Dear Colgate Community,
Since sharing news on Friday of a student who returned home from campus and was subsequently tested and diagnosed with COVID-19, the University has learned that there are others who have received similar diagnoses in their hometowns. While there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 on campus, as of this morning, we know of a total of six students who have tested positive for the illness after returning home.
Dr. Merrill Miller and Dr. Ellen Larson continue to be in contact with our county and state departments of health, and we will continue to share critical updates as they become available on our website. However, due to the national proliferation of this virus, and because the guidelines for individual behavior remain unchanged, and, finally, because sharing information is strictly limited due to federal health-privacy laws, we will not send out additional, specific notice should others receive a COVID-19 diagnosis in their hometown. Madison County is documenting testing and confirmed cases within the county, which such information is available online.
Given what we know of this virus, additional confirmed cases are expected, and remain of great concern for all members of this community. This Coronavirus strain has a very robust transmission rate and most experts expect a significant increase in positive tests over the next several weeks.
The University’s recommendations and instructions for our community continue to be guided by the Madison County Department of Health and other official entities.These are repeated at the end of this letter.
Individuals who believe they have been exposed to COVID-19 should NOT walk into a healthcare facility. It is important to call first so the staff can prepare.
- Students who remain here in Hamilton should call Student Health Services at 315-228-7750 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to make a plan of care.
- Students living at their primary residence, who have concerns that they have been exposed to COVID-19 while in Hamilton, should contact their healthcare provider and then inform the University by emailing covid19@colgate.edu.
- Faculty and staff members should contact the NYS Department of Health Toll-free hotline at 888-364-3065.
Colgate community members who test positive in their hometowns outside of Hamilton are encouraged to notify Student Health Services. We will work with all local authorities to assist in contact tracing with such test results as possible. It is important to note, however, that it is up to individual health departments in your area to determine if contact tracing is possible or recommended. Please note that Colgate has established a new web site to help guide community members who have received confirmation of testing positive for COVID-19.
We strongly advise that everyone keep up to date with information provided by medical professionals in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and our local and state public health agencies. And we ask that members of the community steer clear of sharing rumors and details about potentially infected individuals on social media.
As a reminder, symptoms of COVID-19 infection include fever, cough, and may include difficulty breathing. COVID-19 is spread mainly person-to-person through respiratory droplets, or by touching an object with the virus on it and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. COVID-19 is treated through rest, fluids and nutrition, and medicine to reduce fever and discomfort.
Once again, I’d like to thank our community for working together throughout this national health crisis. The dedication and selflessness of our team of medical professionals and first responders in their care for our community has been tremendous. And thank you to our staff and faculty who are continuing to support students, both academically and with other essential student services, as we work to manage these uncertain times with care and compassion.
With regards,
Dan Gough
Associate Vice President for Campus Safety and Environmental Health and Safety
Health Recommendations and Guidelines
It remains critical to follow the precautions of public health officials in our collective effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.
- Stay home, except to get medical care and avoid unnecessary appointments and gatherings
- Practice social distancing – keep 6 feet of distance from others in public
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands).
- Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
- Use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available
- Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
- Should you become ill, contact your doctor first before visiting their office to make arrangements for care
- If you are well, you do NOT need to wear a face mask. Face masks should be used by people who show symptoms to prevent the spread of the disease or by health care providers.
- Disinfect high-touch surfaces and objects in the household common areas, such as tables, doorknobs, faucets. Clean surfaces using water and soap, then use a disinfectant product to remove germs. Follow the directions of any disinfectant product or bleach solution to ensure it is most effective in killing germs.
- Students who have left belongings on campus should not return to retrieve them. Arrangements are now being made for shipping or storage for these items.