UTMB is working with federal, state, UT System and local collaborators as we monitor the COVID-19 developments. We are now aware of new cases of COVID-19 in our region, which makes our need for more local action and prevention policies imperative.

Since early January, we have been training caregivers in isolation procedures, fitting special N-95 masks, and re-visiting policies and procedures that assure our preparedness to successfully manage these anticipated cases. I am confident in our staff’s preparedness, and I am proud of our UTMB scientists who are working tirelessly in pursuit of solutions to the COVID-19 threat in the form of medications, vaccines and other new treatments.

In order to assure the safety and well-being of our students, patients and employees, UTMB will immediately implement the following policies:

• All international travel by UTMB faculty, employees and students is suspended until further notice; any exceptions must be approved by the Office of the President.
• Domestic travel is highly discouraged at the present time, unless it is considered mission-critical to the health and/or welfare of the university and its activities. Exceptions must be approved by the Office of the President.
• All incoming (visiting) domestic and international travel by learners and/or visitors is suspended until further notice.
• All UTMB employees and students returning from international travel—whether business or personal—must contact Employee Health Services and Student Health Services, respectively, to be screened by telephone prior to returning to any UTMB campus. They may be required to home quarantine by the County’s Health Authority until cleared for return to campus.
• We encourage you to evaluate your personal travel plans regarding both domestic and international locations. With the recent rapid changes in and global spread of COVID-19, we encourage you to (1) avoid places identified as “at risk” and (2) remember that the rapid dynamics associated with the spread of this virus may require you to alter your plans mid-trip.

Please consult our web page at https://www.utmb.edu/covid-19 for details regarding travel, access to care, recent updates, and information in general.

Please also remember to use common-sense wellness practices such as: frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; using alcohol-based hand sanitizer, with at least 60% alcohol content; avoiding crowds of people; covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; and maintaining good health and dietary routines.

And, please remember to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, stay away from people who are sick and stay at home when you are sick. Also, please cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then dispose of the tissue in the trash, and be sure to clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

I will be communicating with you routinely as I have new information. Please take good care of yourselves.

Sincerely,

Ben G. Raimer, MD, MA, FAAP