Barnard is continuing to closely monitor the information and expert national recommendations regarding the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) first detected in Wuhan, China. We are being diligent in assessing the situation and will continue to keep you updated as circumstances change.
To date, there are no known cases among our students, faculty, staff, or affiliates and no known cases in the New York area. We continue to follow the screening and diagnostic recommendations created by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (NYCDOHMH). The College has not made changes to classes, activities, operations, or events at this time and is following the CDC guidelines on business operations in regard to this virus. Please see the links below for a full description of the virus and public health guidelines.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention information
New York Department of Health information
Below is a list of symptoms, as well as travel recommendation to and from China, based on national recommendations from the CDC and the NYCDOHMH.
Coronavirus Symptoms
- Fever (>100.4 F)
- Runny nose
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Headache
- Sore throat
- General feeling of being unwell
- These symptoms are similar to the flu and the common cold. The rate of flu in New York City and the metropolitan area is high and is expected to increase for the next few weeks.
Travel to China
The CDC has issued a Level 3 Travel Warning (the highest level of warning), urging all U.S. residents to avoid nonessential travel to China, and the medical and travel security company International SOS has advised travelers to consider deferring nonessential travel to mainland China.
In accordance with the CDC guidelines, the College has decided to restrict college-related student, faculty, and staff travel to China until these guidelines change. Students will not receive credit or funding for activities involving travel there, and student groups are not permitted to visit.
Any employee, faculty, staff member or student who wishes to travel to China for a compelling college-related reason must submit a written request to the appropriate area senior staff member. (Faculty, please contact the Provost’s Office; Students, please contact the Dean of the College; and Staff, please contact your area Vice President.) Because of the travel restrictions in place within China, any such request must include confirmation of an evacuation plan. In addition, travelers will be required to comply with appropriate safety precautions and protocols as recommended by the CDC and other authorities.
Barnard does not currently have any registered travelers in China. If you or anyone you know is currently in China on College business, for Faculty, please reach out to the Provost’s Office at 212-854-7430 or global@barnard.edu, and for Staff, please reach out to Julia Wang at 212-854-5066 or jwang@barnard.edu.
Returning or Visiting from China
Returning affiliates and nonaffiliate visitors from China are required to adhere to the following protocol. Compliance with the requirements described in this protocol does not supersede or replace recommendations emanating from city, state, or federal authorities.
Returning travelers from China who are experiencing the symptoms listed above should seek medical attention immediately. They should call ahead to their provider or the emergency room and let them know of their recent travel and symptoms.
Students: Please call the Primary Care Health Service at 212-854-2091 and ask to speak to a medical provider.
Staff/Faculty: Please call your health care provider to advise on seeking further medical attention.
Anyone experiencing symptoms is strongly encouraged to avoid class/work and to stay at home or in your residence hall room at least until you have consulted with a health care provider.
Additional Resources
For more detailed information about the epidemiology of the virus and the latest updates, please visit:
Centers for Disease Control
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Columbia Preparedness
We know that many in our community may be affected by this outbreak. Please remember the campus resources available to you if you need support: Class Deans, Furman Counseling Center, Well-Woman, and Primary Care Health Service.