Dear Community Members, 

MPH is fully committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for our students and all members of the community. Understandably, the newly detected coronavirus is receiving a great deal of public attention and concern, which we share. The illness, first reported in Wuhan City, China, presents with symptoms similar to pneumonia.  
 
I am writing to provide information as it specifically relates to our school and to underscore messaging consistent with local, national and international health agencies.

For more than a decade, MPH has welcomed international students from China, who benefit from and contribute to an outstanding educational experience. As the epicenter of the outbreak is located in China, I am grateful that international students who were abroad for the December holidays returned safely to MPH more than three weeks ago. One student who flew back from China more recently will “homeschool” for the recommended fourteen-day waiting period before returning to campus. We have not observed any signs of abnormal illness within the broader student population since our return from the holidays. As the scientific community is still learning about this illness, we understand there is no imminent risk associated with the coronavirus at MPH or in Central New York.  We will continue to monitor this evolving situation closely.  

I’ll use this opportunity to remind all community members of the usual precautions to minimize the spread of germs that can lead to colds and seasonal influenza, of which a handful of cases have been documented at MPH this winter:
 
  •  wash your hands on a regular basis with soap and water for at least twenty seconds; 
  •  avoid close contact with people who are sick and if you are sick, stay at home; 
  • clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces; 
  • cough or sneeze into your elbow; 
  •  avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

If you are interested in monitoring news about the coronavirus, you can visit these online resources:


Toward our shared commitment to good health, let’s also remember the importance of getting plenty of sleep, exercise, staying hydrated, and maintaining good nutrition at all times.  Thank you for your partnership.  

Sincerely, 

Dave McCusker
Head of School