MMC COVID-19 Update: March 18, 2020

Dear MMC Community,

We write to inform you that in the last few hours we learned of two potential cases of COVID-19 within the Cooper Square Residence Hall. We have followed our response procedures and both of these students are being moved into isolation rooms. Given the state of the pandemic within the U.S. and within NYC, we prepared for this possibility and continue to do everything possible to ensure the health and safety of our community.

Next Steps

  • The common areas, elevators in Cooper Square, and the student’s original room will be sanitized by a professional cleaning crew Thursday, March 19 at 10:00am.
  • We have consulted the College’s physician from the Dow Zanghi Student Health Center, and considering the community spread of COVID-19 in NYC at this point, a recommendation for self-isolation only applies to the students’ roommates and closest contacts.
    • However, national, state, and local guidance at this time recommend that all of us stay home, avoid contact with others as much as possible, and eliminate all non-essential travel and guidance.

 

Nationally Recommended Personal Preventative Health Habits:

It remains crucial for all of us to continue practicing personal hygiene and prevention measures and to closely follow national guidance around social distancing and isolation to prevent the further spread of COVID-19:

  • Keep at least 6 feet between yourself and others
  • Stay home and reduce overcrowding.  Whether you are healthy or sick, stay home as much as possible. You should only leave your home for essential tasks, such as work (if you cannot work from home), getting groceries and supplies, or essential medical care. Try to use delivery services when possible.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue. If you don’t have a tissue, cough and sneeze into the inside of your elbow, not your hands.
  • When you are sick and have symptoms of any kind, stay at home and avoid contact with others. 
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces following CDC guidance for cleaning and disinfection
  • Monitor your health and be aware if you develop any symptoms consistent with COVID-19.

What to Do if You’re Sick

  • Follow these steps from the CDC
  • Students on campus should contact the Dow Zanghi Student Health Center at 212-759-5870 or healthcenter@mmm.edu
    • Hours of Operation: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday: 10:00am to 6:00pm
    • After hours MMC students may visit/contact:
      • Urgent Care: CityMD: 216 E 14th St, New York, NY 10003 (at 3rd Ave)
      • Emergency Room: Mt Sinai/Beth Israel: 281 1st Avenue, New York, NY 10003 (at 16th St)
  • Students not on campus, faculty, and staff should call their primary care doctor or nearest urgent care symptom for guidance if you develop symptoms.
  • Please notify safety@mmm.edu immediately if you suspect you may have COVID-19

Please continue to monitor www.mmm.edu/coronavirus for further updates. If you have any questions, please contact us at safety@mmm.edu.

Sincerely,

Carol Jackson
Vice President for Student Affairs

Published: March 18, 2020