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Page last updated: 3/19/20 3:45 p.m. CDT

Messages below were sent to the entire campus community. Messages for specific audiences can be found by clicking the buttons above.

Message from the President

March 30, 2020

Dear UA students, faculty and staff,

Welcome back — well, virtually back. I would like to start by expressing my pride in the resiliency and dedication that have been shown by each of you over the past weeks. We have all learned and embraced new guidelines of social distancing and how we can do our part, helping ourselves and those around us remain safe and healthy. The UA community has faced and overcome challenges throughout our history and this challenge will be no exception.

We are beginning the last quarter of our spring semester in a different way, but that should not diminish our quest for excellence in all that we do. Students, I want to encourage you to remain dedicated to your studies during this challenging time. Faculty and staff, thank you for continuing your unwavering commitment to our University and our students. Especially over the last few weeks, I have witnessed again the dedication of Dr. Kathleen Cramer and our Student Life staff. Their determination to protect the student experience and student-focus of this campus are unmatched.

Our faculty and Provost’s office, with the support of our specialized IT team and UA’s Center for Instructional Technology, have been busy over the extended break, working to ensure that the best academic resources are available to each of you. The unexpected may occur — so be prepared and remain flexible during the transition in the delivery of your classes.

Our lives have been significantly altered by these unforeseen circumstances, but remember, we will face this challenge together as a community. I was reminded this week of the heart and ingenuity of our students through a story from the Today Show. Wherever you go, whatever you do, your Alabama spirit shines through to the communities and nation around us. We will all emerge from this even stronger than we were before.

My thoughts and well wishes are with each of you, and I look forward to seeing everyone on campus once it is determined that we can resume full operations as normal. In the meantime, I ask that all of us remember — and live — the Capstone Creed:

As a member of The University of Alabama community, I will pursue knowledge; act with fairness, integrity and respect; promote equity and inclusion; foster individual and civic responsibility; and strive for excellence in all I do.

As we move into the final weeks of this semester please continue to monitor campus updates concerning COVID-19 on our website healthinfo.ua.edu.

Thank you and Roll Tide!

Stuart R. Bell
President

 

Semester Completion Plan

March 18, 2020

Dear UA students, faculty and staff,

As the COVID-19 pandemic affects our community and the world, our UA administration has been tirelessly consulting available resources and experts to make decisions that are in the best interests of the health and safety of our campus community.

Given the latest directives from federal and state officials, I have signed an Emergency Declaration for The University of Alabama, allowing our officials to take further actions to protect the campus community and limit access to campus premises during this public health crisis. This is consistent with the Governor’s announcement of updated precautionary public health guidelines, including prohibiting on-premises service at restaurants in town.

Our semester will be completed under the plan below, posted on our website at healthinfo.ua.edu and updated as additional details become available. Please understand the thoughtfulness with which this plan was developed and is now conveyed. I personally believe there is no higher calling than to be an educator, and it is a great joy of my life and of the lives of our many faculty and staff to interact with a rich and active campus life. This year, more than others, we look forward to the later return of students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents and supporters who make our campus community so special.

