FIU develops protocol for members of the university community, visitors arriving from China
FIU has developed a protocol for members of the university community and visitors arriving from China. Also, following the State Department’s “do not travel” advisory for China, FIU is suspending all university-affiliated travel to China until further notice.
The new university protocol is based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations and is designed to minimize the possibility of coronavirus transmission. As you have seen in the news, coronavirus is spreading quickly in China with nearly 10,000 confirmed cases. Six cases have been confirmed in the United States, including the spouse of a person who contracted the disease in China. This is the first person-to-person transmission in the U.S.
It is important to note that no coronavirus cases have been reported at FIU, and there are no confirmed cases in Florida. This protocol is out of an abundance of caution.
Health and safety
Students, faculty, staff and visitors arriving from China who pass the reentry screening at the airport and appear to be in good health must still pay close attention to their health over the 14 days following their arrival. FIU is asking these members of the community, as well as those who have been in contact with anyone recently arrived from China, to stay home and avoid close contact with others during this two-week period.
Students who have recently traveled to China or have been in close contact with someone who recently traveled to China should reach out to their professors to arrange ways to complete their academic obligations remotely during this time.
Faculty and staff should contact the Division of Human Resources at 305-348-2181 to ensure proper designation of leave and receive important information about work arrangements.
Faculty members and supervisors are encouraged to be supportive of students and staff during this cautionary quarantine period.
If you are aware of students, faculty, staff or visiting academics who have been to China, please be sure they are aware of this protocol and encourage them to seek medical assistance if they experience any symptoms.
Be alert
Anyone who has been in China or has had close contact with someone who has been in China recently should be alert to symptoms – headache, cough, fever – and must seek medical attention if symptoms appear, since the coronavirus incubation period is seven to 14 days. If you are feeling ill, please wear a mask and call ahead to advise the doctor’s office of the recent travel. The 2019-nCoV (novel Coronavirus) is dangerous and highly contagious.
Students with concerns may contact FIU Student Health Services at 305-348-2401. Faculty, staff and other members of the community may contact FIU Health at 305-348-3627(DOCS).
For more information, please visit the Florida Department of Health website.