School of Nursing
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, Filed Under: Student Life

Coronavirus Precautions and Resources

School leadership is aware that the rapidly evolving situation with regard to COVID-19 is of concern to everyone. This email is to update you on steps being taken to reduce the overall infection risk within the School of Nursing. The School of Nursing has always championed strategies to reduce transmission of infection both for patients and ourselves; however, to address concerns we are taking additional steps to increase both awareness and prevention of infection.

While we wait to learn more, the School of Nursing has:

  • Ordered additional hand sanitizer dispensers.
  • Ordered supplies for more frequent cleaning of hard surfaces in the classrooms.

For the past year, high use classroom desks have been cleaned weekly by LEAP student workers.

Things you can do to help:

  • Practice excellent hand hygiene.
  • Practice appropriate sneeze and cough etiquette.
  • Avoid shaking hands, touching face, eyes, or mouth.
  • Do not ask skills lab employees for masks. The CDC advises against wearing masks (see Prevention and Treatment Guidelines) for individuals who are well.
  • If you are sick – DO NOT COME TO SCHOOL, students you must follow faculty notification guidelines listed in the syllabus for each of your classes. If you are unsure about staying home please call the UHS Nurse Advice Line at 512-475-6877 for guidance. If you have respiratory symptoms do not go to your provider or UHS without calling for direction first. Faculty and staff should notify their division chair or supervisor.

Spring Break Travel:

  • If you are planning to take a trip, please refer to the CDC travel warnings (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices) and to the UT Restricted Regions list. Should additional travel restrictions or screenings be put in place, it is important to note that these will based on where the individual has traveled and not on citizenship.
  • If you are sick — do not travel. You could face additional airport screenings and possible quarantine, and you will increase the risk of spreading your illness to others or making yourself more susceptible to additional infections.
  • Following the recommendations of Austin Public Health, UT has implemented precautionary measures for those students, faculty members and staff members who have been traveling abroad. Anyone returning from CDC Level 2 and 3 travel advisory locations for coronavirus will be required to self-isolate for 14 days before returning to campus. This self-isolation applies to both university-sponsored and personal travel.

Based on current information from public health officials, all classes, programs and operations are continuing as usual on campus. The university is monitoring many trusted sources of information on COVID-19, and we will keep you informed and provide updates on our website as the situation evolves.
This page serves as the central location for all updates and guidance from the university on the novel coronavirus COVID-19.

 

Alexa K. Stuifbergen PhD, RN, FAAN