Dear ACG community, 

Following on this morning’s announcement on the confirmed SARS-CoV-2 at Deree, we would like to inform you of the following: 

• As per the instructions of the Hellenic Ministry of Health, all schools in Greece (Pierce, Deree and Alba included) are now closed for a period of 14 days. This means that no one (other than specificalydesignated personnel) can enter the campuses.  
• Based on current information, the schools will reopen on Thursday March 26^th.
• The close contacts of the confirmed case have been contacted and will remain in isolation for 14 days, as per the instructions of the Hellenic National Public Health Organization. 

Both the Aghia Paraskevi campus (Pierce & Deree) and the Downtown campus (Alba) are being disinfected today (Tuesday, March 10) and tomorrow (Thursday, March 11). 

All events held in any of the campuses are now cancelled until further notice.  

With regards to Students of Deree, please refer to the email with instructions sent out by the Provost. 

With regards to Deree Faculty, please refer to the email with instructions sent out by the Provost.  

With regards to Students & Faculty of Alba, plese refer to the email with instructions sent out by the Alba Executive Dean. 

With regards to Staff, further instructions will be received by HR / your supervisor. 

Please also refer to the Q&A posted here

We strongly advise that you follow the ministry's suggestion in taking all measures to reduce spread in the wider community. 

Thank you for your understanding. Further updates will be shared via email, the website and social media.

Dear ACG community,  

We would like to inform you that up to now there is no confirmed case of COVID-19 in the ACG community nor do we have any information from the competent authorities that any of the existing cases in Greece has been in contact with someone from our community.  

Following an update on Sunday March 8th from the Hellenic National Public Health Organization, the affected areas have been expanded to include China, Japan, Hong Kong Singapore, South Korea, Iran, Italy, Israel and Egypt. As such, any ACG community members returning from those areas should wait for 14 days before entering the ACG premises. Please send an email to [email protected] to inform them you will absent. You are required to self-isolate and monitor your health for 14 days. If you don’t have any symptoms after 14 days you may return to ACG premises. 

Also, below you can find a list of precautionary measures taken by ACG: 

• Based on the latest instructions from the Hellenic Ministry of Health, we are now postponing major events taking place in our campuses until April 4th. These include ACG’s Business Week and ACG 2020 International Sports Festival. All college funded trips abroad are also cancelled.  

• We continue taking all necessary measures to ensure the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff. In this context, cleaning protocols are applied regularly throughout the campus. 
• We are also following instructions by the relevant authorities regarding athletic facilities and the swimming pool.  

Even though we share concerns regarding travelling to and from campus through public transportation and the possibility of being exposed and exposing family members to COVID-19, the Greek Ministry of Education, at this point, does not recommend closing all schools in Athens but only recommends that certain schools be closed based on verified cases. Once that mandate is given, we will follow their instructions immediately and without delay.   

In addition and regarding Deree students, we would like to inform of the following: 

• In case of closure, students will receive a separate email explaining how classes will continue via Blackboard.  

• In the meantime, in the spirit of responding to legitimate concerns expressed, we are suspending our required attendance policy for a specified period. This means that students who decide not to attend class(es) will not be counted as absent but are still responsible to meet all other course requirements, including mid-term exams, and all other summative assessments.   
• The suspension of required attendance will begin Wednesday, March 11 and end Friday evening, March 20. 

Regarding Alba students: 

• In case of closure, students will receive a separate email explaining how classes will continue 
• For the cases of students in self-isolation, students with symptoms or students who traveled in affected areas, students will be allowed not to attend without getting any absences. 

We will continue to update you on the latest developments frequently. 

Dear ACG Community,

We thank you for your immediate response to our call to action as we strive to keep our college environment safe for all ACG members. We would like to inform you that at this stage we do not have any confirmed cases of the COVID-19 virus in our ACG community. However, the actions we take now by changing our daily routines, including limiting and cancelling travel plans, all are precautionary measures and play an integral role towards minimizing the spread of this new virus.

We would like to provide clarifications in reference to ACG’s memo dated February 26:

