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Dear Parents,

The following update was sent to our campus community this morning. Please see the message below.

Dear Andover Community,

Seventeen of our students attended the Yale Model UN Conference this past weekend. They returned to campus early after Yale University decided to end the conference Sunday morning out of an abundance of caution in response to a potential public health concern. Specifically, a high school student participant from China developed a fever and a cough and subsequently tested positive for seasonal influenza (“the flu”). Given the current concerns about Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), the student was also tested for this virus. The student was released from Yale Medical Center and will remain isolated until test results return later this week. It does not appear likely that their symptoms are related to 2019-nCoV. Here is the statement from Yale’s Health Director, Dr. Paul Genecin, including a hotline for updates (203-432-6604 or 866-924-YALE). No further intervention has been recommended.

Please know that our team will continue to focus on prevention and early detection in our community. The seventeen Andover students and two adult chaperones who participated in this conference have been encouraged to communicate with the Sykes Wellness Center team if they develop a fever, cough, or respiratory symptoms. We have also reached out proactively to these students and families. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide timely updates as they become available.

As a reminder, we are far more likely to see seasonal influenza. As it is January in New England, we would like to take this opportunity to echo proactive and healthy practices of handwashing and responsible hygiene. We need to work together as a community to prevent the spread of germs and viruses. If you have not yet received your flu vaccine, we highly recommend you visit the Sykes Wellness Center to get your vaccine. If you are exhibiting any flu-like symptoms, please come to the Sykes Wellness Center for care. If you are asymptomatic, there is no need to seek evaluation.

Here is an excerpt from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which provides helpful guidance in managing the 2019-nCoV situation:

CDC Recommends:

While the immediate risk of this new virus to the American public is believed to be low at this time, everyone can do their part to help us respond to this emerging public health threat:

For everyone: It’s currently flu and respiratory disease season and CDC recommends getting vaccinated, taking everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs, and taking flu antivirals if prescribed.
For healthcare professionals:
- Be on the look-out for people with travel history to Wuhan, China and fever and respiratory symptoms.
- If you are a healthcare professional caring a 2109-nCoV patient, please take care of yourself and follow recommended infection control procedures.
For people who may have 2019-nCoV infection: Please follow CDC guidance on how to reduce the risk of spreading your illness to others.
For travelers: Stay up to date with CDC’s travel health notices related to this outbreak.

We will continue to update you as we have more information. Thank you for your support and understanding as we keep our focus on the health and safety of our community.

Best,

Amy Patel, MD
Medical Director

Jennifer Karlen Elliott ’94, P’22
Assistant Head of School for Residential Life and Dean of Students

Phillips Academy
180 Main St.
Andover, MA 01810

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