Dear PA families,
Phillips Academy’s response to the novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) continues to center around the health and wellbeing of our campus community. We write with an update on our current efforts and future plans as Spring Break approaches (March 7 – 23). We also have established a
webpage where you can find resources and past communications from the school.
As an update to last week’s email, the student (a non-PA student) participating in the Model UN conference at Yale tested
negative for 2019-nCoV.
As you may have read in the news more recently, an individual at the University of Massachusetts Boston has tested positive for 2019-nCoV after returning from Wuhan, China. The Massachusetts Public Health Commissioner has reiterated that “the risk to the public from the 2019 novel coronavirus remains low in Massachusetts.”
We continue to monitor the situation closely and follow the guidance of local, state, and national officials, as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). We are also communicating regularly with our peer schools.
As you plan for the coming weeks, including Spring Break, we offer the following information and recommendations:
Spring Break Learning in The World (LiTW) trips: We have assessed the risk associated with each of the three trips (destinations and flight itineraries) and all are outside of high-risk areas. With slight modifications to travel plans (participating students/chaperones/families have already received this communication), the three scheduled LiTW trips will proceed.
Spring Break travel: In the days ahead, we will collect students’ spring break travel plans through our REACH system. Some students may be required to modify their travel plans based on the latest risk assessment (provided by the WHO and the CDC), as well as airline changes. We urge families who may be affected by these changes to start considering alternative travel plans. All Phillips Academy dorms and student services will be closed during Spring Break, Saturday, March 7 through Monday, March 23.
While you will continue to see Coronavirus in the headlines, the CDC still considers this a low public health risk for those living in the United States. It is important to note that the prevalence of 2019-nCoV remains much lower than other more common viral infections, such as seasonal influenza. As always, prevention is a top priority, with the following reminders:
- The seasonal influenza vaccine is still available, and may prevent some strains of influenza and/or reduce the severity of illness. The wellness center has some remaining doses available for students.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you are sick. If you are a boarding student, come to the wellness center for evaluation and care.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Additionally, the CDC recommends: “If you feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, and have traveled to China or were in close contact with someone with 2019-nCoV in the 14 days before you began to feel sick, seek medical care.” Before going to the wellness center, a medical office, urgent care, or emergency room, please call to tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
As always, thank you for your vigilance and support.
Amy Patel
MD, Medical Director
Linda Carter Griffith
Associate Head of School for Equity, Inclusion, and Wellness