  1. Spring 2020 Classes. All remaining classes this semester will be taught remotely. There will be no further person-to-person or on-site instruction. Exceptions will only be made as accreditors or licensors require, and as specifically approved by the Provost. Our faculty are working hard to offer the best alternatives to our students, using the most effective tools available. Faculty, know that the administration supports you in these efforts, and assistance is provided via the Center for Instructional Technology, the Office of Information Technology and the Provost – linked at healthinfo.ua.edu. Students, know that your professors will support you through this transition.
  2. Students Must NOT Return to Campus from Spring Break. Residence halls and Greek residential houses are closed. Recreation facilities are also closed. Dining halls, food courts, libraries and other services will not be readily available. The availability of such services in the community is also greatly limited. Now that on-campus classes will not resume this semester, a plan will be communicated in the near future regarding residential student housing fees and meal plans.
  3. Short-Term Hardships Must Be Compelling and Specifically Approved in Order to Remain in Campus Housing. Students with hardships, such as homeless students or those without the ability to complete classes online from home, must apply for an exception with supporting documentation to Student Life. Short-term and limited arrangements will only be approved, under extenuating and rare circumstances, by an administrative team appointed by the Vice President for Student Life.
  4. Move Out Plan for On-Campus Housing. In order to provide for further social distancing, a staggered plan to retrieve your belongings from the residence halls and Greek houses is being developed and will be communicated at a later date. Students are not authorized to return to campus outside of this plan and any who show up without authorization will not be accommodated. Students needing immediate access to medicines or other critical necessities should call:
    Residence halls:  205-348-6676
    Greek houses:  205-348-2693
  1. Cancellation of Spring Commencement and other Events. Honors week, athletic activities and other events are canceled for the remainder of the semester.  On-campus Spring Commencement will not be held as scheduled, and families should not plan on traveling to campus for that event. We are actively exploring and hope to provide alternative means of recognizing the significant achievements of graduates and students earning honors, but it is too early to make those plans firm.
  2. Interim/Summer Education Abroad. Interim and summer education abroad classes are canceled. Further communications to affected faculty, staff, and students will be forthcoming.
  3. Interim/Summer Classes. Given the current guidance, it is possible that online models of instruction will continue for all students through interim and regular summer terms. Registration for those terms may be extended.
  4. Further Information from ADPH. We are working closely with the UA System COVID-19 Task Force, the infectious disease specialists on our sister campuses and the Alabama Department of Public Health on all aspects of virus prevention, testing, notification and treatment. Once the health department receives notification of a positive result, the health department — or an official designee — will contact the person who tested positive and begin determining who around the person might have been exposed. ADPH gathers and provides verified tests, contacts the case, determines the contacts at risk, and notifies individuals of what to do. If an individual is determined to have been in close contact with someone who has been diagnosed, ADPH will contact that individual directly to discuss next steps.

Thank you for your understanding and your strict compliance with this plan.  It is necessary for the health and well-being of our academic community. My best wishes are with each of you, and I know we will face this unprecedented emergency together with our ever-present resilience and uncompromising spirit as we continue our service in the highest manner.

Sincerely,

Stuart R. Bell
President

 

Student Spring Break Extended Until March 30 as UA Transitions to Remote Learning

March 12, 2020

COVID-19 presents serious public health concerns. The University of Alabama is committed to slowing the spread of the coronavirus, while maintaining our mission of teaching, research, and service.

Social distancing is a key barrier to the spread of the virus. To assist with this national task of social distancing, and in keeping with UA system policies, the following actions are in effect until further notice.

As you consider these measures, I call upon each of you – faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni and supporters – to model the creativity and strength of the campus community we have come to expect.

Remote Teaching and Learning

After tomorrow, classes will be canceled until March 30 to allow additional time for UA to transition – to the maximum extent possible – to alternative and remote learning. Faculty will determine how to best use existing technology, such as Blackboard and Zoom, to support students as they work to complete their educational requirements for the semester. Teaching will resume March 30 via these new methods.

Student Accommodations

Students should not return to campus when classes resume, and will continue their course work via distance learning subject to the following limited exceptions: (a) international or other students who do not have alternative accommodations; (b) students from areas without high-speed internet or other means of receiving remote instruction; and (c) students with exceptional hardships, or academic, employment, clinical or research requirements that should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Arrangements will be made to ensure any students who must remain on campus have access to essential services. A move out plan will be communicated at a later date.

Domestic and International Travel

In addition to previously announced travel limitations, all university-funded travel, both foreign and domestic, is suspended. Travel sponsors can apply for exceptions to this restriction by completing this form.

University Events

All non-essential University meetings, gatherings and events are canceled until March 30. Any exceptions must be specifically requested and approved via this form.

