As the swine flu epidemic receives growing attention, members of the TC Community seeking general information about the virus and its transmission, prevention and treatment should visit the Columbia University's Pandemic Response Web Site. The site is a great resource, and TC students who are enrolled at the Columbia University Health Center are eligible to use the Center’s services.

Senior Staff here at TC are monitoring the situation very closely and are taking steps to ensure that we will be able to respond to events as they develop.

Our day-to-day response to the epidemic will be governed by the directions and recommendations we receive from government agencies and medical experts. Given the current circumstances, we are not altering normal College procedures or schedules.

Please note that:

1. If you become ill, stay home and contact a health care service provider, should you deem it necessary. College employees should report their illness to their supervisors and we would appreciate it if they would also call Public Safety at 212-678-3340.
   

2. Students who become ill should contact the appropriate faculty member to make alternative arrangements for completing course requirements. We would appreciate it if students would call Public Safety at 212-678-3340 to report their illness as well.

3. Practice sound personal hygiene.  Wash your hands frequently and cover your mouth and nose when you cough.  Use hand sanitizer.
   

4. Check the TC Home Page (www.tc.edu) frequently for updates. We will augment the Columbia University's Pandemic Response Web Site with TC-specific information for both students and employees. 

5. Sign-up for TCAlert (visit the TC employee self-service center at https://info.tc.columbia.edu and choose the “personal information” option)
   

Our contingency planning will continue throughout the duration of the epidemic.  We will keep you informed through our website as events warrant. 

Published Monday, Apr. 27, 2009