Spring 2020 Coronavirus Information
Effective March 16, 2020: Clarion University is suspending all face-to-face classroom instruction for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester and will be offering all instruction remotely.
Updated June 3, 2020 | View previous communications
Dear Clarion community,
Like you, I am eagerly anticipating the start of the fall 2020 semester. With both Clarion and Venango campuses located in Green Phase-designated counties, I am excited to welcome returning students, and I’m especially excited about the arrival of our newest students who are just beginning their college experience. I am also eager to welcome back our faculty and staff with new safety protocols in place.
Fall 2020 will be different. We are still working on the exact details, and there
are a lot
of details, but be assured that we will operate in a way that is safe for students,
faculty and staff. We will follow guidance from the Pennsylvania Department of Education
and Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education, and we will provide the nationally
recognized educational experiences that students have expected – and received – from
us for more than 150 years.
Earlier this week, our fall 2020 Launch Team met. This group – made up of students, faculty and staff – has been meeting and will continue to meet to develop and implement actionable strategies for fall 2020. The on-campus experience for Clarion University students is truly unique, and we are working on specific details to ensure that our students can enjoy that experience in a safe way. I fully expect to see students on campus in August when the fall semester begins. Please watch your email for updates.
Each of us has been impacted by the changes this pandemic has brought to the world, but we are Golden Eagles. Together, we will persevere and soar.
Wings Up!
Dr. Dale
Information for
It is of the highest importance to maintain the health and safety of our students. We continue to monitor the outbreak of coronavirus, and will continue to update you as new information is available through this website. Please keep in mind that the situation is rapidly evolving. Additional information about COVID-19 is available and consistently updated from the following sources:
- PA Department of Health
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- World Health Organization (WHO)
Coronavirus information/resources
Campus Communications
June 3, 2020 - Fall update message
May 27, 2020 - Message to campus community
May 19, 2020 - Message to campus community
May 7, 2020 - Message to campus community
April 27, 2020 - Message to campus community
April 17, 2020 - Message to campus community
March 31, 2020 - Message to campus community
March 21, 2020 - Message to campus community
March 20, 2020 - Message to campus community
March 16, 2020 - Message to campus community
March 13, 2020 - Message to campus community
March 12, 2020 - Message to campus community
March 11, 2020 - Message to campus community
March 8, 2020 - Message to faculty and staff
Have there been any diagnosed cases of coronavirus at Clarion University?
What is novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)?
2019-nCoV is a newly identified coronavirus that is causing an outbreak of pneumonia illness. It was first identified in December 2019 in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.
Since then, the virus has been identified in multiple other countries, including cases
in the U.S.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), human coronaviruses are common throughout the world and usually cause mild to moderate illness in people.
This new virus is a public health concern because:
• It is newly identified, so much is still unknown about it.
• Two other human coronaviruses, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV, have caused severe illness.
Travel Guidelines
If you have any of these symptoms and have traveled to an area of sustained or widespread transmission, call the Center for Wellness immediately at (814- 393-2121) and they will advise you regarding next steps. Do not go to the Center for Wellness or any other health care provider, without calling first if you have concerns that you may be affected.
Symptoms and transmission:
- Fever
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing.
Treatment:
People infected with 2019-nCoV should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for 2019-nCoV infection (source: CDC).
Prevention:
There is no vaccine to prevent this virus, and the CDC advises that the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus.
Currently, 2019-nCoV has not been found to be spreading in the U.S., so there are
no additional precautions recommended for the general public to take.
Here are everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:
- 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.
Recommendations for people with respiratory symptoms:
If you have symptoms of fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing and you have had close contact with someone who has suspected or confirmed COVID-19 within the last 14 days:
You should:
- Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor's office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
- Clarion University students should call the Center for Wellness, Health Services at (814) 393-2121 Monday-Friday from 8:30 am-4:45 pm.
- Those who are in the Clarion area but are not Clarion University students should call their healthcare provider or the PA Department of Health at (814) 226-2170.
- Avoid contact with others.
- Do not travel while sick. Please do not get on public transportation or just arrive at the Center for Wellness. Call instead {(814) 393-2121)}.
- 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. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
What is the campus health service doing about 2019-nCoV?
The Center for Wellness is screening every student who calls or arrives in the lobby about any recent travel and any symptoms they may have. Following the screenings, the Center will follow the guidelines set forth by the PA Department of Health and CDC.