Other University Business

Due to these changes, a number of essential personnel will be required to work over spring break. Supervisors will be in contact about those schedules. Other University operations will continue as originally planned, with employees returning from spring break March 23. Thereafter, there is a potential for flexible work arrangements in alignment with our focus on social distancing. Supervisors should work directly with employees to make any necessary changes.

Education Abroad

Education Abroad has created a list of FAQs on the coronavirus.

Exposed or Sick Individuals

Do not return to campus if you meet the following criteria:

  •  If you have traveled to a CDC COVID-19 Level 2 or 3 country (on personal or University business) or come in close contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19, you are required to contact the Alabama Department of Public Health.
  • If you have the symptoms of fever, cough or shortness of breath, contact your healthcare provider. You may also call the Student Health Center prior to visiting at (205) 348-3854 or after hours at (205) 348-0386. If you are an employee and have concerning symptoms, please call the University Medical Center at (205) 348-4696 or (205) 348-1770 before visiting.

Assistance with Remote Teaching and Learning Technology

We will examine how to best support employees and students who have special health or other needs impacted by these decisions. Faculty may call upon a specialized IT team to assist with online teaching. More information on IT assistance will be posted on healthinfo.ua.edu, as it becomes available.

I know this is not how we expected to begin spring break. Please take preventive measures to protect yourself and those around you. Exercise extra caution when traveling and interacting. This includes washing your hands frequently with soap and water and avoiding shaking hands and other physical contact.

Together we will overcome this challenge. Please monitor healthinfo.ua.edu for updates and additional information, in this rapidly evolving situation.

Stuart R. Bell
President

 

SEC School Regular Season Competition and SEC Championships Suspended

March 12, 2020

Based on the latest developments and the continued spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the Southeastern Conference today announced the suspension of regular season competition for teams in all sports on SEC campuses, as well SEC championship events, until March 30.

Read more at RollTide.com.

 

Statement from Alabama Director of Athletics Greg Bryne on Attendance Restrictions 

March 11, 2020

“The health and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans is of the utmost importance. Pursuant to SEC directive, we will restrict attendance at our on-campus athletics events in Tuscaloosa through at least March 30. When additional information becomes available, we will communicate it at that time. That will also include information on tickets that have already been purchased in advance for upcoming events.”

Read more about the SEC’s directive.

 

Spring Break Advisory

March 11, 2020

We are closely monitoring the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. Today System officials issued guidance for spring break to students, faculty and staff, including travel, health and safety tips, as well as encouragement to plan ahead for possible future disruptions to campus operations.

Although current plans call for maintaining normal campus operations, be advised that it is possible UA could move to alternative methods of delivery, including online-only classes at some point this semester based on the state of COVID-19 in Alabama.

Students are encouraged to plan ahead if they leave campus for spring break, and take what they would need (e.g., electronics, textbooks, class materials and valuables) in the event a transition to online learning would become necessary.

Students who live on campus and prefer to stay on campus during spring break will be provided with accommodations at their request. Please contact Housing and Residential Communities at 205-348-6676 or by email at housing@ua.edu by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 13, to discuss.

Please do not return to campus if

  • you develop respiratory symptoms during spring break,
  • are exposed to an individual with or suspected of having COVID-19, or
  • you travel to a CDC COVID-19 level 2 or 3 country.

We will work to provide alternative arrangements for remote learning through the best available platforms. Students should contact their advisor or program head regarding academic concerns.

We want to remind everyone to please monitor your emails. The System’s previous advisories canceling international travel and discouraging any non-essential domestic travel remain in effect. System advisories and updates can be found at http://uasystem.edu/news/2020/02/ua-system-covid-19-updates/. UA information is available at healthinfo.ua.edu.

 

Message to Families from the Vice President for Student Life

March 10, 2020

Dear UA families,

It has been a busy semester for your students, and I know everyone is ready for Spring Break. As you communicate with your students about their plans over Spring Break, I hope you will remind them of a few health and safety points.

