RWU Coronavirus Information

Information on Coronavirus

Dear Campus Community,
 
Roger Williams University is closely monitoring the coronavirus outbreak and is following the recommendations put forth by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). While the respiratory illness associated with coronavirus continues to spread, there has been no identified cases in Rhode Island or at RWU. To date, the CDC reports that the risk of contagion remains low in the United States.
 
As we receive information, we will continue to send out updates to keep the RWU community informed. In the meantime, we are sharing the steps that we have taken to keep the campus community safe, as well as information and resources to help mitigate your own risk of exposure. It is important to note that the coronavirus is not any more dangerous than the common flu and its symptoms are also similar to the common flu, so individuals are recommended to take the same precautionary measures that are generally advised during every flu season.

Actions Taken by RWU

Roger Williams University is deeply committed to the health and safety of the entire RWU community. To date, we have taken the following actions related to the coronavirus:

  • Health Services on the Bristol Campus is following CDC and WHO guidance on screening students who present with respiratory illness AND have recently traveled to China OR recently had close contact with someone with respiratory symptoms who traveled to an affected region. As of this date, no RWU students have met the conditions to warrant a screening for coronavirus.
  • Any University travel to China is restricted until further notice. 
  • The Office of Global and International Programs has reached out to students studying abroad to provide guidance and support.
  • The University is following cleaning protocols that are conducted for the flu season in all of its facilities.
  • For students who are experiencing flu-like symptoms, it is preferred that you avoid Dining Areas for concerns of cross contamination. Take-out meals are available for residential students and your friend or roommate can use your student ID to get a take-out meal for sick students.  

Students who become ill are encouraged to follow the recommendations given by their health care provider. Should they need to miss class due to illness, students are encouraged to email their faculty as soon as possible to notify them of their illness and to begin a conversation about what they will miss and to determine arrangements to make up work and/or class time. Students are encouraged to copy their faculty academic advisor and the Center for Student Academic Success (csas@rwu.edu) on the emails in case they might need additional support. 

How You Can Mitigate Risk of Exposure

Symptoms of coronavirus are similar to influenza, which is now widespread in Rhode Island and can be confused with symptoms of coronavirus. Symptoms include runny nose, headache, cough, sore throat, fever, and difficulty breathing.
 
Because coronavirus and influenza are most commonly spread through respiration, we are reminding the RWU community to take the same measures to prevent the spread of flu and other viruses. Those include:

  • Students on the Bristol campus who become ill should contact Health Services at 401-254-3156 to speak with a nurse. Staff and faculty, as well as University College students in Providence, should contact their personal health care providers. 
  • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. 
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, and eat a balanced diet.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces (door knobs, hand railings, table tops, faucets, counter tops) with a household disinfectant.
  • Get your flu shot. 

For more information about the coronavirus, please visit:

RWU will continue to publish updates on health advisories at:
https://www.rwu.edu/undergraduate/student-life/health-and-counseling/health-services/health-advisories/

 

RWU Coronavirus Information