Important notice about coronavirus

Jan. 28, 2020

Dear campus community,

Both the U.S. Department of State and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued alerts related to the new coronavirus, a respiratory illness that was first identified in December in Wuhan, China. Thus far, none of the reported cases have any connection to the University of Missouri nor have any cases been found in Missouri. Here at MU, we are monitoring this global health issue very closely.

The immediate health risk to the American public is considered low at this time, but it is important that we as a university community remain vigilant. Due to the Level 3 travel advisory issued by the CDC, university-sponsored travel to China at this time is prohibited. (The MU Student International Travel Policy prohibits student travel to any country under a CDC Level 3 warning.) Faculty or staff members traveling abroad with MU students must register in the international travel registry and complete mandatory health safety and security training.

The spread of this virus is believed to be similar to the spread of other respiratory viruses. As this is also flu season, the CDC recommends that everyone engage in good hand hygiene and take preventative measures to avoid the spread of disease, including getting a flu shot. Those with symptoms of acute respiratory infection should practice cough etiquette — maintain distance, cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your flexed elbow (not your hands) — and wash hands.

Signs and symptoms of the coronavirus include fever, cough and difficulty breathing. If you traveled to Wuhan and feel sick, you should seek medical care right away. Students can access the MU Student Health Center or visit a local hospital. Faculty and staff members who experience symptoms should contact their primary care providers to discuss symptoms and travel history. It is recommended that those who think they may have been exposed call ahead before going to see a doctor or emergency room.

We thank you for your attention to this matter and wish you a healthy semester ahead.

Sincerely,

Bill Stackman
Vice Provost, Student Affairs

Jamie Shutter
Executive Director, Student Health & Well-Being
Division of Student Affairs