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Coronavirus Update: Returning Students, Faculty Take Note

March 6, 2020

COVID-19, also called Coronavirus, continues spreading to various parts of the world. Since UP’s spring break more than a week ago, Oregon now has both confirmed and presumed exposures awaiting confirmation. Nearby Washington state has suffered a number of deaths from the virus to date.

Anyone with underlying medical conditions that make them especially vulnerable to complications from COVID-19 (Coronavirus) should consult with their medical provider to determine if self-isolation away from campus might be warranted.  Based on that medical advice, any student who wishes to avoid coming to campus temporarily should contact their associate dean for guidance.

Before returning to campus, please contact your health care provider if you have traveled to one of the countries on the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Level 3 or 4 list (Italy, South Korea, Iran, etc.), or if you are aware that you have otherwise been exposed to COVID-19. They will advise you and refer you appropriately so together you can best address your individual situation.

If any students exhibit a history or symptoms consistent with COVID-19, we will work with the Oregon Health Authority and the CDC to care for the student and UP campus.

Since spring break, more has been learned about COVID-19 and its behavior, including:

  • COVID-19 is thought to spread primarily through close contact, within six (6) feet of an individual with a confirmed diagnosis.
  • According to CDC experts, COVID-19 appears to be effecting children and younger adults at lower rates. Furthermore, most young adults with COVID-19 experience mild symptoms.
  • The CDC recommends people clean and disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces, including keyboards, cell phones, doorknobs, desks, and light switches. Standard cleaning supplies are believed to be effective for COVID-19. Handwashing for at least 20 seconds is recommended. If handwashing is not readily available, then hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol is an acceptable alternative.

Classes and daily operations at UP will continue as scheduled until further notice. Here are a few steps we are taking to help address the spread of COVID-19:

  • Busy areas around campus will undergo multiple cleanings and disinfecting throughout the day and evenings, including bathrooms and high-use surfaces.
  • More hand sanitizer stations will be positioned around campus as inventory allows.
  • Visible signage is being increased in all buildings with important reminders and key information which must be followed for our protection.
  • Scrutiny of outside events scheduled on our campus, subjecting them to potential postponement or cancellation, depending on the guidance we receive from local, state, and federal healthcare officials.

Other guidance shared with all students, faculty and staff prior to spring break still applies concerning precautions and information about COVID-19:

  • Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. They can surface up to 14 days after exposure.
  • Anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with COVID-19 should contact their healthcare provider.  Current UP students should contact the campus Health and Counseling Center (HCC) at (503) 943-7134. After hours, students can access ProvRN or Providence Express Care Virtual to reach a healthcare provider for immediate assessment.  Instructions for accessing these services are available on the HCC website using this link.
  • Precautions to decrease the transmission of COVID-19 are like those for preventing the spread of other respiratory illnesses, including colds and flu. Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough; wash your hands frequently; and stay home if you are ill. The HCC is still taking precautions with patients, including providing masks to students with symptoms of any respiratory illness or fever; and screening all students seeking medical and counseling services upon check-in for risk of exposure to COVID-19. If any students exhibit a history or symptoms consistent with COVID-19, we will work with the Oregon Health Authority and the CDC to care for the student and UP campus.

COVID-19 Outbreak Information

  • Additional information and regular updates are available online from the Health and Counseling Center at https://www.up.edu/healthcenter/coronavirus-updates.html.
  • The World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and international governments are taking decisive action in response to COVID-19. The CDC website is being updated frequently with information as more becomes known.

Again, our guidance still focuses on caution and prevention. For further information or questions, please contact any of the following resources:

  • Health and Counseling Center: x7134
  • Campus Safety: x7161
  • ProvRN: (503) 574-9606

Filed Under: 03-09-2020, Campus Services, Health Center, Marketing & Communications Tagged With: Coronavirus Outbreak, Health & Counseling Center

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UPbeat is a newsletter for University of Portland faculty and staff published through the marketing & communications office; submit information to Marc Covert, upbeat editor, at 8132 or upbeat@up.edu. Submission deadline is noon the Thursday prior to publication. Submissions may be edited for clarity, consistency, brevity, or style.

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