COVID-19

Update Regarding Covid-19

THIS POST IS A REPUBLISHED VERSION OF AN EMAIL COMMUNICATION SENT BY AUP PRESIDENT CELESTE M. SCHENCK TO STUDENTS ON FEBRUARY 27, 2020, ABOUT COVID-19 AND AUP'S RESPONSE. IT IS PART OF OUR SAFETY & SECURITY BLOG THAT ROUNDS UP ALL THE LATEST NEWS AND UPDATES FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

Dear Students,

We are writing with an update regarding Covid-19. What began as an epidemic isolated to China has now spread to multiple countries, and a growing number of cases is being recorded worldwide. Initial attempts to isolate the virus have been unsuccessful, and following recent outbreaks in northern Italy it is likely that the virus will continue to spread.

Staying informed and taking preventive measures will allow us, as a community, to respond effectively to the spread of Covid-19. Please take a moment to read the important information below.

 

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that more than 80% of patients infected with the virus display only mild symptoms, which include:

  • Fever 
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Muscle aches
  • Diarrhea

Most cases are mild and patients recover as they would from any cold or flu. A smaller percentage of “at-risk” populations – most notably older persons or those with pre-existing conditions – can exhibit more serious symptoms such as pneumonia, which in 2% of cases can be fatal. While college-age students are not among “at-risk” populations, you should nonetheless be aware of the virus to help prevent its spread.
For more information, please see the World Health Organization’s FAQ on Covid-19:http://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses


HOW IS AUP RESPONDING?

We know many of you traveled around the world during Spring Break. Thank you for taking the time to fill out the Spring Break Travel Survey that Student Development sent around yesterday via email. Most of our students have responded. If you have not yet filled out the survey, please do so now.

AUP is following and will continue to follow the French Health Ministry’s latest recommendations. AUP's Health Office is reaching out to students who traveled to any of the currently designated at-risk areas: China, Iran, Singapore, South Korea or northern Italy (Milan, Venice region). If a student returns from one of the aforementioned at-risk areas, they will be asked to respect a preventive self-quarantine for 14 days from the day they returned to Paris. These students will receive the full support of the Health, Residential Life, Guidance Counseling and Academic Affairs offices, who will ensure that students are able to keep up with their academic work from home. We will also provide support to these students’ roommates, who may require self-quarantine as well.

The vast majority of you will not have traveled to at-risk regions, but if you believe you may have been exposed to Covid-19, or if you develop any of the above symptoms, please immediately contact International SOS (01 55 63 36 35) or the AUP Health Office (01 40 62 05 77 or healthataup.edu ()) for advice and support. Working with International SOS and our local medical networks, we can assist in setting up appointments with appropriate medical specialists for screening and care in English or French.

 

HOW TO SELF-QUARANTINE
Self-quarantine is a simple preventive measure and should not be cause for concern, but it does mean you should take practical steps to help prevent the spread of Covid-19:

  • The most important thing to do is keep a close eye on your health, taking your temperature twice a day. Do not visit a doctor; you can monitor your symptoms from home. In the case that you show any symptoms please immediately contact International SOS (01 55 63 36 35) or the AUP Health Office (01 40 62 05 77 orhealthataup.edu ()) for advice and support.
  • It is important to avoid all non-essential outings, particularly to crowded public spaces such as cinema, bars and restaurants.
  • Avoid visiting anywhere with a high number of at-risk individuals, including hospitals, and assisted-living communities.
  • Short trips to the grocery store are not a problem; there is no need to stockpile or panic-buy.
  • If you have a part time job, you must inform your employer if you have been to an at-risk area and follow your employer's instructions. It is also recommended to avoid contact with at-risk individuals.
  • Academic Affairs will work with professors to ensure that you are able to keep up with your assignments and continue your studies while in quarantine. Guidance counselors remain available to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

  During the self-quarantine period students will be expected to refrain from coming to the AUP campus. 

 

WHAT PREVENTIVE MEASURES CAN I TAKE?

We all have a role to play in helping to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Please be aware of the following preventive measures, which are not only applicable to reducing the spread of Covid-19 but also of the common cold and flu. Informational posters displaying information about Covid-19 and these preventive measures will be posted around campus within the next few days.

  • Wash your hands regularly with soap, particularly after blowing your nose or coughing
  • Cover your mouth with the crook of your arm or a tissue (avoid using your hands) when you cough, and use a tissue when blowing your nose
  • Throw used tissues in a closed trash container immediately after use
  • Do not share food, drinks and personal items, or eat finger food including nuts and chips from communal bowls
  • Try to avoid close contact with friends or family who have flu-like symptoms

If you are traveling from an area with known cases of Covid-19, let the AUP Health Office know, check your temperature twice a day for 14 days and avoid contact with individuals with chronic diseases as a precaution
In light of the constantly evolving situation with Covid-19, we will continue to collaborate closely with International SOS and our network of medical specialists while following recommendations from the World Health Organization and the French Ministry of Health. We will keep you posted with relevant updates in the days and weeks ahead.

For now, we ask that you continue to carefully monitor your health and follow the preventive measures above. Any student, staff or faculty member who displays symptoms should stay home and seek support from International SOS, the AUP Health Office or a general practitioner (via telephone).

Warmest,

Celeste Schenck