Coronavirus Updates

Ithaca College officials are actively monitoring the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. We are closely following the situation in each country where the virus has been widely reported and where there currently are IC students studying abroad. In addition to communicating directly with these students, the college is providing important information and updates here that are designed to be helpful in making informed decisions about travel and health.

Students, faculty and staff who return to the United States from countries with a CDC Warning Level 3 Travel Health Notice (Avoid All Non-Essential Travel) will be required to self-quarantine for a minimum of 14 days after last being in the CDC Warning Level 3 country before being allowed to return to the Ithaca campus.

Self-Quarantine

Self-quarantine means remaining at home, not going to classes or work, limiting time outside of the home and monitoring your health for at least 14 days after you were last in any CDC Warning Level 3 country.  Additional guidance for self-quarantine includes:

• Do not come onto the Ithaca campus.
• Work or study from home, as possible. The college is currently developing policies and protocols for any remote work and study that may be necessary.
• Avoid non-essential travel outside of the home.
• Do not share cups, utensils, etc.
• Avoid shaking hands, hugging, kissing, etc.
• Avoid close contact (keep more than 6 feet between you and other people).
• Take your temperature twice a day (in the morning and evening), not within an hour of eating a meal.
• Call for medical assistance if you have any symptoms, such as
  • A temperature reading of 100.4 F or higher
  • Cough
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Any flu-like symptoms

We want Ithaca College students, faculty and staff to make informed decisions about travel and health. Because the situation with respect to the coronavirus is so fluid, we encourage you to regularly review the latest information from:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• U.S. Department of State
• World Health Organization (WHO)

The CDC recommends using enhanced hygiene protocols, which include:

• Avoid close contact (a minimum of 6 feet distance) with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning product.