual is considered a very low risk contact. Being in the near vicinity (within 6 feet) of another individual or passing an individual in the street is considered of no risk.
But everyone must be alert. As of today, the corona virus disease has affected more than 500 people nationwide resulting in 22 deaths. There are a few reported cases reported in the state of Ohio, so the College remains on high alert.
Because the disease is spreading, the College has formed a committee to keep current on the daily changes and recommendations of knowledgeable public safety officials. This on-campus group includes nursing, biology, administrative and staff personnel meeting regularly to stay on top of the situation.
The College is closely following the policies being established by the Cuyahoga County Board of Health (CCBH), the ODH and the CDC. A growing number of public events are being cancelled to slow the spread of illness; the College will follow CCBH and ODH recommendations on what, if any, events or activities may be affected.
Considering the potential disruption of campus services, the College asks all students, faculty and staff to evaluate such things as:
- Can my job, class, lab assignment, research, internship or any other of my daily academic requirements be accomplished remotely (off campus)? If so, do I have the resources I would need to do my work and or studies such as computer, Internet, software, etc.?
- Do I have medical insurance or a support system that will cover all or most of my expenses should I contact the virus?
- If I need to be quarantined for a period of time, would I be able to take care of my medical and pharmaceutical needs or would I require additional nursing or financial support?
The CDC protocol recommends a person seek medical care immediately if they develop a mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:
- Fever
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Symptoms of virus
Additional information about symptoms is available from the CDC click here to learn more:
As always, the best remedy is to be prepared in advance.
- Avoid close contact with people who show any symptoms;
- Cover your cough and sneeze with a tissue, then immediately dispose of it in the trash;
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth;
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched areas and surfaces, such as phones and television remotes;
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds;
- Stay home when you are sick. Isolate yourself and get appropriate medical care.
If the situation on campus should change, members of the community will be notified through the established communications channels of: email, text messages, Alertus notifications (for those who have enrolled in this no-cost service) and the primary College Website (NotreDameCollege.edu). Details about Alertus campus safety alerts and other emergency procedures are available on the College Police webpages.
Nearby medical facilities include:
- Sender’s Pediatrics is just across from campus on Green Road.
- Beachwood Family Health Center is a part of the Cleveland Clinic and is near Beachwood Mall.
- UH Suburban is a part of University Hospitals and is down Green Road before Mayfield Road.
- Family Urgent Care is on Mayfield Road just east of Richmond Road.
More information about the Coronavirus can be found online:
CDC Main Web site
The World Health Organization
More from the Ohio Department of Health:
Cuyahoga County Board of Health
As always, the health and safety of all of students, faculty, staff, visitors and the community is the College’s top priority.
Additional updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
March 2020
About Notre Dame College
For almost a century, Notre Dame College has educated a diverse population in the liberal arts for personal, professional and global responsibility. Founded by the Sisters of Notre Dame in 1922, the College has grown strategically to keep pace with the rapidly changing needs of students and the dramatic changes in higher education. But it has never lost sight of its emphasis on teaching students not only how to make a good living but also how to live a good life.
Today, the College offers bachelor’s degrees in 30 disciplines plus a variety of master’s degrees, certification programs and continuing and professional development programs for adult learners on campus and online. Notre Dame College offers NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletic programs for men and women and is located in a picturesque residential neighborhood just 25 minutes from the heart of Cleveland. Hallmarks of the Notre Dame experience include stimulating academics, personalized attention of dedicated faculty and staff, and small class sizes.
Notre Dame College is located at 4545 College Road in South Euclid. For further information contact Brian Johnston, chief communications officer, at 216.373.5252 or bjohnston@ndc.edu.