Dear Students,

Following a university-wide notice on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) that went out earlier this month, this message is intended to reach all Boston College spring semester students abroad. The OIP is continuing to monitor the situation closely and we are in touch with our partners abroad, as well as colleagues at the University and practitioners in the field for further updates.
 
To date, there have been a growing number of confirmed cases of the virus. The majority of these cases have been in Mainland China, however in the past several weeks a growing number of cases have been found in other parts of the world, including the U.S., South Korea, Italy, Japan, and in other countries where our students are studying.
 
The US Department of State has issued an emergency alert to U.S. citizens on the current outbreak. Information about 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) can be found on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website, including information for travelers by county. You may have also heard that the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the ongoing coronavirus outbreak a global emergency and has issued advice for the general public to help stay healthy while traveling, practice food safety and protect yourself and others from getting sick. Symptoms of the virus are similar to the common cold and flu. 
 
If you have a respiratory condition (common cold, bronchitis, pneumonia) and are in the affected areas, or were, within the past 14 days, or were in contact with someone who recently traveled to the affected area/s, you should be evaluated for the Coronavirus. Please refer to the OIP website for details if you need to contact GeoBlue. News & Safety Alerts are also available through your GeoBlue dashboard. Please be advised that as part of your GeoBlue coverage you also have access to Global TeleMD, a new smartphone app that provides confidential access to international doctors by telephone or video call.
 
The WHO’s standard recommendations for the general public to reduce exposure to and transmission of a range of illnesses are as follows:

  • Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water;
  • When coughing and sneezing cover mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue – throw tissue away immediately and wash hands;
  • Avoid close contact with anyone who has a fever and cough;
  • If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing seek medical care early and share previous travel history with your healthcare provider;
  • When visiting live markets in areas currently experiencing cases of novel coronavirus, avoid direct unprotected contact with live animals and surfaces in contact with animals;
  • The consumption of raw or undercooked animal products should be avoided. Raw meat, milk or animal organs should be handled with care, to avoid cross-contamination with uncooked foods, as per good food safety practices.

Additionally, it is recommended that you avoid unnecessary travel and crowded areas as much as possible, and particularly in locations with high rates of COVID-19.
 
You are advised to continue to follow updates and instructions regarding Coronavirus provided by your host university or program abroad. We trust that you will also share this information with family members. Please contact your OIP advisor if you have questions or concerns.

Best regards,

Christina D. Hatzipetros

Associate Director, Health & Safety and Communications 
Office of International Programs
Boston College

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