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Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a newly diagnosed respiratory illness. The college has been closely monitoring guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Department of State and the actions of governments worldwide to shape the college's response to the disease's spread.

Updates

Summer 2020 Terms and Registration:

Summer 2020 terms will be offered through alternate modes of instruction. 

Public Lecture Series:

The Public Lecture Series has been postponed until summer 2021.

Deepening Clinical Practice Conference:

Maintaining the health of our Smith community and the wider clinical community is our priority. Due to COVID-19, we have made the necessary decision to cancel the on-campus conference. Many of the breakout sessions are being offered as virtual seminars. Sign up for SSW Professional Ed mailing list to stay up-to-date with announcements.

Professional Education Seminars:

All in person seminars have been cancelled for summer 2020. Smith SSW Professional Education is exploring alternate possibilities related to these trainings. These alternatives include postponing a live training to the fall or spring, teaching a full day interactive online seminar, condensing your training to 2-3 interactive online seminars or creating a series of 1.5 hour webinars that could be recorded and viewed on your own schedule. Sign up for the SSW Professional Ed mailing list to stay up-to-date with announcements.

Important Updates and Resources

Below you will find important updates and resources related to the School's response to COVID-19. Email covid19info@smith.edu with questions. 
 
  • FREE WEBINAR: Working Together as Parents: COVID-19
  • FREE WEBINAR: Transitions & Endings in a Time of Crisis
  • FREE SUBSCRIPTION: Smith College has purchased a license that will allow every student, staff and faculty member to enjoy a free subscription to Calm, a widely lauded relaxation and meditation app. To sign up, visit http://www.calm.com/signup or download the Calm app from the Apple iTunes store on iOS devices or the Google Play Store on Android devices. Create an account using your name and your Smith College email address. Once you sign up, you will automatically have access to your Calm subscription!
  • FREE ACCESS: As part of our commitment to our students’ whole health, we have collaborated with SilverCloud, a clinically proven online mental health platform provided through Smith's Insurance program, to offer programs that build resilience, help you manage anxiety or depression, and help you develop skills to manage stress and sleep issues. Based on cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness and positive psychology, the programs are designed to build self-awareness and self-management skills for emotional health. All SSW students may access this service at no cost through the end of August 2020. To sign up, please visit gsh.silvercloudhealth.com/signup/ and choose Smith College from the dropdown list. Please note, to confirm your eligibility, you will need to use your Smith.edu email address. This service is confidential and your e-mail address will not be used outside of the SilverCloud platform. 

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • 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 using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • The CDC recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies) especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
    • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website.
For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings.
These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.