Drexel Update on the Coronavirus

Drexel is committed to preserving and maintaining the health and safety of all members of its community. To date, there are no confirmed cases of the coronavirus on campus or in the local Philadelphia area. The University continues to monitor closely the coronavirus outbreak and is following guidelines released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Pennsylvania Department of Public Health. The CDC considers the risk to the American public to be low, although much about this new virus remains unknown.

Based on new guidelines released by the CDC and Pennsylvania Department of Public Health on Feb. 4, anyone who has traveled to China should self-isolate for 14 days after return to the United States. Students should call the Student Health Center at 215.220.4700 for further information if they returned from China in the last 2 weeks. Faculty and staff should call their primary care physician. Any traveler from China who has been in the United States for more than 14 days without symptoms is considered to have passed the incubation period for the coronavirus.

Drexel is increasing awareness across campus regarding proper hygiene and enhancing access to alcohol-based hand sanitizers and disinfecting common areas as recommended by the CDC.

The best way to limit the spread of viruses is through good hygiene, including covering your mouth with a tissue when coughing; covering your nose with a tissue when sneezing; washing your hands frequently; avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; avoiding close contact with people who are sick; staying home if you are sick; and sanitizing and disinfecting frequently touched spaces.

For the latest information and updates regarding this evolving situation, visit the Student Health Center website.