We wanted to make you aware that the following email was sent to students this morning:

Good morning, students.

Southern Utah University has an Emergency Response Team in place to track the coronavirus (COVID-19) and the risk of this global outbreak to our campus community. 

Yesterday the Emergency Response Team, which is made up of a core of campus leaders, met to discuss a number of pressing issues related to how campus will respond to the impacts of the spread of COVID-19. Several decisions have been made based on multiple conversations with upper administration, the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE), and recent contact with state and local health departments. We will continue to follow guidelines and recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) , the U.S. State Department, and the Utah Department of Health.

1. All international university-sponsored trips will be cancelled

The nature of the worldwide COVID-19 outbreak is fluid and changing daily. International sites and museums are closing and activities are being canceled, making it increasingly difficult to deliver the intended programs. Based on guidance from the CDC and in an abundance of caution, we are suspending all university-affiliated student programs and travel in international locations until further notice. This includes all programs offered through the Study Abroad Office, the Rural Health Scholars Program, Community Engagement and Community and Academic Enrichment. 

International study abroad experiences that are scheduled to take place after the spring semester (April 24) until June and further into the summer are on hold until further notice. DO NOT make any additional purchases if you already have planned international travel. 

2. All domestic university-sponsored trips will be restricted

All domestic trips sponsored by SUU for faculty, staff and students will be restricted, particularly in hotspot locations where the virus is more widespread. We encourage you to avoid nonessential domestic travel and seek alternative mechanisms to participate in conferences and professional meetings. The Athletics Department is working with the Big Sky Conference and the NCAA to evaluate team and student-athlete travel plans. 

3. Approach personal travel with caution

Currently, there are no restrictions on personal travel, either internationally or domestically. However, SUU is considering following the lead of other institutions and possibly imposing a requirement for any SUU student, faculty and/or staff who travels abroad and returns to SUU to place themselves in a self-quarantine (either at home, hotel, or other off-campus location) for a minimum of 14 calendar days. 

This is a fluid situation and this stipulation could be implemented at any moment. We will communicate further if this becomes a campus requirement.

4. Sign-up for the Text Alert System

SUU Administration has a text alert system in place to immediately warn students of an on-campus emergency. If you haven’t signed up for the text alert , we strongly encourage you to do so as soon as possible so you don’t miss critical information in the time of an emergency. We’ve also set up a pop-up as you login to the mySUU Portal asking you to verify your emergency contact information.

In addition, the State of Utah has created a Twitter account to share the latest information - https://twitter.com/UtahCoronavirus
 
5. SUU’s public hotline

SUU now has a public hotline - 435-865-8488 - for questions regarding the university's COVID-19 response including: international travel, study abroad, work from home, campus visitors, student housing, protecting yourself, counseling, student or employee health, and suspected exposure.

When you call, be prepared to leave a short message regarding your question or concern along with the following information:
  • Your first and last name
  • A phone number with the best time to reach you
  • Please indicate whether this question or concern is for you or for someone else associated with the University.

A representative from SUU will collect your information and respond within the next business day with further resources to help answer your question.

We recognize that many of you have friends and families in regions of the world affected by COVID-19. We want each of you to know that in this stressful time we are committed to your well-being. If you have concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to reach out.

We will continue to update this webpage and send periodic messages if there are significant changes in the potential threat. We are vigilant about your safety and take all potential concerns seriously.

We know this email will likely generate more questions. Please feel free to respond to emergencyresponse@suu.edu or 435-865-8488 so we can do our best to answer any questions you may have. You can also check for campus updates at https://go.suu.edu/coronavirus .
This helpful information was sent to students on February 25:

What are the symptoms of coronavirus?

Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to other respiratory illnesses like the cold or flu. Symptoms may include:
  • Runny nose
  • Headache
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
The incubation period (the time between exposure and symptoms) is unknown, though most coronaviruses have an incubation period of 2-14 days.

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself

If you have recently traveled internationally and experience symptoms such as fever, cough, or shortness of breath you should seek immediate medical care. Be sure to tell your doctor about your trip, and avoid contact with other people while you are sick.

To prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus or other viruses, follow these simple precautions:
  • Practice good hygiene
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Don’t travel when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with your elbow or tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
  • Always wash hands with soap and water if your hands are visibly dirty.
  • Reconsider travel to any country with a CDC level 3 or State Department level 4 advisory based on the novel coronavirus.

Additional information regarding the coronavirus can be found at the  Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website.
suu.edu/parents - Southern Utah University - (435) 865-8752