We recommend masking and avoiding any contact with others, except to seek medical care. Contact your professors directly to notify them of your absence.

Summary of What to Do:

1. Students do not have to notify the Health Center of a positive covid test. You may contact the Student Health Center for any health-related questions.
2. Students who test positive for Covid are encouraged to isolate until they have not had a fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications.
3. The University is not moving residential students or roommates to isolation or quarantine spaces.
4. Notify your professors of your absence. The Student Health Center will not contact professors regarding Covid-19 test results.
5. Refer to the CDC Guidelines if you have any additional questions.

I Have Been Exposed to COVID, Now What?

If you were exposed (no symptoms) to the virus that causes COVID or have been told by a healthcare provider or public health authority that you were exposed, you should do the following:

1. Wear a mask
2. Monitor for symptoms of illness
3. Test for Covid based on CDC Guidelines. The Student Health Center has at-home Covid tests for students.

If you are sick….

Students who are sick can contact the Student Health Center who will advise you about managing your symptoms and evaluate your need for an appointment.

As a reminder, stay home anytime you are sick – whether it’s COVID-19, the flu, or another illness.

Prevention

It is important to practice key prevention strategies to avoid illness. Practicing proper hand hygiene, staying up to date with Covid-19 vaccines and, when possible, keeping your distance from individuals who are sick or tested positive will help lessen the severity of Covid-19 and help stop the spread of the virus.

Class Absence

The Student Health Center does not provide excuse notes for class absences.  Please contact your professors to determine how to address missed classes.

In recent weeks, we have seen a decreasing number of new cases of COVID-19 in our campus community and in our state.  As a result of this trend Governor Murphy has started to lift some of the restrictions he put in place in March to slow the spread of the virus.

As our state makes progress against the disease, it is important to remember that many precautions still remain in place, including the requirement that universities and colleges provide all instruction and support services remotely.

Although we do not yet know when institutions of higher education may be allowed to resume in-person instruction, the Presidential Advisory Committee has been working with leaders across the University to develop plans and procedures that will allow us to return to campus as safely as possible. The University will keep you informed as these plans are finalized.

In the meantime, I want to remind everyone that we all need to continue doing the things that help keep ourselves, our loved ones and our neighbors as healthy as possible.  Practice these habits every day – it’s our best defense:

• Practice and promote . often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. When soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Cough and sneeze into a tissue or your sleeve. Immediately dispose of used tissues in a waste basket. Disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces. Avoid contact with those who are sick. If you don’t feel well, please stay at home – it’s the right thing to do for yourself and your community.
• when in a public space or any spaces where it is required, including outdoors when social distancing is not possible. Make sure it covers your nose and mouth. Doing this helps prevent you from spreading germs to others.
•   Stay at least six feet (two arm’s lengths) away from others. Do not shake hands with or hug people who aren’t members of your household. Keep your distance from people who are sick or who may be vulnerable to infections. Avoid large, crowded gatherings.

Each of these actions can help reduce the risk of spreading the virus. And taken together, they’re even more effective.

It’s also important to exercise, eat right and stay connected with other people. Although we are physically distanced, we can still interact with each other by phone or online. Talking regularly with friends and colleagues is helpful to our wellbeing.

If you do come to campus this summer, please remember to wear a face covering, practice social distancing and keep your hands clean.

Please remember that the University Health Center remains open this summer to serve students. Call us at 973-655-3459 if you would like to request an appointment. You will be screened first to keep our office safe for you. Have a question for a nurse? Send an email anytime to askanurse@montclair.edu.

This year brought changes, challenges, and uncertainty. Amidst all of that, we came together in new ways to care, build, connect, dance, support, play, learn and reach out.  As we prepare for returning to campus I would like for each of you to be safe, healthy and have some fun. I wish you all an enjoyable summer and look forward to seeing you virtually or in person in the near future.

