Message to the Interim President to Faculty, Staff and Students (03/03/2020)

Dear BMCC faculty, staff and students,

Borough of Manhattan Community College continues to provide updates about the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). CUNY officials are monitoring and following guidance from the US Department of Health and Human Services, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

BMCC has created a Coronavirus: Information and Resources website to provide health and hygiene recommendations, responses to frequently asked questions, and updates from CUNY. As of today, there have been no identified cases in the CUNY community, and the risk for New Yorkers remains low.

We ask that all faculty and staff plan for increasing the provision of instruction and services online, should the need arise because of a BMCC/CUNY approved disruption of face-to-face classroom instruction. We specifically encourage faculty to prepare  by creating a Blackboard page for each of their courses. More information here.

Health Information 
Symptoms for the novel coronavirus are very similar to seasonal flu and include fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath. Because it is cold and flu season, and this virus has similar symptoms, it is important to have any respiratory illness evaluated by a health-care provider.

BMCC encourages everyone to be proactive and take precautions in order to keep our campus healthy and safe by washing hands frequently and covering coughs and sneezes. We ask all students and employees who are sick to stay home.

BMCC has enhanced efforts in communicating the importance of thorough hand washing, has placed additional hand sanitizing stations, and has increased the frequency of disinfecting common areas with adequate stocking of cleaning supplies.

Travel
The CDC provides information on their website, FAQs and resources for individuals who may be traveling in the near future.

Additional information is provided on the BMCC Health Services website or by calling (212) 220-8256 and on the Coronavirus: Information and Services website on the BMCC homepage.

We understand that some may be experiencing heightened levels of anxiety during this time. I encourage any BMCC student who needs support to stop by the Counseling Center in Room S-343 at 199 Chambers Street. Faculty and staff can reach out for free counseling and services through Deer Oaks EAP Services website or at 1-888-993-7650.

At BMCC, we are committed to ensuring a safe and welcoming community. We strongly condemn and will not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment in relation to the virus.  Thank you for working together to strengthen our culture of care.