• Past travel to affected areas: Affected areas refer to countries as listed on the ECDC Currently these countries include China, Hong Kong, Iran, Italy, Japan, Singapore and South Korea.
  • Individuals who have visited any of the affected areas or have travelled through the affected areas in transit, are required to stay home or at the residences, and self-isolate for 14 days from the day of return to Greece.
  • Individuals who have not travelled but have come into contact or live with someone who is symptomatic after travelling to an affected area, are required to self-isolate for 14 days from the day the affected person returned to Greece.
  • Students should inform [email protected] about their absence. Your email will be forwarded to the relevant dean and your faculty members in order to avoid receiving absences. Students should also contact their instructors requesting information on how they can stay engaged in the course via Blackboard.
• Future travel:
  • All college-sponsored travel is cancelled until further notice.
  • Individuals who choose to travel independently to affected areas will have to self-isolate for 14 days from the day of return to Greece before re-entering to ACG premises (including residencies).
• Self-isolation: Individuals must restrict activities outside their home, except for getting medical care. They should not go to work, school, or public areas and avoid using public transportation, ride-sharing, or taxis. Household members should stay in a different room from the person who is in self-isolation or, if that is not possible, maintain a distance of at least 1 meter from the person. Further instructions on self-isolation and limiting the spread of illness is available at this link.
• ACG Counseling Center services for individuals asked to self-isolate: The College offers Skype counseling sessions to ACG community members (students, faculty and staff) who are self-isolating, irrespective of whether they are receiving counseling services in the Counseling Center. Individuals who are interested may contact the ACG Counselling Center either through e-mail ([email protected]) or via phone (210 6009800 ext. 1080) to arrange sessions.
• Academics: Any questions concerning the continuation of your studies (enrollment, exams) should be addressed to [email protected] who will be able to provide further clarifications.
• High-risk groups: Groups of people who are more likely to develop serious complications, may also choose to self-isolate and should follow the process by sending an email to [email protected] (for students) or [email protected] (for faculty & staff) for further instructions. With regards to students, your email will be forwarded to the relevant dean and your faculty members in order to avoid receiving absences.
• Students in ACG Residencies who are self-isolating:  Meals can be delivered by Dipnosofistirion Campus Restaurant to the Residencies. Please call extension 1800 (Mr. Theodosis) and place your order. Orders should be placed by 10:00 am for breakfast and 1:00 pm for lunch and dinner. Dinner will be delivered by 5:00 pm. Students placing an order should clearly state their name, building number and apartment in order to receive the delivery. For personal essentials you may order online at ab.gr and www.shelf.gr

The well-being and safety of those in our community is our absolute priority. We appreciate your cooperation to the above precautionary measures as well as your patience and understanding, as this situation continuous to evolve. We will be sending new updates as circumstances change.

If you would like to discuss any of your concerns or need further information about COVID-19 (Novel Corona Virus), the College nurses are available at:

• 210 6009800 ext.1193 and 1093 at Pierce Infirmary, daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
• 210 6009800 ext.1500 at Deree Infirmary, daily from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm

 

Institute of Public Health and ACG Health & Wellness Center
The American College of Greece

Dear ACG Community, As has recently been reported by Greek authorities, one case of COVID-19 (Novel Corona Virus) has been confirmed in Northern Greece. As such, ACG is following and implementing the guidelines issued by the World Health Organization, Greek National Public Health Organization, Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs in order to safeguard the health and safety of our community overall and ACG students in particular. 

In view of this, we would like to inform you:

STUDENTS

• Any students returning from affected areas as reported by WHO (China, Japan, Hong Kong Singapore, South Korea, Iran, Northern Italy or any other areas added in the future) should wait for 14 days before entering the ACG premises. Please send an email to [email protected] to inform them you will absent. You are required to self-isolate and monitor your health for 14 days. If you don’t have any symptoms after 14 days you may return to ACG premises.

• If you develop symptoms (fever or other respiratory symptoms such as difficulty breathing, cough) 2 - 14 days after your return from an area where the virus is present or have been exposed to someone who has travelled and is symptomatic, please inform the ACG Health & Wellness Center (210 6009800 ext. 1193, 1500; [email protected]) for further instructions. 

• All absences during the 14 days of self-isolation will be excused provided you have declared your absence to the Registrar’s Office ([email protected]). The College will make arrangements for the continuation of your studies.

• You are strongly advised against travelling to affected areas since you may expose yourself to serious danger. Should you choose to travel to affected areas you will have to follow the above procedure of self-isolation for 14 days before returning to ACG premises. Students who reside in the residencies will not be allowed to return until the 14-day period has passed and they are asymptomatic.

• Study Abroad Students: Should you wish to return to your home institution, arrangements can be made for your assessments and continuation of your enrollment. In this case please contact [email protected].

FACULTY & STAFF

• ACG Faculty and staff returning from affected areas as reported by WHO (China, Japan, Hong Kong Singapore, South Korea, Iran, Northern Italy or any other areas added in the future) should wait for 14 days before entering the ACG premises. Please send an email to [email protected] and to the respective Dean of your School, to inform about your absence. You are required to self-isolate and monitor your health for 14 days. If you don’t have any symptoms after 14 days you may return to ACG premises.                                                                                                                                                         

• If you develop symptoms (fever or other respiratory symptoms such as difficulty breathing, cough) 2 - 14 days after your return from an area where the virus is present or have been exposed to someone who has travelled and is symptomatic, please seek medical attention immediately and contact EODY (210 5212000, 210-5212054). Also please inform the College by sending an email to [email protected].

• You are strongly advised against travelling to affected areas since you may expose yourself to serious danger. Should you choose to travel to affected areas you will have to follow the above procedure of self-isolation for 14 days before returning to ACG premises.

