Dear Sisters and Parents,

A novel coronavirus is currently causing illness around the world. Illnesses can spread quickly among groups, especially those who are in close contact. Therefore college campuses are at particular risk.

With sisters returning from studying abroad programs, this risk is increased. While we know you are all excited to see your sisters, we are asking you to follow these precautions. Returning study abroad students should limit contact with sisters for at least 14 days while monitoring your health. If you experience any symptoms, please be sure to schedule an appointment with your health care provider. We look forward to welcoming you home soon!

Below, we have included some additional information and resources to encourage prevention of and preparation for coronavirus, both on and off campus. We are also working with our professional staff at our residential properties to ensure best practices are followed. As this is an emerging situation, we will continue to keep you informed as we prioritize the health and safety of all of our sisters.

In Our Bond,

Erin Sweeney
National Housing Corporation President
ABOUT CORONAVIRUS
WHAT IS CORONAVIRUS?
According to the World Health Organization, coronavirus causes COVID-19. Common symptoms of COVID-19 include headache, fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. Individuals who are elderly or pregnant, and anyone with preexisting medical conditions are at the greatest risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19.

HOW DOES IT SPREAD?
Much is still unknown about COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) believes at this time that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as 2 days or as long as 14 days after exposure. According to the CDC, the spread of the coronavirus from person-to-person most likely occurs among close contacts who are within six feet of each other and is passed through respiratory secretions such as sneezing and coughing. It is unclear at this time if a person can get the virus by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or eyes.
PREVENTING AND PREPARING FOR THE CORONAVIRUS
Whether you live in the chapter house, on campus or alone off-campus, you likely have close contact with a large population throughout your day. As a result, you may be subject to a higher risk of exposure to any type of communicable illness. To lower your risk, the CDC recommends these preventive measures:

  • Stay home when you are sick (even if you're just feeling slightly under the weather). You don't want to put others at risk.
  • Visit the doctor. If you have any respiratory symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then throw it in the trashcan.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Hand sanitizer is helpful, but hand washing is better! If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with 60%-95% alcohol.
 
Routine use of these measures by individuals will increase community resilience and readiness for responding to an outbreak. For more information on prevention and treatment of the disease and the latest news regarding coronavirus, visit the CDC website.
PHI SIGMA SIGMA NATIONAL HOUSING CORPORATION
housing@phisigmasigma.org
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