Preparing for spring break

Posted: February 27, 2020

As you prepare for spring break next week (March 1-8), we want to underline that our primary concern is your safety and well-being while you are away from campus.

We would like to provide an update on news surrounding the coronavirus to continue to keep you informed so that you may exercise your best judgment in any upcoming travel as a preventative health precaution.

Facts & Information:

• Coronavirus was first detected in Wuhan, China and has now been detected in 37 locations internationally, including elsewhere in China, Mongolia, South Korea, Iran, Italy and Japan.
• While there have been cases confirmed in the United States, there have been no cases in Pennsylvania or Florida, or at Gannon.
• There are currently no high-level notices for the locations to which our Alternative Break Service Trips will be traveling.
• There are currently no high-level notices for the locations in which our students are studying abroad. However, we are closely monitoring the recent developments in Italy and are in communication with our students studying at the American University of Rome to provide support and arrange plans as necessary for their safety and well-being.
• Gannon's Office of Global Support and Student Engagement is in communication with our global students who may have family and friends in the impacted international areas, and continue to provide support and guidance during this time.

To prevent the spread of this and most other viruses, the CDC recommends the following:

• Wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds or more under warm water with soap.
• Use alcohol-based sanitizer if unable to wash hands.
• Avoid touching your eyes, face and mouth with unwashed hands.
• If you cough, sneeze or have a runny nose, always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.
• Throw used tissues into a trash can immediately and wash your hands thoroughly before touching anything or anyone.
• Do not share food, drink, utensils or dishes with others, and wash dishes, cups and silverware after use to prevent someone else from using contaminated items.
• If you have a persistent cough, you can wear a facemask to prevent spread to others, regardless of illness type.

Tips & Recommendations:

• Consider the necessity of your travels over spring break, especially if it involves crossing borders.
• Keep in mind that as we are in the midst of normal flu season, should you attempt to enter another country or to re-enter the U.S. with a fever, you could experience difficulties even if you are not sick with the coronavirus.
• If you travel to an area that has a risk of contagious disease and are concerned about symptoms upon your return to campus, please call Gannon's Health and Wellness Center at 814-871-7622.

We will continue to monitor the situation and will implement protocols in accordance with guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention if needed. We will continue to communicate with the Gannon community of any changes and on best practices for prevention measures to uphold the wellbeing of our students, faculty and staff.

For the most up-to-date information about COVID-19, visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.