Updated Information on the Coronavirus Sent to Campus Community

In an email to the campus community on Thursday, Feb. 27, George Corey, M.D., executive director of University Health Services, and Jeffrey Hescock, executive director of emergency management, offered updated information about the Coronavirus.

The content of that email is as follows:

To the Campus Community,

As public health officials respond to the spread of the novel strain of coronavirus (COVID-19), we are writing to provide you an update on developments affecting the UMass Amherst campus and the preparations we have in place.

There have been no cases of COVID-19 among our students, faculty and staff both on campus or among those studying or working abroad. University officials remain in close contact with state and federal public health officials. Massachusetts has only one confirmed case of COVID-19, and the state Department of Public Health evaluates the current risk to Massachusetts residents as low.

Members of the University’s Emergency Operations Team, including University Health Services leadership and a Coronavirus Working Group established in January, are actively monitoring developments. They are managing campus plans, resources and responses. Updates and a comprehensive set of resources can be found on a new website: https://www.umass.edu/coronavirus.

Study Abroad

Study abroad programs in China and South Korea have been cancelled or suspended. Students involved have been offered alternative study abroad programs or arrangements to return to the UMass Amherst campus to minimize academic disruption.

The University is also closely monitoring the outbreak in Italy, where UMass Amherst students are studying. No students in Italy have reported any symptoms. The University is currently not withdrawing students from programs in Italy, based on the Centers for Disease Control’s advisory that Italy is a Level 2, a rating that requires enhanced precautions, and only recommends postponement of nonessential travel for older adults or travelers with chronic medical conditions.

The International Programs Office continues to monitor the spread of COVID-19 worldwide and is communicating with students studying abroad and providing assistance and guidance.

International Spring Break Travel

Students, staff and faculty who are planning to travel internationally during spring break in March are encouraged to monitor official government travel advisories. In recent weeks, the CDC and the State Department have elevated travel advisory levels for several countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, Italy and Iran. While restrictions currently apply only to travelers returning to the U.S. from China, the situation is evolving and new restrictions could occur. For students, should your travel plans be affected, the University can accommodate your housing needs during spring break. You can contact Residential Life at living@umass.edu.

Students currently studying abroad are strongly advised to consider staying in their assigned location rather than visiting other countries while on spring break.

If you are currently in Europe or planning to travel to Europe over spring break, a valuable resource is the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control’s COVID-19 website.

Best Practices to Protect Yourself

University Health Services reminds all students, faculty and staff to remember the Health Smart tips to avoid spreading any respiratory virus, including COVID-19. These simple actions will help to prevent the spread of all respiratory viruses and create a healthier campus community.

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • 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.
  • It’s not too late to get a flu vaccination. Call UHS for an appointment at 413-577-5101
  • If you are a UMass student, faculty or staff member and have travelled in or through mainland China, or if you have had direct contact with someone ill with COVID-19 in the past 14 days, please call the UHS triage nurse at 413-577-5229.

For further information, please refer to the CDC’s Prevention and Treatment recommendations.

As part of its ongoing emergency management preparations, the campus has detailed plans and protocols in place to prepare for and respond to a public health emergency. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) Team is composed of personnel representing key areas of campus, including University Health Services, Emergency Management, Student Affairs and Campus Life, Academic Affairs, International Programs Office and University Relations. This team works with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and it regularly updates our preparedness activities. The EOC Team meets and trains on a regular schedule and during this past summer participated in a large emergency preparedness exercise that focused on an infectious disease outbreak.

We will continue to provide you timely updates and guidance as this situation evolves. We suggest you bookmark https://www.umass.edu/coronavirus for quick access to comprehensive resources.

Sincerely,

George Corey, M.D.
Executive Director, University Health Services

Jeffrey Hescock
Executive Director, Emergency Management