Consistent communication key to UB’s coronavirus response

By DAVID J. HILL

The World Health Organization on Thursday declared the outbreak of novel coronavirus a global emergency. While that news may stoke some anxiety among members of the UB community, university leaders want to assure students, faculty and staff that proper precautions are being taken to ensure the health and safety of everyone on campus.

At UB, a team of experienced professionals continues to monitor the situation on campus and has been coordinating with its partners in Erie County, New York State and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Consistent communication has been key to keeping the campus community apprised of important information on novel coronavirus, including basic tips on how members of campus can monitor their health.

UB created a coronavirus information website, which contains a list of frequently asked questions, a video featuring Susan Snyder, UB’s director of student health services, as well as links to advisories from the CDC and the U.S. Department of State (which issued a Do Not Travel to China warning.)

In addition, the university sent an all-campus email that included tips for monitoring one’s health, and has leveraged its social media channels, where UB’s coronavirus content has been viewed more than 300,000 times.

“As you might expect, there has been some concern on campus, but we believe our efforts have had a positive calming effect overall,” John DellaContrada, vice president for university communications, said during a media briefing yesterday in the Buffalo Room in Capen Hall.

Published January 31, 2020

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