SBU Professor Stuck In China Amidst Coronavirus Lockdown: Schumer

STONY BROOK, NY — A Stony Brook University professor is stuck in China after visiting family in Wuhan, U.S. Senator Charles Schumer said Sunday. The professor is unable to return to the United States as a result of China’s travel lockdown due to the coronavirus.

Schumer said he has worked with the State Department and Embassy officials to ensure the professor is in constant contact with U.S. officials. He said the U.S. is working on arranging a flight home for the professor. He did not name the professor.

"Our employee and the family of our employee is grateful for the assistance and support from Senator Schumer's Office, the U.S. State Department and the University community," Stony Brook University said in a statement. "At this time they request privacy while they continue to focus on getting their family member home safely. Upon return to the United States, our employee will follow CDC quarantine."

There are nearly 2,000 confirmed cases in China, more than 50 reported deaths, and confirmed cases across 10 countries, according to Schumer. In response to this outbreak, travelers from Wuhan are being screened for symptoms related to the virus at five U.S. airports, including JFK. China has also placed travel restrictions on several cities and banned large public gatherings in a bid to contain the virus, Schumer said.

The first case in the United States, discovered in Washington State, was confirmed on Jan. 21, and there have been reports of a second case in Illinois and a third in California.

To protect against infection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends basic hygiene techniques such as washing your hands often, staying hydrated, and coughing into one’s arm or a tissue. If there’s a fear of animal transmission, CDC officials urge people to wash hands after contact with animals and thoroughly cook any meat before eating it.