The University of Texas at Arlington continues to closely monitor the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in China. On January 30, 2020, the U.S. Department of State issued a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” travel advisory for China. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to China.

UTA’s top priority is to protect the health and safety of students, faculty, staff, and visitors. As a result of the most recent guidance, UTA has suspended all official university travel to China. All faculty, staff, and student university-related travel requests to China must be reviewed by the UTA International Oversight Committee. Any questions regarding UTA IOC approval should be directed to the UTA IOC chairman Jay Horn (horn@uta.edu).

Symptoms

According to CDC, patients with 2019-nCoV have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. CDC recommends that if you have been in China within the past two weeks and develop symptoms, call your healthcare provider.

Prevention

We recommend that our community continue to refer to CDC for the latest information and follow prevention guidelines, including:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.
• 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.

Healthcare

Contact your healthcare provider if you are not feeling well and stay at home until you are better.

It is currently flu and respiratory disease season. CDC recommends getting vaccinated, taking everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs, and taking flu antivirals if prescribed.

The flu vaccine is FREE with UT Select and UT Connect health coverage. Make an appointment with your physician if you are not feeling well and avoid attending work until you are better.

Primary care visits and flu shots are FREE to registered students at Health Services. Make appointments by calling 817-272-2771 or online at Health Services appointments.

Updates will be shared as information becomes available.