Influenza and Coronavirus Update

Thu, 30 Jan 2020 12:10:23 -0500
covid19

Given the high number of cases of influenza both on campus and in Maryland, we want to take this opportunity to update you on university recommendations for members of our community who are not feeling well.

In addition to the regular influenza season, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is closely monitoring an outbreak caused by a new coronavirus (“2019-nCoV”) first identified in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China. Currently, there are no suspected or confirmed cases of coronavirus at UMBC. Please stay up to date on UMBC’s response to the coronavirus here. The website also provides comprehensive influenza prevention information.

We remind all members of our community that the most effective treatment for influenza and flu-like illness is rest. Given the highly communicable nature of influenza and other similar conditions, for the health of all in our community, we encourage sick individuals to stay home and avoid public places. We ask that faculty make allowances for students who are unable to come to campus because of an illness. Given that not all cases of influenza or flu-like illness require a doctor’s care, and that exposing more people is not desirable, it should not be necessary for students to present a doctor’s note in order to be granted an excused absence. This guidance also applies to university staff.

In addition, we ask faculty to communicate with students if classes have to be canceled due to illness, and to consider moving instruction online, if necessary and feasible. To help, the Division of Information Technology (DoIT) has developed a number of faculty resources and has support staff available to assist.

If you are not feeling well and have questions about medical treatment options, please contact University Health Services at 410-455-2542.

Provost Philip Rous and Valerie Thomas, Associate Vice President, Human Resources