To the University of Miami Community,
We are writing with an update on the University of Miami’s response to the novel coronavirus outbreak first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The University is working closely with Miami-Dade County and the state of Florida to monitor this situation and is following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
At this time, there are no confirmed cases of the virus among members of the University of Miami community or in the state of Florida, and we do not believe that there is any immediate health risk to our campuses.
The University of Miami Health System, UHealth, is following all CDC infection control recommendations to ensure the safety of all patients and staff, as well as to implement appropriate precautions for any patients who may arrive at UHealth facilities meeting the CDC screening criteria for the virus.
The U.S. State Department on Thursday, Jan. 30, heightened its travel advisory for China, urging citizens not to travel there due to the rapid spread of coronavirus.
Out of an abundance of caution, the University of Miami is implementing the following guidelines regarding travel to and from China:
Travel to China:
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Consistent with the State Department advisory, the University is suspending all University-affiliated travel to China, effective immediately.
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All University-affiliated study abroad programs to China for the 2020 spring and summer semesters have been postponed and the Miami Herbert Business School’s March 2020 program in China has been canceled.
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Consistent with both State Department and CDC guidance, the University also recommends that all students, staff, and faculty members avoid all nonessential personal travel to China.
Travel from China:
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Any student who has returned to the United States from China within the past 14 days must contact Student Health Service at studenthealth@miami.edu.
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Any staff or faculty member, or visiting scholar, who has returned to the United States from China within the past 14 days must contact UHealth Infection Control at 786-427-5018.
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All travelers arriving in the U.S. from China are being screened for symptoms of novel coronavirus at 20 U.S. ports of entry, including Miami International Airport.
As a reminder, all students, staff, and faculty members traveling on a University trip must register their travel information with International SOS before departing.
Flu activity is high in the U.S. and is expected to continue for several weeks. Anyone who has not received a flu vaccine this season should consider getting the vaccine. As always, we encourage any student who has health-related questions to contact Student Health Service at studenthealth@miami.edu and to refer to the Student Health Service website for any updates. Staff and faculty members should contact their primary care provider with any health care questions.
The University will notify students, staff, and faculty members if there is any immediate health threat to our campuses and will modify guidance as the situation warrants.
Additional information about novel coronavirus: |
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