Dear UMBC Community,
Given current news regarding COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, we want to assure you that UMBC is actively addressing the virus’ impact on our community and taking steps to be as prepared as possible for a variety of situations. If you have not already done so, please bookmark this website, which we will continue to update regularly. We are working closely with the University System of Maryland (USM) and the Baltimore County Health Department to receive regular updates on the spread of the virus and prevention efforts. Currently there are no suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 at UMBC.
In accordance with guidance provided by USM and an overabundance of caution, UMBC is suspending all university-related student travel to any country that is under a CDC Risk Assessment Level 1, 2, or 3, related to COVID-19. Faculty and staff travel is suspended to any level 3 country. Finally, students, faculty, and staff returning from a level 1, 2, or 3 country should self-isolate for 14 days upon return. Additional guidance will be provided. If you are considering traveling, please review the CDC’s risk assessment by country. If you have questions about UMBC’s travel policy, please reach out to David Di Maria, Associate Vice Provost for International Education, at 410-455-2624 or dimaria@umbc.edu.
In the following days, we will also be updating the website to include additional prevention and preparation information. The most effective preparation for this virus includes the following health measures:
Given current news regarding COVID-19, also known as coronavirus, we want to assure you that UMBC is actively addressing the virus’ impact on our community and taking steps to be as prepared as possible for a variety of situations. If you have not already done so, please bookmark this website, which we will continue to update regularly. We are working closely with the University System of Maryland (USM) and the Baltimore County Health Department to receive regular updates on the spread of the virus and prevention efforts. Currently there are no suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 at UMBC.
In accordance with guidance provided by USM and an overabundance of caution, UMBC is suspending all university-related student travel to any country that is under a CDC Risk Assessment Level 1, 2, or 3, related to COVID-19. Faculty and staff travel is suspended to any level 3 country. Finally, students, faculty, and staff returning from a level 1, 2, or 3 country should self-isolate for 14 days upon return. Additional guidance will be provided. If you are considering traveling, please review the CDC’s risk assessment by country. If you have questions about UMBC’s travel policy, please reach out to David Di Maria, Associate Vice Provost for International Education, at 410-455-2624 or dimaria@umbc.edu.
In the following days, we will also be updating the website to include additional prevention and preparation information. The most effective preparation for this virus includes the following health measures:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- If you are sick, please stay home and rest. This applies to students, faculty, and staff.
- If you have symptoms that include fever, cough, or shortness of breath, and are unsure if you need medical attention, please contact your personal health provider or University Health Services at 410-455-2542.
- Community members with underlying health conditions, who take medicines that suppress their immune system, are 65 or older, or who have other risk factors, and who have cold or flu symptoms should consult with their health provider immediately.
In addition, please consider your preparations if the virus begins to spread in the Maryland community. Obtain a 90-day supply of any prescription medications in case of drug shortages and avoid contact with sick individuals. It may eventually be prudent to also avoid large-scale social gatherings. We will provide additional guidance should this become warranted.
UMBC’s Incident Management Team is meeting regularly to coordinate UMBC’s response to both the COVID-19 virus and influenza. We continue to implement elevated cleaning protocols across campus to minimize the spread of communicable diseases.
We understand that this situation may cause a wide variety of emotional responses in our community members. The Counseling Center has assembled a helpful list of self-care tips. Please reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns about UMBC’s response to this evolving situation.
Lynne Schaefer, Vice President, Finance and Administration and Nancy Young, Vice President for Student Affairs
Co-Chairs, UMBC Crisis Management Executive Team
UMBC’s Incident Management Team is meeting regularly to coordinate UMBC’s response to both the COVID-19 virus and influenza. We continue to implement elevated cleaning protocols across campus to minimize the spread of communicable diseases.
We understand that this situation may cause a wide variety of emotional responses in our community members. The Counseling Center has assembled a helpful list of self-care tips. Please reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns about UMBC’s response to this evolving situation.
Lynne Schaefer, Vice President, Finance and Administration and Nancy Young, Vice President for Student Affairs
Co-Chairs, UMBC Crisis Management Executive Team