As stated in recent messages to campus about the evolving COVID-19 coronavirus situation globally, UA has had no reported cases of the virus. As students plan personal travel over the break, please monitor healthinfo.ua.edu for the most recent campus information about the situation. While the updated interim emergency policy does not inhibit or restrict the travel of individuals traveling on personal business at the time of this communication, the UA System strongly encourages students to consider this updated policy when making decisions to continue on or schedule travel to any of the impacted countries. Stay aware of CDC travel watches, alerts and warnings, and seek out additional CDC and State Department updates.

The most recent local guidance includes:

  • UA System has canceled all University-sponsored international travel scheduled to depart in March. University-sponsored travel outside of the United States that is scheduled to depart after the month of March is suspended effective immediately.
  • The UA System advises against any non-essential domestic travel, particularly to large conferences or to states or locales that have declared a State of Emergency or Public Health Emergency due to the virus.
  • Those who travel to aCDC COVID-19 Level 2 or 3 country (on personal or University business) or have been in close contact with anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 are required to contact the Alabama Department of Public Health, remain away from the UA campus and other large gathering places, and self-monitor for 14 days after leaving the affected area.

As your student prepares to leave Tuscaloosa, please remind them to take the following steps:

  • Clean out their refrigerator, dispose of perishable foods, and take out trash.
  • Take valuables and electronics with them.
  • Unplug appliances except the refrigerator.
  • If they are leaving a car in Tuscaloosa, be sure it is locked, with nothing valuable left in sight.
  • If they live on-campus, lock all doors in their residence hall room/suite.
  • If they live off-campus, close the blinds and curtains; lock the doors, deadbolts, and windows; and leave an inside light on. Take patio furniture inside.

Before your student travels:

  • Encourage your student to take precautions through handwashing and have a plan for seeking medical assistance in the event they need it while traveling. This includes having their insurance card with them at all times.
  • Encourage your student to check their car, including tire pressure, and make sure their cell phone is charged.
  • Remind them to follow all traffic regulations, including speed limits, especially if they are traveling on unfamiliar roads and highways. Even in familiar surroundings, others around them may be first-time visitors, or roadways, signs, and traffic signals may have changed.
  • Urge them to know the local laws and ordinances, especially regarding alcohol consumption, parking, noise, and use of outdoor areas.
  • Tell them to expect the unexpected and avoid distractions caused by text messages, other individuals, or events that grab attention when driving or walking.
  • Encourage your student to have a plan to make healthy decisions about eating, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of rest.
  • Revisit previous conversations you’ve had with them about alcohol, drugs, and sexual health/affirmative consent.
  • Remind them that when using a rideshare, check for a match on their phone to ensure they are getting in the right vehicle. Encourage them to stay awake/alert during the ride, and keep belongings close by and together.

Remember that crime can, and does, happen anywhere. Other helpful information can be found in UAPD’s Safer Living Guide online at http://police.ua.edu/slg.html.

Thanks, and Roll Tide!

Kathleen Cramer, Ph.D.
Interim Vice President for Student Life

 

Domestic Travel Guidance 

March 9, 2020

The University of Alabama System continues to closely monitor the COVID-19 outbreak.  Today System officials issued guidance advising against any non-essential domestic travel at this time, particularly to large conferences with attendees from multiple states or locations that have declared a state of emergency due to the virus.

Faculty, staff and students on UA System campuses are encouraged to use good judgment when making travel decisions and work with campus administration to evaluate alternative methods of remote participation such as live-streaming of conference sessions and meetings.

The UA System advisory also states:  “Students, faculty and staff who have concerns about being exposed to the virus while traveling should not be required to travel.  Likewise, any student, faculty or staff member who elects not to attend a previously scheduled event due to those concerns should not be disciplined.”

