Coronavirus Update

March 3, 2020

Memorandum

To: Arizona Students, Staff and Faculty

From: Liesl Folks, Ph.D., MBA, Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost

Date: March 3, 2020

Subject: Coronavirus Update

Amid growing concerns surrounding COVID-19, the disease caused by the 2019 coronavirus, we want to remind the campus community to refer to the Campus Health coronavirus website for updates, which can be accessed at University of Arizona Campus Health. That website provides regular updates on the global numbers of confirmed cases and attributed deaths, symptoms and travel advisories, as pulled from trusted sources such as US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the US Dept. of State.  The Campus Health website also provides contact information for the University of Arizona Travel Registry.

Everyday Risk Reduction Actions

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. CDC recommends everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases: 

  • Stay home when you are ill.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects.
  • 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.

Officials at the University of Arizona are working closely with the Arizona Department of Health Services and Pima County Health Department in continuing to monitor the situation closely.

Other actions you can take to prepare for the potential spread of Coronavirus:

The CDC provides advice also for preparations at home, at school and at work for the spread of COVID-19.

Some actions you might want to consider include:

  • Be prepared for a period of self-isolation or quarantine lasting 2 weeks, with your favorite foods and any medicines that you need in hand.
  • Be more restrained in casual physical interactions (e.g., skip hugs and shaking hands).
  • Be prepared to cancel your attendance at large academic gatherings or social events.

We encourage University of Arizona community members to remain welcoming to and supportive of each other during this public health situation. Offer empathy and care to friends, colleagues and classmates who may worry about family and friends in places experiencing outbreaks. We must ensure that our response to the coronavirus threat is not harmed by stigmatizing or stereotyping. We are best equipped to respond to any public health threat when we work together.