By Elizabeth Scalzo
Entertainment Editor
Fairleigh Dickinson University on Monday announced travel restrictions for students, faculty and staff to both Italy and Iran. As of today, Monday, March 2, Italy and Iran have a Level 3 (Avoid Nonessential Travel) warning for the coronavirus according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) — along with China and South Korea.
The email blast sent Monday, March 2, from Hania Ferrara, senior vice president for finance and administration, said “FDU faculty, staff, and students may not travel to those countries with a Level 3 Warning for study abroad, research, internships, service, conferences, presentations, teaching, performances, recruiting or athletic competitions. Considering the potential for warnings in other countries, FDU has decided to further suspend all University-sponsored international student trips for the remainder of this semester.”
The email includes information regarding a mandatory quarantine period for any faculty, staff and students who do visit a country with a Level 3 warning for the coronavirus. If traveling to one of those regions, the email states, the person “may not come to campus until 14 days from the date of departure from that country, and only then if they are symptom-free since their return.
“Faculty, students and staff must isolate themselves in their homes or other off-campus locations during that 14-day period. Faculty and staff should notify the Office of Human Resources. Students should notify the appropriate campus health services,” the statement noted.
The first email was followed by one from campus executive Steve Nelson that stated the deadline for spring-break housing applications is extended. Students may contact housing and residence life if needed.
The Equinox reached out to student health services on the Metropolitan campus, and the office has not replied about plans and protocol regarding campus concerns about coronavirus.
The New York Times released an article of all of the confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the U.S. — with the closest to FDU being in Manhattan. However, thus far, the majority of U.S. cases are on the West Coast.
As for nearby New Jersey colleges, Rowan University has offered to bring students from high-risk areas home with financial aid to those who need it, according to USA Today. The newspaper also reports that Seton Hall has canceled all spring break study-abroad trips.
Gov. Phil Murphy on Monday released an update on New Jersey’s preparation for the coronavirus.
“Together, we are prepared to respond properly and swiftly to any future individuals who meet the Centers for Disease Control guidelines for coronavirus testing,” his statement said.
In addition, Judith Persichill, New Jersey department of health commissioner, issued a statement that read: “It is important for New Jersey residents to know that the risk to the general public still remains low.”
As New Jersey universities and the whole state create a plan for ways to deal with coronavirus, The Equinox will continue to update the Metro campus as information develops.
Data on states with confirmed cases as of 3 p.m. ET, March 2, from NPR
Previous stories:
Waiting on FDU Updates on Coronavirus (FEBRUARY 28, 2020)
Coronavirus: What Is It and How to Prevent It (FEBRUARY 11, 2020)
