To Our Hotchkiss Community,
We write with an update regarding the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV, also known as 2019 nCoV Respiratory Disease). It was recently declared a WHO Public Health Emergency of International Concern and the CDC and the State Department have recommended not travelling to China. Our thoughts are with those in China and elsewhere who have been affected by this illness, and we hope the information below will provide direction and reassurance.
There are currently no Hotchkiss students or employees who are suspected of having contracted 2019-nCoV. Nonetheless, we continue to monitor the virus closely, working in concert with our peer schools, following guidance from the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Who needs to be tested?
CDC's criteria to evaluate a patient as a Person Under Investigation (PUI) include fever, symptoms of lower respiratory symptoms, and either recent travel to China or recent contact with a confirmed 2019-nCoV patient.
What about visits to campus?
In response to recent recommendations, we ask all potential campus visitors--including families of Hotchkiss students and employees--who have been in any region of China in the past 14 days to postpone visits to campus. If you have been in China in the past 14 days and you are ill, please do not come to campus and, per CDC criteria, call a local hospital to arrange for a medical evaluation.
Long Winter Weekend - February 6 through February 10
We know some families from overseas plan to visit with their students during Hotchkiss's February 6-10 holiday. During the break, if your student visits with anyone who is or becomes ill AND has been in China in the past 14 days, please contact the dean on duty through the switchboard prior to their return to campus. Our guidance will be based on CDC guidelines, and may include that the student be isolated from the Hotchkiss community until 14 days have elapsed since their contact.
March Break - March 7 through March 23
As March Break approaches, we are considering steps to ensure the safety of all of our students. In light of the State Department's Level 4 warning against travel to China, we are recommending that no student travel to China for March Break (Saturday, March 7 through Monday, March 23).
Taking care of ourselves and our community
While the 2019 Respiratory Disease (2019-nCoV) has attracted headlines, the CDC still considers it a low public health risk for those residing in the United States. Currently, the flu and other common respiratory viruses are far more likely to cause fever or cold symptoms in our community. The CDC estimates that so far this season there have been at least 19 million flu illnesses, 180,000 hospitalizations, and 10,000 deaths from the flu, including 68 pediatric deaths. To help prevent the spread of both the flu and other respiratory viruses, we must continue to take care of ourselves and maintain daily common sense practices, including:
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Wash hands frequently, especially before eating
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Use hand sanitizer regularly
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Keep shared surfaces (tables, desks) clean and disinfected
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Maintain good self-care: get plenty of rest, eat well, and drink plenty of fluids
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If you feel ill, reach out to the Health Center or your local healthcare provider
Thank you for your understanding, support, and close attention to these requests and recommendations--and please know that each of the above measures is undertaken out of an abundance of caution and with the entire Hotchkiss community's health and wellness as our top priority. This is an evolving situation, and we will continue to offer updates as new information becomes available.
Students from China are an important part of the Hotchkiss community. We understand that some may feel anxiety and stress and ask everyone to be supportive of each other as this situation evolves.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to Steve McKibben P'22, dean of community life, your student's advisor, or Dr. Zelman P'04.
Sincerely,
Craig W. Bradley
Head of School
Steve McKibben P'22
Dean of Community Life
Jared Zelman M.D. P'04
Medical Director