The UA System website will continue to be a centralized source for updated information on the virus outbreak, policies and other guidance: http://uasystem.edu/news/2020/02/ua-system-covid-19-updates/

 

Travel Restrictions and Guidelines

March 4, 2020

Students, faculty and staff,

Effective immediately, UA is canceling all university-sponsored international travel that is scheduled to depart in the month of March. Faculty, staff and students MAY NOT TRAVEL anywhere outside the United States for university business or academic purposes (“university-sponsored travel”), including but not limited to study abroad or other international academic work, research or grant activity; service projects; internships; conferences or presentations; teaching or training; performances; recruiting; or athletic competitions.

Additionally, university-sponsored travel outside of the United States that is scheduled to depart after the month of March is suspended effective immediately. Regarding future university-sponsored travel outside of the United States beyond March, this is a complex decision that is based on new and evolving information. Decisions on those future programs are ON HOLD and will be addressed as soon as possible. Please read the full updated interim policy issued by the University of Alabama System.

Due to the expanding global coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, the significant risk of exposure during international travel, and guidance from experts in public health and infectious disease, we expect full cooperation and compliance with this updated interim policy to maintain a safe and healthy environment for everyone. Faculty, staff, students, and visiting students and scholars who fail to comply with this policy may be subject to disciplinary action.

We recognize the significance of these measures to members of our campus community and are committed to providing support. Our number one priority is the health and safety of our campus and community. Students with questions about international travel should call Education Abroad at 205-348-5256 or email studyabroad@ua.edu. Faculty, staff and visiting research scholars should contact the Associate Director for International Health, Safety & Risk Management at 205-348-5256 or chad.berry@ua.edu. These offices are available to provide guidance and assistance to our travelers, in addition to providing resources through our System travel provider, International SOS.

While we cannot restrict individuals’ travel for personal business or affiliate programs (i.e., travel that is not university sponsored but related to academic or business pursuits – e.g., travel through another institution or program), the UA System strongly encourages students, faculty and staff to consider the updated policy and follow CDC travel watches, alerts and warnings, and be aware of additional CDC and State Department updates. The global situation is rapidly evolving, and risk of acquiring COVID-19 may change abruptly. Please be mindful of potential associated risks of disruptions to reentry to the United States, including possible quarantine.

Any and all travelers returning to the United States or coming to the United States to participate in university-sponsored business or programs must comply with all U.S. re-entry, quarantine, self-isolation or self-monitoring requirements in place before returning to or engaging with the university community. Travelers must provide verification from the Alabama Department of Public Health or their health provider confirming they have completed the appropriate monitoring process. To the extent a traveler is monitored or otherwise reporting to the university during any monitoring period, the traveler must receive express approval from the university in order to return to the university community. Additional detail is available in the updated interim policy.

Returning travelers should follow guidance provided by the Alabama Department of Public Health for returning travelers on the ADPH website. Any traveler should be aware of CDC Travel Health Notices and observe CDC travel precautions for COVID-19.

We understand that many members of our community may have upcoming spring break travel, conferences or summer study abroad plans that this policy may affect. We further understand that the longer the travel restrictions remain in place, more questions will arise related to future plans for international travel. To assess the impact of the virus on faculty, staff and students, a dedicated team composed of members from throughout the UA System, including our clinical and infection prevention experts, is monitoring the outbreak and utilizing guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization, and international governments and health agencies. Administrators at each campus are continuously evaluating and receiving advice on potential impacts and will provide future information and guidance.

While there are no known cases of COVID-19 in Alabama at the time of this communication, there are confirmed cases in Florida and Georgia, and it could be seen in Alabama soon.

Please continue to be vigilant, plan ahead and protect against spreading viral illness:

More information and tips can be found at healthinfo.ua.edu.

 

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update

February 28, 2020

UA students, faculty and staff,

University of Alabama officials are closely monitoring the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and are in continuous communication with public health officials. There are no known cases of COVID-19 in Alabama.

