Monterey County colleges, universities prepare for Coronavirus
MONTEREY, Calif. The first week of Spring semester is eerily quiet at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey.
"Pretty much all of the students coming back from China are taking it very seriously. If the option is available, they are definitely staying home," said student, Benjamin Henry.
Henry said nearly half of his classmates have stayed home this week. The option is being provided by staff, and highly recommended for those who traveled to China over winter break.
"We are following the news every day. It's very unnerving to me. It is very, very bad in China," said student, Aaron Xiang.
The Coronavirus has prompted students and staff to be on high alert. Staff have set out anti-viral face masks and disinfectant wipes in multiple buildings on campus.
"We are always keeping our eye out for anything that is happening internationally that could possibly have an affect on our population here. We have so many people that are traveling internationally," said Laura Burian, Dean of the Graduate School of Translation at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey.
Burian said around 40% of students at the Middlebury Institute came to Monterey from other countries.
With attention to the fact that many students recently returned from travel, staff have offered an alternative to attending class in-person. A video chat application called "Zoom" is being used by students who want to play it safe and mitigate the potential spread of the Coronavirus.
"The virus has a two to 14 day incubation period. We're asking anybody who has been traveling to self-quarantine for two weeks," said Burian.
Even some who haven't traveled recently have decided to stay home.
"Monterey is a small city. Once it is here it'd be horrible. The consequence would be too much to take care of," said Xiang.
California State University-Monterey Bay also plans to create a plan of action in response to the Coronavirus. CSUMB officials said the university's Infectious Disease Response Team will soon be offering guidance to staff and students.
