Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Updates

COVID-19 is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified and symptoms include fever and lower respiratory tract symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath. Currently, the incubation period is thought to be up to 14 days, meaning an individual can be infected, contagious, and showing minimal or no symptoms during this time. The CDC guidance indicates COVID-19 is primarily spread from person-to-person through respiratory droplets with close contact, which is similar to influenza and other respiratory pathogens. However, infection from fomites or other sources of the body is yet unknown. 

At this point, anyone who is symptomatic with respiratory symptoms (cough or shortness of breath) or fever should behave as though positive for COVID-19, so should self-isolate and seek testing. Individuals should check locally for available testing sites; the University does not have direct access to COVID-19 tests. Faculty and staff, or students who are at home away from campus, should contact their primary care physician for further guidance. Students who remain on campus or in the local area should email Student Health and Counseling. Faculty and staff should notify their supervisor of any respiratory illness or positive COVID-19 testing.

Primary contacts of individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19 should isolate at home for 14 days and self-monitor for symptoms. Faculty and staff should notify their supervisor; students should notify via email Student Health and Counseling.

Those who develop even a mild cough or low-grade fever (100.4 F) continue to stay home and self-isolate, avoiding close contact (approximately six feet) with other people, including family members and pets. If you develop respiratory symptoms or fever during the monitoring period, call your primary care provider’s office, or contact your local health department or local Emergency Department and provide details for your recent travel and symptoms to determine if further medical care is needed. 

USciences remains open, however, the University has moved all classes and educational experiences online, allowing instruction to continue through virtual coursework. Faculty and non-essential staff are telecommuting. Some University events have been cancelled or postponed however we will continue to host Accepted Students Day through a virtual event. Please check the University website for information about specific events. These actions were implemented out of an abundance of caution and in alignment with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, federal, state, and local government. USciences continues to monitor this rapidly changing situation and will continue to communicate to the campus community regarding cancellations and access to services as changes are made. Information about Campus Operations and contact information is available here. Tips for working and studying remotely are posted at USciences Working Remotely.