Symptoms for the COVID-19 are very similar to seasonal flu and include fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath. Because it is cold and flu season, it is important to have any respiratory illness evaluated by a health-care provider. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests taking precautions in order to stay healthy and safe by:
- Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds several times a day
- Avoiding hand contact with your face.
- Covering your mouth and nose with the crook of your elbow when you sneeze or cough.
- Taking alternative means of transportation (if possible) by walking or riding a bicycle in order to minimize the chance of community spread.
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Staying home when you are sick.
What to do if you display symptoms
BMCC students, faculty and staff who exhibit virus symptoms or suspect that they have been exposed to COVID-19 should follow the Protocol on Infectious Disease Notification, and notify the Health Services and HR COVID-19 Liaisons.
To ensure that you have the most updated guidance and information regarding this situation, please visit BMCC’s COVID-19 Updates website to learn more about campus updates and resources on COVID-19. Faculty and staff with special medical concerns that may be affected by the virus should contact Executive Director of Human Resources Gulen Zubizarreta (gzubizarreta@bmcc.cuny.edu, (212) 220-8304).
If, for any reason, you need help connecting to a health care provider, please call CUNY Health & Wellness Services; they can answer questions and make referrals. You can also call 3-1-1 to locate the closest city-operated hospital.
Anyone who is sick and exhibiting symptoms of acute respiratory illness is asked to stay home and not come to work until they are free of fever [100.4° F (37.8° C) or greater using an oral thermometer] and any other symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines.
