Dear Andover Community,
We are writing to provide information on the coronavirus outbreak in China, and share Andover’s response. We are using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) information for guidance, and will partner with state and local health departments as needed. While the CDC does consider this outbreak to be a public health risk, they have noted that the risk to the US public is currently low.
Coronavirus is a known virus that can infect humans, typically more prevalent in the fall and winter months in our area, and is one of many viruses that can be responsible for respiratory infection symptoms of varying severity. This novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a new strain that has been identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China and some nearby countries in Asia. Over five hundred cases and seventeen deaths have been attributed to this virus since it was identified in December 2019. In addition, the first case in the United States was identified January 21, 2020 in Seattle, Washington.
Health officials are still learning about the specific characteristics of this virus, including the likelihood of transmission from person-to-person, the severity of resulting illness, and how this virus can best be controlled. As with all infections, we will emphasize prevention and early management of illness.
If you are a student or employee of Phillips Academy, please contact the Rebecca M. Sykes Wellness Center if you have:
- A history of travel from Wuhan City, China or close contact with a person who is currently being investigated for 2019-nCoV in the last 14 days
AND - A fever and/or respiratory symptoms such as cough or shortness of breath
It is important to note that the prevalence of 2019-nCoV is still lower than other more common viral infections, such as seasonal influenza. As always, prevention remains the top priority so here are some helpful reminders:
- Wash your hands before eating, minimize close face-to-face or hand-to-hand contact, and cough into your elbow or a tissue.
- Wipe down shared surfaces (desks, doorknobs, faucets, etc.) with a disinfectant wipe.
- For those who have not yet received an annual influenza vaccine, we still have a small supply left for students. Remember that the flu season can continue into May in Andover. Students may come to the wellness center Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. for the seasonal influenza vaccine (until we run out of doses).
- Take care of yourself by getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, choosing nutritious immune-boosting foods, and exercising.
- If you are sick, please stay home or come to the wellness center for further evaluation.
Thank you for supporting our community's health.
Best,
Amy Patel, MD Medical Director
Linda Carter Griffith, Associate Head of School for Equity, Inclusion, and Wellness
Other Available Resources
The following resources are available with information on 2019-nCoV
