Health Services at Bard College

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Q: How does the coronavirus spread?

It’s not clear yet how easily 2019-nCoV spreads from person-to-person. When person-to-person spread has occurred with previous coronaviruses, it is thought to have happened mainly via respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes, similar to how influenza and other respiratory pathogens spread. Spread of the previous novel coronaviruses (MERS and SARS) between people generally occurred between close contacts.

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Q: What is Bard doing to protect our campus community?

Bard Health Service and affiliates including the Dutchess County Health Department and  Northern Dutchess (Nuvance) Emergency Room are following guidelines by the CDC for our screening and response protocols. 
In conjunction with CDC protocols, Bard Health Service is working closely with Dutchess County and New York State Health Departments to evaluate risk to promptly identify 2019-nCoV in our student population. We have examined epidemiological risk factors in returning students and can assure the community as our Spring 2020 semester begins that our current risk for 2019-nCoV is extremely low.
We have heard from many community members with concerns about coronavirus. We understand how important information and communication are with a novel virus spreading globally. Bard Health Service will provide regular updates as new information arises, including if coronavirus is close to or on our campus.

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Q: What is a novel coronavirus?

A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified.

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Q: What are the symptoms and complications that Novel Coronavirus 2019 can cause?

Current symptoms reported for patients with 2019-nCoV have included mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Read about 2019-nCoV Symptoms.

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Q: How can I prevent coronavirus?

There is currently no vaccine to prevent 2019-nCoV infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. Right now, 2019-nCoV has not been found to be spreading in the United States, so there are no additional precautions recommended for the general public to take. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces. 

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Q: What if I recently traveled to Wuhan, China?

Most people in Wuhan, China (11 million people) were not sick with coronavirus when you traveled to Bard. If you have been in Wuhan in the past two weeks, you should contact Bard Health Service (x.7433) to do an initial assessment and to monitor potential symptoms. However, if you were in Wuhan and feel sick with fever, cough or difficulty breathing within 14 days after you left Wuhan, you should:

• Seek medical care right away--call Health Service ext. 7433 or go to Northern Dutchess Hospital ER (845-871-3440)--if possible call first to say you are coming and that you were in Wuhan. 
• Avoid contact with others.
• Not travel while sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to avoid spreading the virus to others. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

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Q: What if someone on my plane from China was sick?

With influenza and other respiratory viruses circulating right now, at the time you flew to Bard the chances of a respiratory infection on your plane being 2019-nCoV is low. However, please consult with Health Service (ext. 7433) to help assess risk and monitor potential symptoms during the 2-week incubation period for coronavirus.

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Q: Is 2019-nCoV the main viral concern on Bard campus right now?

No. While this coronavirus situation is emerging as a possible threat, we have Influenza B on campus right now.

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Q: I’m worried about this virus and I’m worried about getting sick. What can I do?

With a novel virus in the news each day, it is normal to feel worried. If you have a fever and/or a cough or just want to talk about health concerns, please make an appointment with Health Service (845-758-7433). We have on-site testing for influenza Types A and B. To help with health anxiety or anxiety in general, Bard Counseling Service is also available with walk-in hours https://hcw.bard.edu/counseling/appointments/.