Coronavirus Health and Safety

Salem State University is monitoring the Coronavirus outbreak and following guidance from Governor Charlie Baker, the Commissioner of the Department of Higher Education, public health officials and organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. 

Community cooperation is key in helping to contain the spread of illness.

If you feel you could have been exposed to the coronavirus

Call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room. Tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms prior to arriving.

Students: Any student who has reason to believe that they may have been exposed to the coronavirus or are experiencing symptoms of coronavirus should send a health portal message or leave a voicemail with health services, 978.542.6413. If you are experiencing a medical emergency on campus, please call Salem State’s university police at 978.542.6111 or 911 if you are off campus and notify them of your concern for coronavirus exposure or risk.

Faculty and Staff: Faculty and staff members who have reason to believe that they may have been exposed to the coronavirus should contact their primary care provider. They should only go to their local emergency department if symptoms become difficult to manage at home (such as trouble breathing). Notifying health care professionals prior to arriving at their facilities is important to containing the virus. Please also alert Ezekiel Holt, ADA and leave coordinator, at eholt@salemstate.edu or by telephone at 978.542.7229. 

Protecting Yourself and Others

Members of the campus community should be taking steps to protect themselves and others from the flu and other viral infections. These include:

  • Getting your flu shot. If you have not yet received your flu shot this season, please do so to protect your own health and that of your family friends and our community.  
  • Frequent hand washing for at least 20 seconds (the length of the “Happy Birthday” song);
  • Using hand sanitizer when you can’t wash your hands;
  • Covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing;
  • Refraining from smoking or vaping or reducing your frequency of use while feeling sick;
  • Disinfecting common surfaces regularly (door handles, countertops, remotes, elevator buttons, etc.);
  • Avoiding people who are sick;
  • Getting adequate sleep, proper nutrition and staying hydrated;
  • Staying home if you have the flu or another infection with a fever of 100.4F or greater. (Faculty and staff should refer to the employee handbook).

Download fact sheets in multiple languages from mass.gov

Staying Informed

Community members should stay up to date on the latest risk assessment, potential travel restrictions, and health advisories. To learn more, visit:

Health and Safety Videos from the MA Department of Public Health

 

How to Safely Cover Your Face Outside of Home

10 Tips for At Home Quarantine

Stop the Spread of Germs like Seasonal Flu and COVID-19 

Help Prevent COVID-19 with Social Distancing

How Young People Can Help Prevent COVID-19 with Social Distancing

Coping with Stress and Fear from COVID-19

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