With the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring the new coronavirus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, and advisories from both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. State Department to avoid travel to the People’s Republic of China, Indiana University is implementing restrictions on travel that align with this guidance to protect the health and well-being of our community.
Effective immediately:
- Indiana University, in accordance with guidance from the CDC and other federal agencies, is suspending travel to China for all faculty, staff and students. This suspension will be reconsidered when advisories are modified.
- Indiana University will grant exceptions for humanitarian reasons for those traveling to countries to assist with pandemic response. Please submit requests for exceptions to the Associate Vice President of Public Safety and Institutional Assurance.
- Faculty or staff members returning from China: contact AVPpsia@IU.edu upon return.
What is the virus risk within our state?
There are no known cases in the IU community at this time. A suspected case of the virus has been identified in northern Indiana, with test results anticipated this week. The risk to our campuses remains low. At this time, 98 percent of coronavirus cases are in mainland China. The CDC also assesses the risk of infection by the coronavirus to be low throughout the United States.
This is a rapidly changing situation and as more about the virus is understood, recommendations and affected areas may change. Information will be updated as soon as it is available and verified.
Additional information about the coronavirus
University administration and campus health officials, in coordination with local health departments, the Indiana State Department of Health and the CDC, continue to closely monitor the ongoing outbreak of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) related illnesses in China and in individuals who recently traveled in East Asia or Southeast Asia.
Please call your primary health care provider or your IU campus health center if you:
- Have traveled to Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, or
- Were in close contact with a person who is under investigation for coronavirus while they were ill OR has a laboratory-confirmed case within the last 14 days
And
- Have symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath.
When you call, please inform them of your symptoms and recent travel or potential exposure before going to the health facility.
Most cases are mild and most have recovered without issue. IU is monitoring the situation closely.
The largest health concern on campus remains common influenza.
In light of cold and flu season and this current outbreak of a new virus, follow these best practices to help prevent the spread of illnesses:
- Stay away from ill people and stay away from others if you are ill.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or tissue.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Use single use tissue and dispose immediately.
- Do not share drinks, food or utensils.
- Get good sleep and drink plenty of water.
- Get an annual flu (influenza) shot through your primary care provider, local minute clinic or campus health center.
- Clean and disinfect common touch surfaces frequently.
- Avoid large or crowded events if you feel sick.
Resources on the coronavirus
The Indiana State Department of Health has information specific to the coronavirus, and has established a coronavirus hotline phone number. Call 317-233-7125 with questions or concerns regarding the coronavirus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides more information about Coronavirus 2019-nCoV.
For more information on IU’s response to this outbreak, please visit the Environmental Health and Safety coronavirus webpage.
Thank you for your cooperation and support in keeping our campuses safe.