COVID-19 Update
Posted March 10, 2020
March 10, 2020
With confirmed cases of coronavirus in Missouri and Illinois, we now more than ever must work together to focus on the health and well-being of our campus, and to limit the potential impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) on our community. As of this morning, there are several more cases in Illinois and two “presumed positive” cases in Missouri in the St. Louis area. Currently, there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 connected to SIUE. If you have general questions about COVID-19, you can call the Illinois Department of Public Health hotline (800) 889-3931.
We are continuing to monitor the global outbreak of COVID-19. We will communicate regularly and often with the newest information regarding University guidelines and health precautions. Communications will be distributed more often, if needed. A web page for our SIUE community has been developed to provide COVID-19 resources, and information is updated frequently: http://siue.edu/about/announcements/faq-coronavirus.shtml.
A campus committee that includes emergency preparedness and health officials, as well as academic, student affairs, HR leaders and University administration meets regularly to plan responses to the effects of this outbreak on our University and the continuity of our operations. We will continue to monitor conditions and provide additional advice regarding social distancing and the potential effects on classes. We welcome your thoughts and considerations at HealthNews@siue.edu
The University is providing recommendations and resources based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while keeping in mind the distinct needs of our students, faculty and staff. It is important to keep in mind that while the virus can be serious, most people who contract COVID-19 will experience mild-to-moderate flu-like symptoms and fully recover. However, there are members of our population who are more vulnerable to a virus like this and are at greater risk of serious illness.
Here are important considerations for our SIUE community:
Travel
The University will be providing an update to the travel guidance very soon.
Health Monitoring
The University is asking all community members returning to the United States from mainland China, Iran, Italy and South Korea to stay home and self-monitor for 14 days. Madison County Health Department will coordinate any monitoring of symptoms they deem necessary and will coordinate when that period ends. The students will be allowed to return to campus on their authority. If students want, they can connect with the SIUE Health Service at 618-650-2842 as they return to campus.
Health Preparations
We have posted hand-washing signs in restrooms throughout our campus. We have added mobile hand-sanitizer stations at large campus events. Dispensers are already near main entrances to buildings.
Furthermore, our facilities management team is working with staff to conduct more frequent cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surfaces and restrooms in University buildings. Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to report empty soap dispensers or any undesirable restroom conditions by calling FM Customer Service at ext. 3711 OR Building Services ext. 2067 for a prompt response.
Because this health situation is evolving rapidly, we will update the University’s website http://siue.edu/about/announcements/faq-coronavirus.shtml frequently, and we ask that you review it for the latest updates. Everyone in our community is advised to practice everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of illness on campus.
The safety of our faculty, staff, and students remains our highest priority. We appreciate your patience and thoughtfulness as we try to navigate these conditions and consider the circumstances of those affected by this virus.
Thank you,
Dr. Kelly Farroll, Medical Chief
Riane Greenwalt, Director
