February 28, 2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The college is continuing to actively monitor the outbreak of the respiratory illness (COVID-19), caused by the novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, China. As of February 25th, this virus (dubbed “SARS-CoV-2”) has been identified in 37 locations internationally, including the United States. There are currently no confirmed cases in Maryland, nor are there any cases associated with Goucher. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is encouraging the public to plan and prepare for the potential spread of this virus. At this stage (pre-pandemic), the CDC recommends that all individuals take the following precautions:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, following the CDC’s handwashing guidelines. When soap and water are not readily available, using a hand sanitizer gel properly (rub it on all surfaces of your hands for at least 20 seconds or until dry) is also effective.
  • Keep your immunizations up to date, including an annual flu shot.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick – i.e., do not attend class, work, or social gatherings.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

If you believe you are exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms, the CDC advises that you call ahead and notify your health care provider. Contact with others should be avoided until a healthcare provider has provided an evaluation. The CDC has also issued travel advisories related to coronavirus and other disease outbreaks. No matter where you are traveling, if you have any underlying medical conditions, please discuss all travel with your healthcare provider.

The college is monitoring CDC and government guidelines and warnings about the coronavirus abroad. We have been in contact with all of our students abroad as well as our study abroad partners and will continue to monitor the situation closely.

For the latest news and summary on COVID-19, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/summary.html.

Sincerely,

Goucher Critical Incident Response Team
Co-Leads: Bryan Coker & Stephanie Coldren