Sincerely,

Patricia Ruiz, DNP, APN
Director, University Health Center & EMS

Dear Campus Residents,

As you may be aware, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy recently issued an executive order outlining a number of actions in response to the coronavirus pandemic. This order mandates that campus housing should remain open ONLY to those students for whom the campus residence is their primary housing. We received clarification about this mandate and sent a message on Wednesday, March 18, instructing residents too who have an off-campus primary residence to vacate the campus. This request is unfortunate, but necessary, to ensure that we are consistent with the governor’s executive order, and facilitates our ability to promote the health and well-being of the campus community through a continued reduction of the population density on campus.

Deadline to Remove Your Belongings

We understand that this request is a change from our original messages. We regret that it may present students and family members with unexpected logistical challenges related to moving physical belongings during what is surely a very stressful time for everyone. We will allow belongings to be left in assigned rooms through Sunday, March 29, to allow you time to make arrangements for moving.

This short timeline is necessary due to the rapidly changing landscape of this health emergency, the decreasing number of staff on campus to ensure the security of your personal property and the possibility that our residence hall facilities might be needed by the state for use as quarantine or medical care facilities. Therefore, we are not able to guarantee the security of your personal items over an extended period of time. If necessary, items remaining in rooms after that date may be removed to another location. We strongly recommend that you make every effort to move your personal belongings by Sunday, March 29.

Questions about Refunds

The University is still in discussions in regards to housing, parking and meal plan refunds. The University’s primary goal at this time is to ensure the health, safety and wellness of the campus community. An outcome on this decision will be made at a later date and residents will be notified accordingly.

As our understanding of the virus and best practices to prevent its spread continues to evolve, we will have to continue to adapt and change as necessary. We ask for your continued patience, flexibility and cooperation during this extremely trying time.

As always, please visit the University’s Coronavirus website for the most up-to-date information and direct your questions to coronavirus@montclair.edu, and please continue to check your email for updates.

Sincerely,
The Office of Residence Life

Dear Residents,

As you are aware after reading President Susan A. Cole’s email update today, all residence halls and dining options on campus will remain open. At this time, if you plan to remain in your residential space for the remainder of the spring semester, you are required to complete the following survey:

If you’d like to partake in a check-out opportunity to collect your belongings, the Office of Residence Life will be emailing out tomorrow, Tuesday, March 17, 2020, instructions on proper check-out procedures and check-out time frames specific to each residence hall in order to safely and effectively temporarily move residents out. During this coordinated move out opportunity, residents will be allowed to have guests assist with the move-out process at the designated time they are assigned.

If you wish to partake in this check-out opportunity you must:

• Park in a designated parking spot located in any surface lot closest to your residence hall.
• Once parked, you must go to your room to pack your belongings. It is important to ensure that any medications, essential needs, textbooks, class supplies and electronics that will support online academic success are packed and taken home.
• Once belongings are packed, belongings should be moved to the lobby of your residence hall.
• You can then move your car closer to your assigned residence hall to load belongings quickly and efficiently. University Police will be present to assist with traffic. Please Note: Someone must be present with your car at all times when loading.

As this is a rapidly changing situation, the University is still in discussions in regards to housing, parking and meal plan refunds. The University’s current goal right now is to ensure the health, safety and wellness of the campus community. An outcome on this decision will be made at a later date and residents will be notified accordingly.

Office of Residence Life

As the President said in her message, we have been monitoring the coronavirus situation closely and are making every effort to support you through this unusual period. It is important to us that you have the most up-to-date information possible and know that we are here to assist you in any way we can.  We want to insure that all students have the opportunity to complete their spring term studies and to minimize the risk of exposure. There are a number of important things for you to know:

