Subject:

UC San Diego Coronavirus Preparedness and Planning

The news of the spread of COVID-19 and its implications for the health
of many around the world is concerning. At this time, the risk to the
general public and to San Diegans remains low and there have been no
reported cases at UC San Diego. However, we want to remind you of some
standard health practices that can prevent the spread of COVID-19 in our
community. These same practices also prevent the spread of the seasonal
flu virus which is very active throughout the country right now. They
include:

1) Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20
seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
2) Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
3) Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay home if you
are sick
4) Cover your cough or sneeze into your sleeve or a tissue, then throw
the tissue in the trash
5) Clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched

There is currently no need to cancel classes or other events at UC San
Diego. The campus continues to monitor the progression of the virus and
coordinate with federal, state and local public health officials so that
we remain fully prepared. UC San Diego has extensive and thorough
emergency procedures, and we will do everything possible to ensure the
health and safety of our community. As part of our planning, we are
helping departments take steps to minimize disruptions to student
learning and ensuring students and employees who may become ill are
supported so they can stay home and recover.

If you are considering travel, be sure to check the latest travel
advisories at https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices, which currently
recommend avoiding nonessential travel to China, South Korea, Italy and
Iran. Also keep in mind that the situation is fluid and other countries
can always add or change travel restrictions, flights may be canceled,
and new re-entry restrictions or quarantines could be imposed. Please be
sure to provide family and friends with your itinerary and contact
information before you travel.

If you develop flu-like symptoms—fever, cough and difficulty
breathing—please seek medical attention. Students should call Student
Health Services at 858-534-3300 for guidance and to determine if you
need to be seen by a provider. Students may also go to
http://myStudentChart.ucsd.edu/shs/ and login with your Student AD to
send a message to “Ask-a-Nurse.”

Faculty and staff should call their health care providers. Please always
call ahead before arriving.

If you are experiencing heightened feelings of anxiety about the virus
and would like to access counseling services, there are resources
available. If you are a student, please call Counseling and
Psychological Services (CAPS) at 858-534-3755. If you are a campus
employee, call the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program (FSAP) at
858-534-5523. If you are a UC San Diego Health employee, please contact
your Employee Assistance Program provider aligned with your medical
coverage or call 619-543-3200.

UC San Diego will continue to keep you informed by providing the most
reliable and up-to-date information possible on the new COVID-19 webpage
on UC San Diego Newsroom, which can be found at
https://ucsdnews.ucsd.edu/covid-19.

Finally, we want to remind you that UC San Diego is a proud community of
international scholars. We should not make assumptions about others’
perceived symptoms (a cough or fever is not uniquely associated with
COVID-19) or any characteristics of their identity (the virus is now
impacting diverse nations and populations around the world). We thrive
when we respect one another and stay committed to each other’s
well-being. Your continuing compassion and empathy will make a tangible
difference on our campus.

Pradeep K. Khosla Chancellor Elizabeth H. Simmons Executive Vice Chancellor