 

If you would like to discuss any of your concerns or need further information about COVID-19 (Novel Corona Virus), the College nurses are available at:

• 210 6009800 ext.1193 and 1093 at Pierce Infirmary, daily from 08:00 to 17:00
• 210 6009800 ext.1500 at Deree Infirmary, daily from 14:00 to 22:00

 

If there will be any new developments, you be notified again.  Thank you for your cooperation and thank you for helping to keep our campus safe.

Institute of Public Health and ACG Health & Wellness Center

The American College of Greece

As has recently been reported, the COVID-19 (Novel Corona Virus) has been confirmed in Northern Greece. As such, ACG is following and implementing the guidelines issued by the World Health Organization, Greek National Public Health Organization, Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs in order to safeguard the health and safety of our community overall and ACG students in particular.

We would like to assure you that ACG is monitoring the situation carefully as it develops and will remain vigilant in safeguarding our community. To this extent we will keep the lines of communication open for new developments through email and on the ACG Website.

As shared in the previous update, the virus presents in the vast majority of people with mild lower respiratory symptoms. Individuals with compromised immune systems, underlying conditions and the elderly are more vulnerable to the severe form of the disease.

If you would like to discuss any of your concerns or need further information, the College nurses will be available at:

210 6009800 ext.1193 and 1093 at Pierce Infirmary, daily from 08:00 to 17:00
210 6009800 ext.1500 at Deree Infirmary, daily from 14:00 to 22:00

Thank you for helping to keep our campus safe.

Institute of Public Health and ACG Health & Wellness Center

The American College of Greece

As has recently been reported, the COVID-19 (Novel Corona Virus) continues to spread throughout the globe, including our neighboring country Italy. Although no case has been confirmed in Greece yet, we would like to reassure you that we consistently and vigilantly strive to safeguard the health and safety of our ACG community and are following guidelines issued by the World Health Organization, Greek National Public Health Organization, Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs.  

Following the recent outbreak in Italy, the Hellenic Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs has temporarily prohibited students from traveling to and from Italy on educational excursions.  It is also strongly recommended that you avoid travel to other areas of the world where there is continuous community transmission of the virus (please refer to World Health Organization WHO for affected countries). If you plan to travel outside of Greece in the near future, please consult the travel advisories found at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control ECDC.

Appropriate measures towards prevention and maintenance of a healthy College environment have been implemented on all College campuses at Pierce, Deree and Alba and plans are in place for the rare chance that a case should occur on campus.

As is now known, the virus is spread from close contact with infected people. Symptoms include fever and lower respiratory illness such as cough and difficulty breathing. For the majority of people the symptoms are mild. People with underlying conditions and elderly people are more vulnerable to the most severe form of the disease. However, people of all ages are at risk of contracting the disease.

To protect yourself continue to practice the same precautions to prevent the spread of other flu and respiratory viruses below:

1. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
2. Maintain social distancing – maintain at least 1 meter (3 feet) distance       between yourself and other people, particularly those who are coughing, sneezing and have a fever.
3. Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth.
4. If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care.

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If you have recently travelled to any of the countries where the virus is spreading rapidly, or have been in close contact with someone who has travelled to an area where the virus is present and has respiratory symptoms, we kindly request that you inform the ACG Health & Wellness Center at 210 6009800 ext. 1193, 1500 and take the following precautions:

1. Monitor your health for 14 days.
2. If you develop symptoms, (fever, cough, difficulty breathing), seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
3. Avoid contact with others.
4. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
5. Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

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IF YOU ARE SYMPTOMATIC: In case you experience symptoms (fever or other respiratory symptoms such as difficulty breathing, cough) 2 - 14 days after your return from an area where the virus is present or exposure to someone who has travelled and is symptomatic, DO NOT REPORT TO WORK OR SCHOOL and seek medical attention immediately reporting your recent trip or contact EODY (210 5212000, 210-5212054). Also please call the College:

 

Pierce, Deree faculty and staff: Ilias Hatzis, Human Resources, 210 6009800 ext. 1116

Deree Students: Christina Drakonakis, Associate Dean of Students, 210 6009800 ext. 1197 

Alba Faculty, staff and students: Anna Konstandoulaki 210 6009800 ext. 2275

 

If you would like to discuss any of your concerns or need further information, the College nurses will be available at:

 

• 210 6009800 ext.1193 and 1093 at Pierce Infirmary, daily from 08:00 to 17:00
• 210 6009800 ext.1500 at Deree Infirmary, daily from 14:00 to 22:00

 

More information on the various seasonal infections, as well as first aid for dealing with conditions associated with them, can also be found on the Blackboard in the ACG Health & Wellness Center - Health Topics folder AZ.

 

Thank you for helping to keep our campus safe.

 

Institute of Public Health and ACG Health & Wellness Center

The American College of Greece