SARS Precautions for Commencement
May 12, 2003
We want to bring you up to date on our planning regarding
SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and its potential
impact on Commencement.
First, let me emphasize that there are no suspected cases
of SARS at Peabody or the rest of Johns Hopkins. The most
up-to-date information regarding this epidemic continues to
be found at the following web sites:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or
CDC
World Health Organization, or WHO
Maryland State Department of Health and Mental
Hygiene
Many SARS-affected countries (currently mainland China,
Hong Kong, and Taiwan) are screening passengers before they
leave the country. Those individuals who have any symptoms
are not being permitted to leave. At airports in the United
States, arriving passengers from these countries are being
screened again for SARS symptoms. They are also receiving
cards prepared by the CDC detailing symptoms suggestive of
SARS and instructions for contacting a physician should
they become ill while in the United States.
We understand and appreciate the importance of Commencement
to students and their families. Our primary goal, however,
must be the protection of the health of our university
community.
Therefore, we strongly urge that any visitor from a
SARS-affected country (as of this writing, mainland China,
Taiwan, or Hong Kong) NOT ATTEND Commencement ceremonies or
related activities if he or she develops any of the
following symptoms or has had direct contact with anyone
exhibiting these symptoms within 10 days of the
ceremony:
Fever greater than 38.0 degrees C (100.4 degrees F) or
Cough or
Shortness of breath or
Difficulty breathing or
Headache or
Muscle aches
We ask students, their families and guests to err on the
side of caution.
If there is any doubt about the presence of any symptom in
a guest who has traveled here from a SARS-related country
or if the potential exists that he or she has been directly
exposed to SARS, he or she should not attend Commencement
or other public events.
If a guest from a SARS-affected country becomes ill during
the university-wide Commencement ceremony at Homewood
Field on the morning of May 22, he or she should go
immediately to the physician station at the western end of
Homewood Field near the scoreboard. At this station, the
guest will be directed to the appropriate medical
facility.
If a guest from a SARS-affected country becomes ill during
the Peabody ceremony on the evening of May 22, he or she
should go immediately to Mercy Medical Center at 301 St.
Paul Place.
Some students have asked whether the university has placed
restrictions on travel to SARS-affected countries. We
continue to recommend strongly that students, faculty and
staff follow the travel advisories issued by the CDC.
As of May 6, the CDC has issued travel advisories for
mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan and recommends that
individuals postpone non-essential travel to these
countries. Travel advisories for Vietnam, Singapore, and
for Toronto, Canada, have been lifted. The CDC and WHO web
sites update their travel advice almost daily. Students
should consult these web sites for the very latest
information.
Sincerely,
Emily F. Frank
Associate Dean Student for Student Affairs
Peabody Conservatory of Music
1 E. Mt. Vernon Place
Baltimore MD 21202
Phone: 410-659-8100, extension 3070
Fax: 410-783-6604
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