1. Spring break is extended through Sunday, March 22.
2. The University is open, all services and facilities are operating and available.
3. As of March 23, the majority of all instruction will be provided online. IT will be providing information and support to help you make the transition to online courses if you are not yet familiar with the method.  Each college will also have advisors ready to assist you.
4. Some courses, for example, some laboratory or studio courses, will still be taught on campus in the usual way.
5. If you are already taking an online course, that course will continue in accordance with the original schedule.
6. If you are taking Nursing courses, they will follow the School of Nursing’s own specific schedule.
7. Most classes will be held remotely while others still will be held in person. Deans will inform students which courses will be held in each modality. The library and other facilities are still open. Most activities and programs will continue as planned. Students are encouraged to come use the labs and other facilities. You can take your classes here. You can do this in a residence hall, a lab, a lounge, a classroom, the library or other location. You do not have to leave the campus. We only are reducing the density of the community. We are not closing the University or stopping operations. We have every intention of making sure you have what you need to successfully complete your studies and graduate.
8. The University will continue to carefully monitor the COVID-19 situation and make decisions about upcoming events, including Commencements and Convocations, based on the most current recommendations of public health authorities. If we decide to make any changes to the Commencement/Convocation schedules, we will inform the campus community in early April.
9. We will post information concerning yearbook photos soon.

The issues surrounding the coronavirus and its presence in the state and nation continue to evolve. As of today, there are 11 presumed positives cases in NJ (none confirmed through testing). Medical Experts and the CDC expect this number to rise and the University is preparing to respond to any effects that the virus may cause on campus. With that that in mind, the University continues to follow and guidelines regarding prevention and response.

Our goal will be to assure minimal interruption to instruction, critical functions and health risks to the community. By the actions listed below and at the accompanying links, our goal is to reduce the density of the population present on campus thus decreasing the risks of contagion by social distancing.

Most importantly, the campus will remain open and operations will continue to function.

Additional Details

• To ensure that the University will operate without interruption, the spring break will be extended through Sunday, March 22.
• Classes will resume on Monday, March 23, 2020, primarily in an on-line format. University computer labs and the library will be open and available.
• The residence halls will remain open and students are welcome to return to their campus assignments. View specific policies related to this situation. Commuter students are welcome to move to campus for short periods or the remainder of the semester, particularly those needing access to labs and computers.
• Dining facilities will remain open. Specific locations and hours can be found at: .
• The University Health Center and Counseling Centers will be open.
• The Student Recreation Center and Ice Arena will remain open. All intercollegiate sports events will remain on schedule.
• All student employment will remain available. Students are encouraged to contact their supervisor for changes in schedules. Graduate Assistants should contact the Graduate School for additional information.
• Student events are currently under review and may be modified or canceled. Be sure to check Red Hawk News for more information.
• For specific support regarding personal or academic concerns:
  • Academic Success Center

For questions contact coronavirus@montclair.edu

Dr. Karen L. Pennington
Vice President for Student Development and Campus Life

How Does Viral Gastroenteritis Spread?

The most common way to develop viral gastroenteritis, often called stomach flu, is through contact with an infected person when you share utensils, foods, drinking liquids that are contaminated with the virus, or touching infected surfaces or objects and then putting your hands in or near your mouth. Stomach viruses can also spread quickly in group settings like schools, residence halls, and daycare centers.

Symptoms of the virus usually begin 12 to 48 hours after a person has come in contact with the virus, and last for 1 to 3 days.

• Watery, usually non-bloody diarrhea — bloody diarrhea usually means you have a different, more severe infection.
• Abdominal cramps and pain.
• Nausea, vomiting or both.
• Occasional muscle aches or headache.
• Low-grade fever.
• How Is It treated?

There are no specific treatments for gastroenteritis, it cannot be treated with antibiotics because it is not caused by bacteria. Drinking fluids is important to replace fluid loss from vomiting and diarrhea and to prevent dehydration.

Seek Medical Attention For Any Of the following:

• You’re not able to keep liquids down for 12 hours.
• You’ve been vomiting for more than 24 hours.
• You’re vomiting blood.
• You’re dehydrated — signs of dehydration include excessive thirst, dry mouth, deep yellow urine or little or no urine, and severe weakness, dizziness or lightheadedness.
• You notice blood in your bowel movements.
• You have a fever above 102°F.

Depending on the cause, viral gastroenteritis symptoms may appear within one to three days after you’re infected and can range from mild to severe. Symptoms usually last just a day or two, but occasionally they may persist as long as 10 days.

There’s no cure for viral gastroenteritis, so prevention is key. Here are some tips:

• Thorough and frequent hand-washing with soap and water is your best defense.
• Do not share food or utensils.
• Avoid close contact with ill people.
• Avoid contaminated food and water.