The symptoms are similar to the flu and can cause mild illness or, in limited cases, become life-threatening. While it is unlikely that anyone will be diagnosed with COVID-19 at this time unless they have traveled to affected countries or had contact with someone who has, the CDC reports increased concerns of possible spread in the United States and potential disruptions to daily life. Health officials encourage individuals and businesses to be vigilant and plan ahead.

UA has procedures in place for contagious illnesses and is prepared. Healthcare professionals are trained to safely care for patients, and emergency management professionals are coordinating preparedness activities and plans with leaders across each of our System campuses to maintain necessary operations and services in the event of local disruptions.

The University of Alabama System has issued an interim policy statement for UA, UAB and UAH that addresses COVID-19 and international travel. Please read the interim policy carefully to ensure compliance in the interest of public health and safety.

Among other important guidance, the interim policy outlines:

  • All University-sponsored international travel to CDC COVID-19 Level 2 and 3 designated destinations is suspended effective immediately. At this time, this includes China (including Hong Kong), South Korea, Japan, Iran and Italy. Faculty, staff and students MAY NOT TRAVEL to these countries for University business or academic purposes, including but not limited to study abroad or other international academic work, research or grant activity, internships, conferences or presentations, teaching or training, performances, recruiting, or athletic competitions.
  • University-sponsored travel to other countries outside of North America designated as CDC COVID-19 Level 1 destinations is strongly discouraged at this time.
  • While this policy does not inhibit or restrict the travel of individuals traveling on personal business or affiliate, exchange, direct enroll, or non-UA affiliate study abroad programs (i.e., travel that is not university sponsored but related to academic or business pursuits – e.g., travel through another institution or program), the UA System strongly encourages our faculty, staff, and students to consider this policy when making decisions to continue on or schedule travel to any of the affected countries.
  • Individuals who choose to travel to CDC COVID-19 Level 1 destinations at this time should know that the global situation is rapidly evolving, and their risk of acquiring COVID-19 may change abruptly. We highly recommend that you follow CDC and State Department updates and be mindful of potential associated risks of disruptions to your reentry to the United States.
  • Travel related to family and other personal obligations is considered (as in the past) to be personal travel. It will be subject to any regulations and advisories of the U.S. government and other relevant agencies. Personal travelers will be required to comply with all U.S. re-entry and quarantine requirements in place and must verify to the University that they have done so prior to returning to the university community. Employees and students taking personal trips to an impacted country (including layovers through an impacted country) must be prepared to comply with self-isolation requirements upon their return.
  • Returning travelers should follow guidance provided by the Alabama Department of Public Health for returning travelers on the ADPH website. If you are returning from a CDC COVID-19 Level 2 or Level 3 country, please contact the ADPH at 800-338-8374 before you return to receive further information and instruction. Any traveler should be aware of CDC Travel Health Notices, observe CDC travel precautions for COVID-19 and avoid travel if you are sick.

We recognize the significance of these measures to members of our campus community and are committed to providing support. Our number one priority is the health and safety of our campus and community. Students, with questions about international travel should call Education Abroad at 205-348-5256 or email studyabroad@ua.edu. Faculty, staff and visiting research scholars should contact the Associate Director for International Health, Safety & Risk Management at 205-348-5256 or chad.berry@ua.edu. These offices are available to provide guidance and assistance to our travelers, in addition to providing resources through our System travel provider, International SOS.

We will continue to closely monitor the situation and update you with any adjustments to normal operations that may become necessary. Updates will be provided at the UA System Office website for coronavirus information and UA’s coronavirus website.

