Babson College Health Advisory FAQs

Sunday, March 29

We want to thank the members of the Babson community, students, staff and faculty, for enabling the College to implement its temporary closure in such an orderly manner.  We recognize that the closure is disruptive, but based upon our discussions with the Wellesley Board of Health, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and other colleges which have experienced the same issues, it is the most effective way to control and end the spread of the suspected virus.

Since Saturday afternoon, a number of questions have been raised by students and parents, which we responded to individually. We want to share the responses to those questions, and encourage you to raise any other questions you may have. Our Health Advisory phone lines and email remain open (see www.babson.edu/healthadvisory).

1.  Has the campus been "quarantined" by the state?

No, we want to stress that this is a voluntary closure initiated by the College in partnership with the Wellesley Board of Health. The purpose is to contain the spread.

2.  How many cases have been reported to Health Services and what does this suggest?

There have been 111 cases reported to Health Services, resulting in 2 confirmed hospitalizations. On Saturday, there were 11 reported cases in contrast to Friday night, when there were 26 reported cases. It is too early to draw any conclusions, but we continue to monitor the situation while continuing our aggressive cleaning and other support strategies.

3. Why is food being served on a take-out basis at Trim/Reynolds?

We have been advised by food experts that direct common contact with non-food surfaces such as serving handles can spread the norovirus. In addition, "social contact" may contribute to the spread. Therefore, we want to continue to encourage social distancing and discourage congregating. Details on food service options can be found at www.babson.edu/healthadvisory.

4. Is there any reason to suspect that this is really food poisoning?

No, many of the persons who have symptoms had not eaten at Trim. Moreover, the Wellesley Board of Health conducted an inspection of Trim during the week and found no indications that Trim is the source of the norovirus.

5. May students have visitors?

Students are discouraged from bringing visitors to campus.

6. May students leave campus?

Students are strongly discouraged from leaving campus. This will help minimize and contain any possible expansion of the virus to others outside our community. More importantly, staying on campus allows us to better assist students with health-related concerns.

7. When will classes be restarted?

At this time, the College fully expects to re-open with a regular schedule on Wednesday. If there is any change, you will be notified.

8. When will activities be restarted?

On-campus college activities are cancelled for the same period. For off-campus events, be sure to check the campus calendar.

9. Will the bookstore be open?

 It will be closed until the College re-opens. If you have an immediate need for toiletries, please contact the e-mail line and we will assist you with basic needs.

10. Is the gym open?

All athletics facilities will be closed until the College re-opens. We recommend that students not visit off-campus gyms to minimize any potential transfer of the virus.

11. When will athletic contests resume?

Provided the campus reopens on Wednesday, athletic contests may take place on or off campus beginning Thursday.

12. Can athletics teams practice?

No. Student-athletes should contact their coach.

13. Will mail be delivered?

Mail will not be delivered to students or College offices until Wednesday.