JANUARY 30, 2020 — Editor’s note: The following message was sent via email today from Dr. Lisa Montoya, Vice Provost for Global Initiatives and Senior International Officer, and Dr. Beth Wichman, Executive Director and Chief Medical Officer, Student Health Services.
The World Health Organization has declared the Coronavirus outbreak a global public health emergency. The virus, which originated in Wuhan, China, has resulted in more than 8,000 reported cases in China and more than 100 cases elsewhere in the world. That includes six confirmed cases in the United States, one of which is a person-to-person transmission.
UTSA continues to closely monitor global developments and their potential impact on our international studies programs. Currently, there are no faculty, staff or students in China or other designated high-risk areas on official university business.
The UTSA Office of Global Initiatives and UTSA Student Health Services are in communication with several students, scholars, faculty and staff who were in China on university business from December to mid-January, when the outbreak occurred. While all of them are symptom-free, they have been advised to immediately call their health care providers and self-quarantine if they develop flu-like symptoms. Students should contact their professors in the event accommodations are needed.
Out of an abundance of caution, and for the well-being of our campus community, UTSA is restricting all official university travel to China until international health officials declare that the emergency has passed.
While the university cannot restrict private travel, we strongly urge any students who may have been to China or designated high-risk areas in December and January to contact Student Health Services for a wellness check and health assessment. Faculty and staff should contact UTSA Chief Medical Officer Beth Wichman, M.D. for an initial assessment and recommendation on subsequent clinical evaluation by their health care providers.
As a reminder, taking routine precautions can help you avoid viruses and remain healthy during flu season. Free flu shots remain available to students by appointment, while supplies last, through Student Health Services.
UTSA is coordinating regionally with the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District and monitoring guidance from the World Health Organization and U.S. Centers for Disease Control. We will provide updates to our campus community as needed.
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Move In To COLFA is strongly recommended for new students in COLFA. It gives you the chance to learn about the Student Success Center, campus resources and meet new friends!
Academic Classroom: Lecture Hall (MH 2.01.10,) McKinney Humanities BldgWe invite you to join us for Birds Up! Downtown, an exciting welcome back event designed to connect students with the different departments at the Downtown Campus. Students will have the opportunity to learn about some of the departments on campus, gain access to different resources, and collect some giveaways!
Bill Miller PlazaCome and celebrate this year's homecoming at the Downtown Campus with food, games, giveaways, music, and more. We look forward to seeing your Roadrunner Spirit!
Bill Miller PlazaThe University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
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