Urgent Coronavirus Update

Since our last communication, the University has learned that we have an employee who has tested positive for COVID-19.  Late this afternoon, the employee notified their supervisor of their status and the University has consulted with the Department of Health (DOH).  As is the procedure in these cases, the DOH will be contacting those employees who have been identified as being in close and prolonged contact with this employee. The University is supporting the employees involved in this situation and they are now following the DOH protocols.

The University will have an outside company conduct a full deep cleaning and sanitization of the necessary areas on campus. As an additional precautionary measure, the University’s Queens campus will be closed on Monday, March 16 and Tuesday March 17, except for essential personnel. All academic courses will continue online. We encourage administrators and staff who can work online to continue working remotely. We will provide further updates to the campus community on this important matter.

As a reminder to supervisors, if any member of your department presents as ill, they should be sent home and advised to seek medical care.  Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and/or shortness of breath.   

We can all do our part to reduce the exposure, slow the spread, and minimize the continued transmission of COVID-19 by practicing social distancing. Social distancing involves modifying in-person interactions and maintaining at least a  6-feet distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing. Avoid shaking hands and close physical contact with anyone displaying symptoms. Use video- and teleconferencing tools like St. John’s Webex instead of holding in-person meetings when possible.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding COVID-19, please visit www.stjohns.edu/coronavirus.

Conrado "Bobby" Gempesaw, Ph.D., President