AAIE: What Matters Now A 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Concern
Funny thing about a time of challenge, one often learns that our companions are often less help in extraordinary circumstances than they are during an average evening conversation over a brandy. A bit of human nature maybe.
Yet as a member organization committed to supporting your leadership, we will listen with curiosity and speak with honesty. Unmistakable is the concern and challenge that 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) may hold for our member schools and leaders in the weeks ahead.
Our AAIE CONVERSATION is set to begin in five days. One might think that for us to call attention to a potential pandemic is not wise. Yes, well...we want to be a companion. Helpful. And your safety and solid information is everything in such times.
Just as we have 500 people in attendance for our NYC CONVERSATION, (the good news), we will be publishing, until no longer needed, a quick summary of the Coronavirus situation gleaned from publications and a set of key links for The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) and articles to support your safety and leadership/mayoral responsibilities within your school community. Expect AAIE to be your "QUICK LINK" to essential health and safety information during the time of a Novel Coronavirus.
(We will also institute CDC recommended precautions at the conference hotel.)
We will publish every two days and expect no more than a two-paragraph summary and some key links to provide ease of access. You have enough to think about, so let us help.
All Good Wishes on Behalf of Our Board of Trustees (please read the first installment below),
Mark*
Mark E. Ulfers, AAIE Executive Director
A 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) UPDATE– January 27, 2020
At this time the characteristics of the virus, the infection rate and severity are not well understood, as stated by the CDC. Person-to-person spread is likely to continue. CDC as of today has stated that the American context is believed to be low and we state this in the New York City CONVERSATION context. They have announced a travel warning to all of China.
Worldwide, as of today, the World Health Organization (WHO) has not declared Coronavirus "…a public health emergency of international concern." The rationale from the WHO distills down to balancing public health concern with country-by-country economic stability. To consider this response, readings also remind that China underreported in 2003 during the time of SARS.
Today's readings come from the CDC, The WHO and why they are not declaring a public health emergency, a National Public Radio interview transcript with a WHO professor and a focused article on Wuhan, and China as the source of the virus, with CDC notified on the initial diagnosis in December 2019.
* Went through SARS in 2003 as school head at Taipei American School and learned much and will be quick to help and respond to questions.
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