January 24, 2020
SAIC is Closely Monitoring the Novel Coronavirus Outbreak
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) is closely monitoring an outbreak of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), and we are following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH). We are not aware of any cases in the SAIC community.
First identified in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, to date, the outbreak has resulted in approximately 800 confirmed cases. While the vast majority of the cases have been confirmed in China, the 2019-nCoV coronavirus has been identified in several countries, with two confirmed cases in the United States: A man in his 30s in Washington state and a woman in her 60s in Chicago. Both had traveled to Wuhan. Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport is one of five US airports screening for illness in passengers entering the United States who traveled from Wuhan.
While CDC has not yet determined how easily or sustainably this particular strain is spreading between people, most coronaviruses can spread through coughing or sneezing, or by touching an infected person. CDC considers this a serious public health concern; however, "based on current information, the immediate health risk from 2019-nCoV to the general American public is considered low at this time." If you must travel to Wuhan, the US Department of State offers this guidance.
See a Healthcare Provider If You Have These Symptoms
Symptoms related to this coronavirus strain include fever, cough, or shortness of breath. In severe cases, the infection can cause pneumonia or other complications. CDC believes at this time that symptoms of 2019-nCoV may appear up to 14 days after exposure.
We encourage any student who is not feeling well or who has questions or concerns to contact SAIC Health Services, healthservices@saic.edu or 312.499.4288, or your healthcare provider. Additionally, here is a list of nearby clinics and a 24-hour free nurse advice line available to all students. Staff and faculty are encouraged to reach out to their primary care provider with questions about their health. Make sure to inform your medical provider of any recent travel.
Recommendations from the Chicago Department of Public Health
The Chicago Department of Public Health says that at this time, Chicago students, residents, workers, and visitors do NOT need to change their behavior in any way. As with any virus, CDPH recommends taking the following measures to help prevent the spread of viruses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
- Cover your nose and mouth with tissue when you cough or sneeze; remember to wash your hands afterward
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- If you are sick, stay home from school or work for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs
For additional information and updates, please visit CDC’s 2019-nCoV coronavirus page.
February 28, 2020
Our Health: Remembering Safe Practices and Community Care
We know that many at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) have been concerned about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), as are many the world over. The virus is already having a significant global impact and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts it will, in time, become more prevalent in North America. SAIC has been in close contact with the CDC and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) since early January, and we will share updates with the School community as the course of the virus develops. For the time being, we want to reiterate health officials’ best practices for avoiding illness. We also want to remind everyone that while you take care of yourself, please take care of one another too.
First and foremost, our health, as individuals and as a community, is our primary concern. Currently, there are no known cases of COVID-19 at SAIC. The CDC and the CDPH continue to advise that the risk of transmission within the general public living in Chicago remains low. Nevertheless, as with any virus, CDPH recommends taking the following measures to help prevent the spread of viruses:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
- Cover your nose and mouth with tissue when you cough or sneeze; remember to wash your hands afterward
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- If you are sick, stay home from school or work for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities
- Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs
SAIC’s Campus Health and Safety Team continues to closely monitor the outbreak. When and if health officials advise us to take additional measures or we have further updates to share, we will reach out to you right away. The CDC’s latest advice can be found here, and the School’s most up-to-date advice is always available on saic.edu/alerts.
We should all be vigilant in our self-care both physically and mentally; know that SAIC has resources to assist our students. Any students who have health-related questions or concerns, who are not feeling well, or who need emotional or psychological support are encouraged to contact SAIC Health Services at 312.499.4288 or healthservices@saic.edu, or their healthcare provider immediately. Additionally, here is a list of nearby clinics and a 24-hour free nurse advice line available to all students at 877.924.7758.
Staff and faculty with questions about their health are encouraged to reach out to their primary care provider for medical concerns or the employee assistance program for mental health support. Additionally, for questions regarding benefits and coverage, benefits-eligible faculty and staff may contact Cigna at 800.244.6224. Benefits-eligible faculty and staff may also reach out to Telehealth at 855.667.9722 or MDLIVE at 888.726.3171 for questions about their health.
Community care is equally important. We ask everyone to remember that SAIC is a global community, with students, alums, and families from all over the world. Our hearts go out to everyone affected, no matter where they reside. Similarly, keep in mind that viruses are no one's fault, and we should avoid uninformed assumptions. Compassion is needed when we are ill, and how we steward one another’s well-being should ensure the sense of belonging we foster for everyone at SAIC.
