In a Jan. 29 message, I outlined UTMB’s response to the novel coronavirus that causes the newly named illness COVID-19 in several countries. Our world-class infectious disease researchers continue to collaborate with scientists around the globe to study the virus and how best to combat it. Clinically, we continue to monitor the situation very closely, and I want to provide a brief update.

• In late January, we asked employees and students to avoid any non-essential travel to China, where the disease originated.
• As the disease has spread more widely and based on the latest information from the CDC, we are expanding that list of countries to also include South Korea, Italy, Japan and Iran. The additions are effective immediately.
• We also encourage caution if traveling to Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan or Thailand.
• If you are a UTMB employee or student returning from China, South Korea, Italy, Japan or Iran, you may be placed on administrative leave for up to two weeks to ensure you are clear of the virus before returning to work or school.
• If an employee is unable to report for duty at the usual work location, we ask managers to work with the employee to arrange for telecommuting options where feasible.
• In fact, every department should take time to review their business continuity plan, to ensure you are prepared if multiple employees need to be away from work simultaneously due to illness or dependent care needs. That’s just good practice at any time, to ensure we are always ready to serve our communities 24/7/365.
• Employee Health will follow up with faculty and staff on related administrative leave. Managers may contact their department’s Human Resources business partner with questions.
• Student Health will follow up with any students returning from countries on the restricted list.
• Be aware that additional countries may be added to the list of travel restrictions as this situation develops. Please refer to a new web site for our employees, http://intranet.utmb.edu/covid-19, for the latest information on UTMB practices, procedures and protocols related to the novel coronavirus, including the most current information on travel restrictions.

We will screen patients for recent travel to China, South Korea, Italy, Japan or Iran, and for signs and symptoms associated with this virus, such as fever, cough or sore throat. If you provide direct patient care, please check with your supervisor for details about screening, treatment and documentation.

We have an ample supply of personal protection equipment for our staff who may be screening and treating patients. Our standard infection control protocols should continue to be practiced without fail.

Please continue to help separate fact from myth by relying on information about the novel coronavirus and the COVID-19 disease only from reputable sources, such as the CDC, the World Health Organization, and county and state health departments. To see the latest from the Texas Department of State Health Services, visit https://www.dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/

We are committed to the safety of our employees, patients and visitors. As always, we urge every member of the UTMB community—whether in direct patient care or other roles—to:

• Practice excellent hand hygiene
• Effectively cover coughs and sneezes
• Stay home from school or work if you are ill
• Consult your health care provider if you are concerned about symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat or difficulty breathing

Thank you all again for working together to keep our university and our communities safe and healthy.

Thank you,

Ben G. Raimer, MD, MA, FAAP
President ad interim