Dear Members of the Barnard Community,

Your well-being remains a top priority for us, and we continue to actively monitor the outbreak of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus). As the situation unfolds and the CDC has advised new guidelines around travel and containment, we have decided to follow the standards listed below, in conjunction with our partners at Columbia University.

In order to provide you with individualized assistance, instructions, and recommendations, Barnard College requests that all students, faculty and staff who have returned from or transited through the countries listed below in the past 14 days, or have had direct close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19, fill out a secure and confidential registration form.

Countries:

China (including Hong Kong)
Italy 
Iran
Japan
South Korea 

As a reminder, symptoms of COVID-19 include fever and symptoms of lower respiratory illness, such as cough and difficulty breathing. These symptoms may be similar to the flu or the common cold. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia and other complications, especially in infants, older individuals, and those with underlying health conditions. We are seeing many cases of influenza and other common respiratory illnesses in our students, faculty and staff. Please remember the steps we all should take every day to help prevent any respiratory illness: 

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Stay home if you are feeling sick.

If you have traveled recently or have been in close contact with a person diagnosed with COVID-19 and are experiencing the above symptoms please seek medical attention right away. Before you go to the doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and let them know of your recent travel and symptoms. Wear a mask if you need to leave your home when you are sick.

  • Students: Please call Primary Care Health Service at 212-854-2091 and ask to speak to a provider.
  • Faculty and Staff: Please reach out to your primary care provider.

Currently, there are no cases in New York or among Barnard  affiliates and we have made no changes to classes, activities, operations and events on our campuses. Updated FAQs can be found on the Columbia Preparedness site, which will be updated as new information becomes available.

Please use these additional resources for more information:

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Situation Summary World Health Organization (WHO) Information about Coronavirus
NYC Department of Health Information About Coronavirus
Barnard's Information and Updates on COVID-19

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding at this time,

Mary Joan L. Murphy
Executive Director of Student Health and Wellness
Barnard College