Updated information about Novel Coronavirus

Feb. 7, 2020

Rider Community,

We are writing to inform the campus community of steps being taken in response to the evolving status of the Novel Coronavirus.  he University is working closely with local public health officials and is closely monitoring Center for Disease Control (CDC) and New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) guidance with regards to managing related issues.  

At this time, there are no reported cases in New Jersey, and we do not have any Rider University students quarantined or under isolation.  

The NJDOH has provided new guidance for Colleges and Universities in regards to the management of faculty, staff and students who may be at risk. This new guidance provides recommended criteria to assess the exposure risk of individuals, which includes most notably individuals who have recently traveled to mainland China (including Wuhan City and Hubei Province), even if they have not had any known close contact with any person confirmed to have 2019-Novel Coronavirus.

In accordance with the NJDOH guidance, we are asking all faculty, staff, and students who have traveled to China in the past 14 days to notify the designated University representative listed below. In accordance with the recommended guidance from public health officials, the University will be assessing the exposure risk of each faculty, staff and student, to determine any necessary precautions. Please note that all information shared will be kept confidential. 

• Students: Student Health Center at 609-896-5060
• Faculty or Staff: Human Resources Office, Mona Marder at 609-896-7286

Outbound University-sponsored travel to mainland China will be suspended for faculty, staff and students until further notice. 

Any faculty, staff, or students traveling for personal reasons are asked to contact the above University representative, in advance of their trip. Please note that with new guidance from the CDC and the NJDOH, a 14-day self-quarantine period may be necessary upon return to New Jersey. 

While we are taking precautions, it is important to note that the risk of anyone infected with the 2019 Novel Coronavirus is very low in the United States. There are no confirmed cases in New Jersey. The larger concern for our campus community and the general U.S. population is the seasonal flu. 

The best way to prevent infection of all viruses is to avoid exposure by taking these everyday steps to prevent the spread of viruses: 

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If not available, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer. 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. 
• Avoid close contacts with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick. 
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
• While there is currently no vaccine for the 2019 Novel Coronavirus, it is not too late to get a seasonal flu shot. Flu shots are still available at the Student Health Center for students. 

As members of a diverse and inclusive community, it is particularly important that we be supportive of those in our community who have been affected by this global issue and that we create and maintain an educational environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.

For more information on 2019 Novel Coronavirus, visit the CDC website and the NJDOH website.

Sincerely,

Leanna Fenneberg
Vice President for Student Affairs 

Robert Stoto
Vice President for Human Resources