Maine Maritime Academy leadership is following closely the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance on the coronavirus. We are also working with our local and regional authorities and the Castine community to plan for contingencies as needed.

As of March 4, the situation in Maine was reported by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention as follows:

Maine has no confirmed cases for 2019-nCoV and no patients under investigation at this time. Maine CDC is working with U.S. CDC to monitor the situation, provide healthcare providers with the latest information, and stay up-to-date on any potential cases they may see. There are ongoing investigations to learn more. This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available.

With spring break in session from February 29 through March 8, we ask that you stay informed and take precautions for staying healthy. If you have planned travel outside of the U.S., consult the CDC travel website at http://www.cdc.gov/travel.

Community members are encouraged to follow these CDC guidelines regarding general hygiene and good health:

There are simple everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses. These include

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should

• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

For additional information about the coronavirus, please visit the CDC online.

We will communicate updates as needed in the following ways:

• By email
• On the MMA website at mainemaritime.edu/campus-safety/
• On the MMA Parents Association Facebook page