Thursday, January 30, 2020

The below message was sent to students who may have traveled to China during winter break.

Given ongoing concerns about the 2019 Novel Coronavirus outbreak, we wanted to take a moment to reach out to you and other students who may have traveled to China to ensure you have access to the most updated information and support on campus.

The University of Iowa is monitoring reports and recommendations regarding this coronavirus from national and regional health agencies on a daily basis, and is taking safety precautions to detect and treat any potential case of the virus by following the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and the Iowa Department of Public Health.

If you have traveled to any area of China within the last 14 days and feel sick with a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, or if you have been in contact with someone with confirmed 2019 Novel Coronavirus, please call the Student Health Nurseline (319-335-9704). After hours and on weekends, call the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics Integrated Call Center at 319-384-8442 or toll free 800-777-8442. All medical costs will be covered, and your privacy will be maintained. Your temperature should be checked with a thermometer. You can get one free at several campus locations.

While there have been no confirmed cases in our state at this time, and the overall risk to Iowans is currently low, the Iowa Department of Public Health has assessed handful of suspected cases and determined that none of them met the criteria set by the CDC to be considered a public health concern. We will continue to follow the most up-to-date protocols set by the CDC and requiring people without symptoms to get tested or to isolate themselves is not being advised at this time.

Up-to-date information about the 2019 Novel Coronavirus can be found on the CDC’s website for the illness, and the Iowa Department of Public Health webpage. The university will also post updates to the campus news website.

We encourage you to reach out if you are in need of support during this time. A list of resources can be found on the university’s safety and support website (http://www.uiowa.edu/homepage/safety-and-support) or by contacting one of these offices: 

Russell Ganim, Associate Provost and Dean   

Paul Natvig, MD, Interim Director, Student Health Services