Travel, Health & Safety

About COVID-19

What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 is caused by a member of the coronavirus family that has been identified as the cause of an outbreak of respiratory illness.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?
Patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough and shortness of breath. At this time, CDC believes that symptoms of COVID-19 may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure.

Source: Texas Department of State Health Services ; CDC

Health and Safety

According to the CDC, fever, cough and shortness of breath are among the most-common COVID-19 symptoms which may appear in two to 14 days after exposure. If you or anyone you know has traveled to countries designated as Level 2 or higher — where widespread transmission has occurred — or has been in close contact with a traveler to one of these countries and is exhibiting any of these symptoms, we advise that you follow guidelines recommended by the CDC .

The health of our campus is very important. As with any communicable illness, we encourage students, faculty and staff to always take precautions to avoid becoming sick. Please review CDC guidelines on preventive measures:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue; then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• CDC recommends  wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission.
• 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 hands are visibly dirty.

Faculty and Staff: As always, if you have any concerns that affect your ability to work, contact your supervisor. Also, before you or your employees report to campus, please familiarize yourself with these steps.

Travel Advisory Updated 7/22

Domestic Travel

• The State of Texas has lifted domestic travel restrictions, however, institutional restrictions on University-related travel remain in place.
• There are several states that have travel restrictions for individuals traveling from Texas. Follow state and local travel restrictions. For up-to-date information and travel guidance, check the state or local health department where you are, along your route, and at your planned destination. While you are traveling, it is possible a state or local government may put into place travel restrictions, such as stay-at-home or shelter-in-place orders, mandated quarantines upon arrival, or even state border closures. Plan to keep checking for updates as you travel.

International Travel

• Institutionally sponsored international travel is currently suspended.
• The CDC advises those who have traveled internationally to stay home for 14 days from the time they enter the U.S.
• Travel Recommendations by Country Per the CDC as of July 13