University taking additional steps in response to COVID-19 (coronavirus)

February 28, 2020

As of February 28, there are no reported cases at URI.

With new information and directives related to COVID-19 (coronavirus) being issued by the federal government and the Rhode Island Department of Health, the University wants to assure the campus community that it is taking all necessary precautions in response to the outbreak.

Members of the URI leadership team, assembled in January to address the issue as it developed in China, continue to have daily discussions about developments in the United States and around the world.

At the moment, there are no reported COVID-19 cases in Rhode Island or at URI. However, the Rhode Island Department of Health reported in a Feb. 27 press release that 26 people have been part of the self-monitoring process in Rhode Island since early February. As of today, only three people remain in the self-monitoring process. Two Rhode Islanders were tested by the CDC for COVID-19, and the results were negative for the virus.

In the meantime, the University sent individual letters on Feb. 26 to students studying abroad, including 49 studying in Italy to make them aware of URI’s efforts relating to their safety and health.

In addition, the University’s alternative spring break program to Guatemala has been canceled by its international service partner. The University is working to find alternative locations in the U.S. for the 12 students in the program.

The University is also following directives issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Rhode Island Department of Health regarding guidance for businesses and employers on prevention of seasonal illness and COVID-19. The University urges faculty members to review the travel policy, which provides information on travel procedures and federal travel advisories and warnings. The University strongly recommends that travel be postponed to locations with CDC or U.S. Department of State Level 3 alerts or higher. URI strongly urges community members to reconsider trips to countries with Level 2 warnings for COVID-19 as the pandemic continues to evolve.

The University’s Office of Emergency Management continues to operate the Emergency Operations Center and work as part of the leadership team on our response to COVID-19.

At this time, the CDC does not recommend use of face masks among the general public.The CDC’s position is that if you are healthy, you should not wear a face mask. The masks should be reserved for those who are sick, so they can prevent further spread of the virus.

The continuing news coverage about COVID-19 has probably heightened concerns throughout our community, but we remind everyone at URI that this is a community that supports and cares for each other. We appeal to everyone to be understanding and sensitive to the various circumstances faced by our University family.

A reminder for faculty

We expect that faculty have students who are experiencing flu and other flu-like illnesses. We request you give them every consideration for an excused absence, as requiring them to attend class will likely contribute to increased spread of illness in our community. Health Services requests that you not require written documentation of illness, as many viruses do not require medical attention. We also urge administrators and staff who employ students in their offices to give them the same consideration.

Flu remains widespread

Our community should also remember that seasonal influenza is widespread on campus, in the state and around the country. The preventive measures for COVID-19, flu and flu-like symptoms are the same.

To help keep yourself and your family healthy, the CDC recommends the following:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and warm water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand gel.
  • Sneeze and cough into your elbow or cover your mouth and nose with a tissue.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, stay home from work, school.
  • Do not share utensils, water bottles, or other personal items. Many germs that cause viral illness are spread through saliva.
  • Wipe down common items like phones, keyboards, door knobs, and railings with a disinfectant.
  • If you have not already done so, get your annual flu shot! A flu shot is the easiest and most effective way to help prevent the flu.

Health Services hours

Health Services remains open daily and can be reached at 401.874.2246 and visit the website for current hours.