COVID-19 Update: March 5, 2020

Dear UC Community:

The University of Cincinnati continues to monitor the global outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and its potential impact. Our top priority is to ensure the health and safety of all faculty, staff and students. Although there have been no documented cases of COVID-19 in our region, we are making needed preparations to be able to quickly respond if COVID-19 is detected. To lead this effort, President Pinto has convened a Public Health Response Team, comprised of senior university leadership, and has created a website (uc.edu/publichealth) to share information with the UC community. For planning purposes we will reference the university’s Public Safety Emergency Operations Plan:  Emergency Operations Plan

The university continues to follow CDC recommendations and prohibits any university related travel to countries that are CDC Warning Level 3. As of today, university travel is restricted to China, South Korea, Italy and Iran. Any member of the UC community returning from a restricted country must: 

1. Report to University Health Services (UHS) via UHSTravel@ucmail.uc.edu before returning to campus, AND
2. Self-quarantine for fourteen (14) days. 

UHS will respond with appropriate health guidance. Please check uc.edu/publichealth for updates, as restrictions may change over time.

All Spring Break study abroad experiences are being canceled out of an abundance of caution. Additional details will be shared with faculty and students who have upcoming academic trips. 

Please be assured we continue to assess this fluid situation and will make decisions regarding travel as needed. As a reminder, it is very important that all faculty, staff and students who participate in university travel, particularly international, register with UC Travel.

Please help mitigate the spread of respiratory diseases. The CDC recommends everyday preventive actions 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.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask. CDC does not recommend healthy people wear a facemask.
• 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. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol may be used.

Again, we encourage you to check uc.edu/publichealth for information and travel updates. Situations like this often cause uncertainty. Please know that we are working diligently to maintain your health and safety. If you have questions or concerns regarding COVID-19 at UC, please email publichealth@uc.edu. We will have the most appropriate office and/or individual respond to you in a timely manner.

Warm Regards,

Kristi Nelson, PhD
Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost

Andrew Filak, MD
Senior Vice President for Health Affairs, Dean of the College of Medicine