Update 2: May 4, 2009
On April 29th, the World Health Organization raised its pandemic alert to “5,” the second-highest level, warning of widespread human infection from the H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) outbreak. The outbreak is continuing to evolve, both within the U.S. and globally, and there now has been a confirmed case in Pennsylvania.
The H1N1 Flu committee (Florence Kimball, chair, Dean of the Comenius Center; Gordon Weil, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty; Frank Crouch, Vice President and Dean of the Seminary; and Bev Kochard, Vice President for Student Affairs) continues to meet regularly to review the situation. We are also in regular contact with the Bethlehem Health Bureau which is monitoring the local situation closely.
The fact that there is an evolving outbreak of influenza does not necessarily imply severe disease and excessive death rates. The CDC has developed a “Pandemic Severity Index” which will be used to guide mitigation and other planning efforts. At one end of the Index, a pandemic can be no more severe than seasonal influenza.
At this point, based on available data, there appears to be no basis for implementing anything beyond the preventive measures listed below. In particular, at this time, we have no plans to cancel or alter any campus activities, class schedules, exam schedules, work schedules, commencement exercises, athletic events, or alumni reunion events. As of now, we anticipate that trips and travel courses will run as planned. However we are paying particular attention to World Health Organization and CDC recommendations regarding international travel, and these could impact travel courses.
Please continue to monitor this website or the AMOS site for updates. The outbreak is evolving, and our recommendations may change in accordance with changes in the situation and advice from public health authorities.
- Florence Kimball for the H1N1 Flu committee