If you are concerned about an intestinal problem, call the University Health Center 973-655-3459 and make an appointment to see one of our medical providers.

What Does It Involve?

The procedure itself is quick and involves viewing the cervix by inserting a small specimen and obtaining a sample which is sent to a laboratory for evaluation. While the procedure sounds scary, it is very simple and does not hurt although you might feel a small pinch. The University Health Center (UHC) offers the Pap test with the Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner or you can go to your health care provider for this service. Your health is important, so if you are at least 21 years old and have never had a pap smear, make sure to schedule your annual exam today. You still need to have screening if you have been vaccinated against HPV.

What If I Have An Abnormal Pap Test?

If your Pap test results are abnormal, don’t panic. It’s pretty common to have unclear or abnormal Pap test results. Most of the time, it doesn’t mean that you have cervical cancer.

Paying for the Test

Although most insurance companies will pay for the screening, you should check with your insurance to verify your coverage and payment for the pap test. The University Health Center will provide your insurance information to the laboratory for payment. The UHC does not charge for your visit (including any co-pay) regardless of your insurance coverage.

Questions?

Call or stop by the University Health Center if you have any questions, we are here to help you stay healthy. 

Sun-Safety Strategies

The CDC reports that nearly 5 million people are treated for skin cancer each year in the USA and the numbers have been rising. Here are some simple, summer, sun-safety strategies to help you not become a skin cancer statistic.

1. First, reduce your sun exposure by seeking shade under an umbrella, tree, canopy, or any other shade structure that is available. UV rays are strongest during midday during the summer months, therefore try to plan outdoor activity for the early morning or late afternoon.
2. When possible wear a wide-brimmed hat, tightly woven fabric clothing and long sleeves, as this can provide protection from the UV rays. Choose sun-protective clothing rated with a UPF rating of 30 or higher or add a wash-in UPF laundry aid to a load of wash. Sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays provide the best protection. Not only will this help reduce the risk of cataracts but also protect the skin around the eyes.
3. Lastly, put on a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least sun protection factor (SPF) 15 or SPF 30. Anything less will not protect against skin cancer or skin aging. Sunscreen which are water resistant must specify the on the label when to re-apply. The bottom line is that no sunscreen, regardless of strength, should be expected to stay effective longer than two hours without reapplication.

Wear Sunscreen!

Most adults need about one ounce (about the size of an ice cube) to fully cover their body. Shelf life of sunscreens are shorter when exposed to high temperature, therefore do not use past the expiration date stamped on the container. Use lip balms with SPF 15 to protect your lips as well.

Have a sun-safe summer! Make wise choices so that you do not become a skin cancer statistic!

Resources:

When & Where

• Wednesday March 20 & Wednesday March 27, 2019
• 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• University Health Center

More Info

• No appointment necessary
• Free gift card after testing
• Confidential

Sponsored by La Casa De Don Pedro and The University Health Center.

What’s In My Medicine?

What you may not realize is that more than 600 medications, both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC), contain the active ingredient acetaminophen, otherwise known as °Õ²â±ô±ð²Ô´Ç±ô® to help relieve pain and reduce fever. Taken carefully and correctly, these medicines can be safe and effective. But taking too much acetaminophen can lead to severe liver damage and even death. Acetaminophen and alcohol may not be a good mix, either. If you drink three or more alcoholic drinks a day, be sure to talk to your health care professional before you use a medicine containing acetaminophen.

Tell Me More about Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen is a commonly used medication for relieving mild to moderate pain from headaches, muscle aches, menstrual periods, colds and sore throats, toothaches, backaches and to reduce fever. It is also used in combination medicines, which have more than one active ingredient to treat more than one symptom. Therefore, you should read the label and check to see if acetaminophen is an ingredient, if you are unsure ask your healthcare provider or a pharmacist.

How to keep safe and avoid exceeding the recommended dosage:

• Don’t take more than one OTC product containing acetaminophen
• Don’t take a prescription and an OTC product containing acetaminophen
• Don’t exceed the recommended dose on any product containing acetaminophen