Eastern Nazarene College Monitors New Coronavirus and Recommends Preventative Measures

Eastern Nazarene College Health Services is closely monitoring an outbreak of a new coronavirus (2019-nCoV) to ensure that appropriate measures are being taken to keep our campus safe. To date, there have been at least 11 confirmed cases in the US, including one in Boston. However, as of now, there is low risk to the general public.

Symptoms of the 2019-nCoV virus include fever and symptoms of lower respiratory illness such as cough and difficulty breathing. In some cases, the virus has led to lower respiratory tract illnesses, including bronchitis and pneumonia.

All members of the Eastern Nazarene College community are urged to follow the same strategies they would ordinarily use to protect themselves and others during a normal cold and flu season:

• Wash your hands often and thoroughly with soap and warm or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Also, try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your dorm room until your fever is less than 100 for 24 hours. Resident students should contact their RA for a thermometer.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Boost your immunity by getting sleep, exercising, and eating a well-balanced diet.
• Disinfect surfaces regularly with a disinfectant cleaner.
• Get a seasonal flu shot. The flu vaccine is the best defense against seasonal flu. Most policies, including Eastern Nazarene College employee and student insurance, cover the cost of a flu shot. You can get a flu shot at a doctor’s office, urgent care center, CVS (including the store on Beale Street where it is available 24/7), Rite Aid, Stop and Shop, Target, Walmart, and Walgreen’s.

Anyone who has either been in close contact with a person with a confirmed diagnosis of 2019-nCoV or is returning from the Hubei Province and develops fever, shortness of breath, and new cough within 14 days of potential exposure should remain at home and call Health Services at 617-745-3892 or 617-745-3893 during office hours Monday through Friday 9 am to 4:00 pm or seek care at a local hospital or urgent care center.  It is important to call ahead to any medical facility if you may have been exposed to the coronavirus and you have any of the above symptoms.

 The most up-to-date information about the coronavirus is available from the CDC.

Eastern Nazarene College Health Services is monitoring the situation closely and will keep the college community informed as we learn more about the virus, if new risks are identified, or if we have updated recommendations.

Questions?  Please contact Eastern Nazarene College Nurse, Patsy Malas, at 617-745-3893.