Update from campus leaders on coronavirus (Feb. 26, 2020)
We are actively tracking updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. State Department and the North Carolina Division of Public Health that inform our travel policies.
Dear Carolina Community:
We are writing to share that the University continues to monitor the spread of COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, as more cases are confirmed in the United States and other countries. This is a rapidly changing situation, and we have a team in place working diligently to monitor the situation and develop and execute plans to maintain the safety and well-being of our community. Right now, there are no confirmed cases on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus or in North Carolina and no member of the Carolina Community abroad has contracted the virus.
Information about international travel
Our team is in regular contact with students, faculty and staff in regions where the virus has been identified and is working to address their needs. We are also monitoring the virus by working closely with our partner organizations and institutions abroad. Any decisions the University makes regarding operations in affected areas will be communicated directly with those abroad and with the entire campus community. We are also maintaining a COVID-19 website with the most recent information and any changes to University-sponsored or affiliated programming will be posted there. Please visit that the website for updates.
We are actively tracking updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. State Department and the North Carolina Division of Public Health that inform our travel policies, and those planning to travel internationally should monitor these resources for the latest travel advisories as well. However, if you have questions or concerns, you should not hesitate to contact your study abroad program director or advisor for support and resources. Other travelers should reach out to their department or program administrator as appropriate or can refer to the University’s COVID-19 website for the latest information and FAQs.
As a reminder, anyone traveling internationally on University business is required to register with the UNC Global Travel Registry or with the University’s Study Abroad Office and enroll in the University’s international health and evacuation coverage by contacting the Office of Risk Management at 919-962-6681 or risk@unc.edu. These registries are our best way to identify, reach and support members of our community traveling abroad.
Symptoms and seeking medical care
If you have traveled to an area that has been affected by COVID-19 and are exhibiting the following symptoms, call Campus Health at 919-966-6603 (Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or 919-966-6573 (Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.); faculty or staff can call the University Employee Occupational Health Clinic at 919-966-9119 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or their health care provider. Please call these offices before showing up in person and let them know your travel history and symptoms.
- Runny nose
- Headache
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Fever
- A general feeling of being unwell
According to the CDC, symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days after exposure. The illness can be more serious for individuals with a weakened immune system, older adults or those with underlying respiratory problems.
We recognize that this is an uncertain time and that some members of our community may be feeling additional stress, especially if they have family in affected areas. For a comprehensive list of resources, please visit the COVID-19 website. We will continue to monitor the situation and update the campus community as it evolves.
Sincerely,
Kevin M. Guskiewicz
Chancellor
Robert A. Blouin
Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost