Novel Coronavirus

Arizona State University Update on Coronavirus Preparedness

February 28, 2020
Editor’s note: The study abroad information under “Global Update” has been updated to include spring 2020 programs in Italy.

Arizona State University continues to closely monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in coordination with federal, state, and local health and emergency preparedness organizations. This is a rapidly evolving situation and as new information becomes available, the university will continue to provide updates for the ASU community, distributed on this website and ASU’s official social media channels.

As media have reported extensively, cases of the coronavirus are now on every continent in the world, except Antarctica, and it continues to spread.

In the United States, there are very few confirmed cases and the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicates that currently, public risk remains low. As a result, all ASU operations including classes, events and activities will continue as normal.

U.S. Officials Advise on Planning and Preparedness

Cases of COVID-19 in international travelers have been detected in the U.S. Person-to-person spread of COVID-19 also has been seen among close contacts of travelers who have returned from Wuhan, but at this time, the virus is NOT currently spreading rapidly in the United States.

While there is no imminent threat, the CDC has indicated that the appropriate and prudent action at this time is to prepare for the potential spread. ASU is well positioned for this. For the past 15 years, the university has had in place an emergency preparedness function and a critical incident management committee tasked with reviewing all facets of ASU operations during natural or man-made disasters, campus violence, security issues and pandemics.

With the identification of the first Arizona case of COVID-19 on January 26, 2020, the university implemented its preparedness plans to respond to the situation in coordination with ASU Health Services, local and county health and the CDC. The ASU community member is now fully recovered and reintegrated into a regular routine.

To supplement ASU’s preparedness, the CDC has additional resources for guidance, planning and preparedness which can be found here. In addition, Arizona Public Health Director, Dr. Cara Christ, has provided an update on the state’s planned response to COVID-19.

The university has plans in place to minimize operational disruption and ensure delivery of classes, including a transition to remote teaching through technology as needed, continuation of essential services for students and accommodations for the telecommuting of faculty and staff.

To help individuals and families prepare should a COVID-19 pandemic manifest in the U.S., the Department of Health and Human Services has issued guidelines on how best to prepare your household at ready.gov/pandemic.

The CDC recommends continuing to follow daily personal hygiene best practices, including thorough hand washing and cleaning as during flu season. If you are sick, avoid contact with others.

We will continue to monitor COVID-19 updates closely and will respond accordingly. Please continue to visit this site for updates.  Social media updates will be provided through the following officially-approved university communications channels:

Twitter - @ASU
Facebook - facebook.com/arizonastateuniversity
Instagram - @arizonastateuniversity
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/school/arizona-state-university

*We ask our community to be aware of the likelihood of social media misinformation, and only rely on ASU information from these official communication channels for updates.

Global Update

ASU has been closely monitoring the current outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) overseas and is following U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations. Per CDC travel advisories and guidance, ASU has cancelled all study abroad programs in mainland China through summer 2020. We have also cancelled all spring 2020 study abroad programs in Italy and South Korea. ASU continues to closely monitor this health issue through government, open access and security intelligence sources and will respond accordingly.

Students in Italy and South Korea have been instructed to depart the country at the earliest opportunity. Many have already left, or have booked travel to depart in the coming days. Any students enrolled in study abroad programs in Italy or South Korea that need support with return travel arrangements should contact their International Coordinator for assistance.

For all impacted students, the Study Abroad Office is working with our partner institutions and organizations, as well as the student’s academic department at ASU, to identify appropriate academic solutions. We are also working closely with Financial Aid and Scholarship Services to provide support and guidance, as needed. For those students who indicate a need for housing upon their return, we are working with ASU University Housing to identify suitable options.

For more information, please visit https://mystudyabroad.asu.edu/content/study-abroad-coronavirus-faq.

Posted: Feb. 28, 2020 at 3:48 p.m.

Official statement from Maricopa County Department of Public Health

Maricopa County Department of Public Health in coordination with Arizona Department of Health Services and CDC has released the Maricopa County COVID-19 case from isolation. The individual, a male with ties to Arizona State University, has received multiple negative tests from CDC and meets the criteria to be released from isolation. We would like to thank this individual for his patience and commitment to public health during his prolonged isolation with very mild illness. There is no risk of COVID-19 to the community from this individual and we encourage his friends, family and the community to support him as he transitions back to his everyday activities.

Maricopa County Department of Health/Arizona State University FAQs update

1. Has the person who was infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) been cleared? Are they back on campus?

   The case involving an Arizona State University community member who was originally confirmed to have COVID-19 on Jan. 26, 2020, has now been cleared by state and county health officials and is free to reintegrate back into the community, and the ASU campus community.

2. Who cleared this individual, and when?

   The Maricopa County Department of Public Health, in coordination with the Arizona Department of Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cleared this person for reintegration back into the community.

   This individual has tested negative for novel coronavirus and is no longer infectious according to guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This individual has been determined to be completely safe to reintegrate back into the community. In addition, all close contacts of the individual have passed the 14-day monitoring period and have not developed novel coronavirus.

3. Who is the person infected? Why won’t MCDPH or ASU release the name of the individual?

   In accordance with Arizona Revised Statutes and federal HIPAA laws, patient names (first and last name or last name and initial) are identifiers that are classified as protected health information (PHI) under the HIPAA Privacy Rule https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/faq/index.html and confidentiality rules for public health. Therefore, in compliance with HIPAA and Arizona Revised Statutes, neither the Maricopa County Department of Public Health nor Arizona State University will release the name of the individual.

4. Does the university have a response to the social media posts circulating online about who was infected with COVID-19?

   We ask that members of the community to be supportive and respectful of this individual’s privacy as they return to the community, particularly while engaging in social media.  While we realize there has been misinformation and social media speculation concerning the individual’s identity or whereabouts, we ask that the community respect their privacy.

5. Does the university have comment on the xenophobic/racist remarks circulating online about this individual?

   ASU values and take pride in our commitment to inclusivity and respect for every individual of our community. ASU is committed to sustaining a safe, healthful and resilient community.  Each member of our community has equal value. During times like these, we expect our community to be supportive, empathic and respectful.

Posted: Feb. 21, 2020 at 4:15 p.m.

A message from President Michael M. Crow to the ASU community

The ASU community values and takes pride in our commitment to inclusivity. That commitment is reflected in those who enroll at ASU and in the success they enjoy as a result of the experience. A safe, healthful environment creates the necessary conditions through which individuals excel, and it's vital that these conditions be maintained.

Read the full message

Posted: Feb. 13, 2020 at 7 p.m.

Student groups support campus Asian community

Arizona State University’s Undergraduate Student Government passed a resolution on Feb. 4 supporting the university’s Asian community and taking a stand for inclusion and diversity amid reports that some students have suffered discrimination and mistreatment because of the coronavirus association with China. On Jan. 31, the ASU Asian/Asian Pacific American Students’ Coalition released a statement denouncing racist rhetoric and paranoia associated with the coronavirus.

Posted: Feb. 6, 2020 at 10:27 a.m.

As part of the Administration’s work to protect Americans and respond to the 2019 Novel Coronavirus outbreak, today Alex Azar, the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS,) signed a public health emergency declaration.

According to Secretary Azar, “At this time, the risk to Americans remains low, and we are working to keep it that way. We will continue our work to monitor, respond to, and mitigate the spread of the coronavirus and ensure that Americans have the most accurate and up-to-date health and travel information.

The Centers for Disease Control reinforced the HHS declaration, stating today: “This is a very serious public health threat. The fact that this virus has caused severe illness and sustained person-to-person spread in China is concerning, but it’s unclear how the situation in the United States will unfold at this time.

“For the general American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low. The risk to individuals is dependent on exposure. The goal of the ongoing U.S. public health response is to prevent sustained spread of COVID-19 in this country.”

More cases are likely to be identified in the coming days, including more cases in the United States. It’s also likely that person-to-person spread will continue to occur, including in the United States.”

At ASU, we continue to monitor the Coronavirus situation closely in partnership with the Maricopa County Health Department and the Arizona State Department of Public Health. We continue to follow the health protocols prescribed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and reinforced by state and county health officials. Because the immediate risk to the general public from coronavirus at this time is believed to be low, classes are in session and the university is open for business. We will continue to assess and evaluate risk and take preventive actions as recommended by federal, state and county health authorities. 

Anyone with concerns about their health or symptoms they are experiencing can call ASU Health Services at 480-965-3349. ASU Health Services remains open on the weekends. For general concerns or inquiries, please call 844-864-8327. 

To reach ASU Health Services on the Tempe campus:
Phone: 480-965-3349

For Downtown Phoenix, Polytechnic and West Campus:
https://eoss.asu.edu/health/contact

For emergencies
Call 911

After hours medical advice
Call 480-965-3349

Per the CDC, state and local health officials, current preventative measures remain in place. Public health officials re recommending everyone get a flu shot and follow basic prevention guidelines:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Posted: 7 p.m., Jan. 31, 2020

January 30, 2020

The World Health Organization today declared the new coronavirus outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Today also marked the first instance of a person-to-person spread of the new coronavirus in the United States, which CDC experts have expected.

However, Dr. Redfield, Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also indicated today that based on what they know, the CDC assessment remains that the immediate risk to the American public is low.

The CDC also indicated there is no need for the general public to change their behavior in any way based on today’s news.

Conditions on the Arizona State University campus remain unchanged by the shift in the WHO designation. Classes and activities remain on regular schedule and previously announced preventative recommendations are the same, beginning with good hygiene.

Quick links:

• Transcript of the Jan. 30, 2020 CDC telebriefing for the Update on the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
• Maricopa County Public Health Department COVID-19 updates.

Posted: 6:45 p.m., Jan. 30, 2020.

January 28, 2020

Travel Advisory

Following the recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advising travelers to avoid all nonessential travel to China, Arizona State University has issued a travel restriction to China for all university faculty, staff and students, effective immediately. No institution-related travel, such as study abroad or other academic program visits, to China will be authorized or approved by the university. This travel restriction is similar to restrictions many businesses and organizations across the U.S. have implemented.

Posted: Jan. 28, 2020 at 12:50 p.m.

January 27, 2020

Dear ASU Students, Faculty, Staff and Families:

I am writing to follow up on the message from yesterday regarding the confirmation of one case of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus in the ASU community.

We are working closely with the Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) and the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) to monitor the situation. As stated yesterday, this individual does not live in university housing, is not severely ill and is currently in isolation to keep the illness from spreading.

Dr. Cara Christ, ADHS director, also indicated yesterday that the immediate risk of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus to the general public is believed to be low at this time. This echoes information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has stated that “based on current information, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 to the general American public is considered low at this time.”

MCDPH and ADHS are currently investigating to identify any close contacts that may have been exposed while the person was infectious. Any individuals who have been identified as having been exposed will be contacted directly. These individuals will be monitored for fever and respiratory symptoms in collaboration with public health and the university.

We have received many inquiries about university operations in light of this case. The university remains open and classes are not cancelled.

We are following the health protocols prescribed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and reinforced by state and county health officials.

The 2019 Novel Coronavirus spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms are thought to appear within two to 14 days after exposure and consist of fever, cough, runny nose and difficulty breathing. Those considered at risk for contracting the virus are individuals with travel to Wuhan, China, or individuals in close contact with a person infected with the 2019 Novel Coronavirus. Currently, no commercial testing is available and there is no vaccine. Public health is working with those exposed to get testing by the CDC.

Public health officials are advising residents that flu and other respiratory diseases are circulating in the community, and are recommending everyone get a flu shot and follow basic prevention guidelines.

The best ways to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses are to:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Public health officials also recommend that if individuals have recently traveled to Wuhan, China, and have developed fever with cough or shortness of breath within 14 days of travel, or have had contact with someone who is suspected to have 2019 Novel Coronavirus, to stay home and call ASU Health Services right away at 480-965-3349.

We will continue to update the ASU community as developments occur. Additional information can be found at the below links:

Maricopa County: https://www.maricopa.gov/5460/Novel-Coronavirus

World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/

Sincerely,

Mark Searle
Executive Vice President and University Provost 

Posted: 4:35 p.m., Jan. 27, 2020

January 26, 2020

Dear ASU Students, Faculty, Staff and Families: 

Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) has identified and confirmed one case of 2019 Novel Coronavirus in the ASU community. This individual resides in Tempe. This individual does not live in university housing, is not severely ill and is currently in isolation to keep the illness from spreading. 

The 2019 Novel Coronavirus, or COVID-19, is a new respiratory virus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China that is known to cause mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Public health officials are advising residents that flu and other respiratory diseases are circulating in the community, and are recommending everyone get a flu shot and follow basic prevention guidelines.

The best ways to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses are to:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

ASU is working closely with MCDPH to investigate any contacts that this individual may have exposed while infectious. Those who have been exposed will be notified directly by either ASU or Public Health and given specific instructions on monitoring for symptoms. If you have not been notified, you have not been identified to be at risk of developing symptoms. Currently, no commercial testing is available and there is no vaccine. MCDPH is working with those exposed to get testing by CDC.  

We will continue to communicate with the ASU community as we learn more about COVID-19 and our current exposures. If you have recently traveled to Wuhan, China and have developed fever with cough or shortness of breath within 14 days of your travel, or have had contact with someone who is suspected to have 2019 Novel Coronavirus, stay home and contact ASU Health Services at 480-965-3349.

More information and regular updates can be found here or at the Maricopa County site

Anyone with concerns about their health or symptoms they are experiencing can call ASU Health Services at 480-965-3349. For general concerns or inquiries, please call 844-864-8327. 

Sincerely,

Mark Searle
Executive Vice President and University Provost 

Morgan Olsen
Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer

Posted: 6:30 p.m., Jan. 26, 2020.