In the meantime, please take steps to protect yourself and others:

  • Wash hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is one of the easiest, most effective ways to reduce the spread of viral infections.
  • Use respiratory etiquette:
    • Avoid anyone who is sick. If you are sick, avoid others.
    • Do not go to school or work if you are ill.
    • Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
    • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue or sleeve.
    • Routinely clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces and objects.
    • Protect against the flu by getting the flu vaccine. The flu vaccine does not protect against COVID-19, but the flu poses a more active health threat in Alabama at this time.
  • If you experience flu-like symptoms take extra caution, avoid people and get medical attention.
  • While widespread control measures to manage a potential pandemic (like recommendations to stay home) are not anticipated at this time, it is wise to be aware of helpful information available at gov. The CDC is not recommending the general population in the United States buy or wear facemasks.

 

UA Suspends Non-Essential Travel to China

January 29, 2020

As a result of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance and consistent with U.S. State Department recommendations, UA is suspending university-sponsored travel to China for students, faculty and staff due to ongoing concerns related to the coronavirus outbreak stemming from Wuhan, China. The State Department also recommends all travelers reconsider any personal trips to China.

Members of the UA community with questions about international travel and travel policies may contact the Capstone International Center.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CORONAVIRUS

UA has had no cases of coronavirus, and we have not been notified of any member of the campus community with the virus.

The risk for Alabamians remains low at this time, and we — along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Alabama Department of Public Health — are closely monitoring the ongoing situation. This coronavirus can cause mild illness that can be overcome, but more severe cases can be life-threatening. More information about the 2019 novel coronavirus is available on the CDC website.

Symptoms of coronavirus include, but are not limited to, fever, running nose, headache, cough, and the general feeling of being unwell; these are also symptoms of the common flu virus. If you have these symptoms, it is likely the common cold or a common strain of the flu. It is unlikely that anyone will be diagnosed with coronavirus at this time unless they have traveled to affected countries or had contact with someone who has. If you have concerning symptoms, please call the employee or student health clinic prior to visiting.

The UA System has extensive expertise and systems in place to monitor and address possible infectious diseases. However, you should take general precautions like frequent hand washing to prevent the spread of any virus, including seasonal flu, which is still active across Alabama and the U.S. If you have not received a flu shot, it is not too late. For additional advice on flu facts and prevention, visit cdc.gov/flu

 

Campus Communication Regarding Novel Coronavirus

January 27, 2020

You may be aware of an evolving respiratory illness outbreak stemming from Wuhan, China, known as coronavirus. The risk for Alabamians remains relatively low at this time, and we — along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Alabama Department of Public Health — are closely monitoring the ongoing situation.

This coronavirus can cause mild illness that can be overcome, but more severe cases can be life-threatening. More Information about the 2019 novel coronavirus is available on the CDC website.

The University Medical Center (including its affiliated clinics) and Student Health Center and Pharmacy have had no cases of coronavirus. While we have procedures in place for contagious severe illnesses and are prepared, UA has not been notified of any member of the campus community with the virus. 

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Symptoms of coronavirus include, but are not limited to, fever, running nose, headache, cough, and the general feeling of being unwell; these are also symptoms of the common flu virus. If you have these symptoms, it is likely the common cold or a common strain of the flu. It is unlikely that anyone will be diagnosed with coronavirus at this time unless they have traveled to affected countries or had contact with someone who has. If you have concerning symptoms, please call the employee or student health clinic prior to visiting.

UA System institutions have extensive expertise and systems in place to monitor and address threats of infectious diseases. However, you should take general precautions like frequent hand washing, to prevent the spread of any virus, including seasonal flu, which is still active across Alabama and the U.S. If you have not received a flu shot, it’s not too late. UA faculty and staff can go directly to the University Medical Center Faculty Staff Clinic for a flu shot or seek out their primary care physician or pharmacy. UA students can walk in to the Student Health Center’s Allergy/Immunization Clinic (www.shc.sl.ua.edu ) to obtain a flu shot. No appointment is needed. For advice on flu facts and prevention, go to www.cdc.gov/flu.

Students and employees scheduled to travel to China should observe the CDC travel precautions and remain away from Wuhan City. If additional precautions are needed, UA will communicate appropriately at that time to further protect the health of our campus and community at large.