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March 3, 2020 Update

Kean University continues to closely monitor the rapidly evolving situation with the novel coronavirus, now known as COVID-19, to help ensure the health and safety of our community.

We are grateful that there are no confirmed or suspected cases of the coronavirus at any Kean campuses, here in the United States or in Wenzhou, China.

Here is some important information:

  • The University has suspended all international student travel programs, including Travelearn programs scheduled for Spring Break. 
  • Students, faculty and staff who are planning to travel during Spring Break next week are strongly encouraged to postpone their travel plans. If you travel to an area where there is a COVID-19 outbreak, you may be required to self-isolate at home for 14 days before being allowed to return to campus.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued the following advisory yesterday:

Guidance for Student Foreign Travel for Institutions of Higher Education

This guidance is for Institutes of Higher Education with students participating in foreign exchange or study abroad programs.

Consider postponing or canceling student foreign exchange programs

Given the global outbreak of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) institutes of higher education (IHE) should consider postponing or canceling upcoming student foreign exchange programs. IHE should consider asking current program participants to return to their home country. Those overseeing student foreign exchange programs should be aware that students may face unpredictable circumstances, travel restrictions, challenges in returning home or accessing health care while abroad.

IHEs should consider asking students participating in study abroad programs to return to the United States. IHEs should work with state and local public health officials to determine the best approach for when and how (e.g., chartered transportation for countries or areas assessed as high-risk for exposure) their study abroad students might return. All plans for returning study abroad students should be designed to protect participants from stigma and discrimination.

The COVID-19 situation is dynamic. Given the speed of spread and the number of countries experiencing human-to-human transmission, IHEs should evaluate the risks associated with choosing to maintain programs abroad and take the appropriate proactive measures. IHEs that continue to maintain programs abroad should monitor cdc.gov/COVID-19 for additional information.

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/student-foreign-travel.html

  • Please heed this warning and exercise extra caution in planning your break.  Campus residents are reminded that the residence halls will remain open during Spring Break for any residents who choose to remain on campus.
  • The entire Kean community is reminded that the best way to avoid getting sick is to:
    • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60-95 percent alcohol
    • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
    • Cover your nose/mouth when sneezing or coughing
    • Avoid contact with sick people
    • If you have not received your flu vaccine, it is not too late although supplies may be limited. 

Most importantly, if you are sick or experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness, stay home to reduce the risk of spreading the illness to others. If you live on campus, contact your resident advisor for assistance. 

If you have questions or concerns about your health, contact your healthcare provider or Student Health Services at (908) 737-4880.

The University is actively following and responding to reports from national, state and regional health and safety agencies here in the United States and abroad to help protect our community. For more information about coronavirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website or the New Jersey Department of Health website.