Coronavirus Preparations (student email) — March 4, 2020 - The University of Tulsa
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Coronavirus Preparations (student email) — March 4, 2020

Dear students,

The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff is always the top priority at The University of Tulsa. We are actively monitoring the potential impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on our community. At this time, there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus in the state of Oklahoma.

We are fortunate to have an excellent staff of professionals across campus planning for – and responding to – the challenges posed by COVID-19. Our Crisis Management Team is meeting daily and coordinating with local and state partners to prepare the university to respond quickly and effectively to this evolving situation. We will continue to update the TU website with the latest information and guidance.

Spring break travel

As spring break approaches, I urge you to be cautious due to the potential for more cases of the coronavirus to be discovered in this country and abroad. If you have concerns about COVID-19 related to personal travel, please review the information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including destination information and precautions you can take to help contain the spread of this new virus. If you plan to travel abroad, please consider how your trip could affect your ability to return home, given U.S. government restrictions or restrictions imposed by the country you’re visiting.

University of Tulsa policy requests that all students, faculty and staff who have traveled to countries with a level 3 or 4 travel health notice (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) or have been in close contact with anyone who traveled to those areas self-quarantine for 14 days prior to returning to TU campus. Anyone who has recently traveled to an area with a reported COVID-19 outbreak and develops a fever and symptoms of respiratory illness, such as coughing or difficulty breathing, should contact the Tulsa Health Department at 918-582-WELL (9355) immediately.

Prevention and treatment

Regardless of your spring break plans, it is important to proactively minimize the spread of viruses through good hygiene, including covering your mouth/nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing/sneezing; frequently washing your hands; not touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; avoiding close contact with people who are sick; staying home if you are sick; and sanitizing personal spaces. If you develop a fever and cough or have difficulty breathing, please call your health care provider immediately and do not continue to attend class or participate in campus events until you have received medical advice.

Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19 infection. If you do not feel well, please call the Alexander Health Center to speak to a medical professional who can discuss your health concerns over the phone.

Additional resources

  • Tulsa Health Department – About Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
  • Oklahoma State Department of Health – Information Regarding Travel, Spread of Coronavirus, Frequently Asked Questions and More
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Preventative Measures for Coronavirus

If you have specific questions, consult our information page and then follow up as needed with the appropriate office or staff member. I implore each of you to take care of yourselves and each other. Thank you for your understanding, support and patience as we continue our planning to ensure TU provides a safe, healthy learning environment for all of our students.

Sincerely,

Sheri Burson, APRN-CNP
Laurie Paul, APRN-CNP
Alexander Health Center and Hurricane Health Clinic