As the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and visitors to campus is our top priority, we are issuing this Health Advisory for the Novel Coronavirus (Coronavirus) that originated in Wuhan, China.
Be assured that currently there are NO cases of Coronavirus on the Notre Dame College campus, none confirmed in Ohio and 11 confirmed nationally to date. The College is following information and updates provided by the World Health Organization, the U.S. Department of State, the Ohio Department of Health and the Cuyahoga County Board of Health to monitor the situation and follow their recommended protocols.
At this time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to categorize the virus as “low risk to Americans.” Unless you have recently traveled to China or have been around someone who has been to China and is exhibiting symptoms of the Coronavirus, your risk of getting sick is low.
If you have traveled to China in the last 14 days and are experiencing symptoms of Coronavirus – fever, cough, shortness of breath -it is recommended you call your health practitioner before seeking care.
Be aware also that we are in the midst of the annual flu season, and it is not too late to get vaccinated. This season’s strain of the virus is especially aggressive, and it is highly recommended that all who are able to be vaccinated do so. The CDC estimates more than 10,000 people in the US will die from influenza this year.
As always, it is important to remember that the best way to prevent any respiratory illness is to practice routine good hygiene habits:
- Wash your hands often, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer in between washings.
- Avoid others who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect common-touch surfaces frequently.
- Sneeze or cough into the bend of your elbow to keep germs from spreading.
- Don’t share cups, spoons, forks, etc. with anyone.
- Contact a doctor, urgent care facility or emergency department if you become sick – don’t take chances.
- Stay home at the first sign of symptoms such as fever, sore throat and cough. If you are sick, don’t go to school or work. Don’t cough or sneeze near others.
- Take care of yourself. Be sure to get enough sleep, eat healthy and drink plenty of water.
Additional resources are available
There are many sources of detailed information about Coronavirus including answers to frequently asked questions, travel information and frequent updates to other important information. They include:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Coronavirus: https://www.cdc.gov/Coronavirus/index.html
- Ohio Department of Health – Coronavirus Resources for Colleges and Universities: https://odh.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/odh/know-our-programs/Novel-Coronavirus/Resources-Colleges-Universities/
- World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/health-topics/Coronavirus
To ensure the health and well-being of all students and community members, we will provide updates and new guidance when appropriate.
Questions should be directed to Tera Johnson, Dean of Students, at 216.373.5181 or by email at tjohnson@ndc.edu.
February 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.