Coronavirus Update March 6, 2020: Colorado Cases Confirmed

University of Colorado Colorado Springs Update 

There are no cases that meet the criteria for this illness on campus or in El Paso County at this time. The first presumptive positive cases were reported in Colorado yesterday.

UCCS has a history of managing an infectious disease outbreak during past flu seasons and maintains infectious disease management plans that have been reviewed with El Paso County Public Health. The campus response measures depend on the type of disease and the outbreak’s impact on the health and welfare of everyone on campus. Based on the specific circumstances involved, our response measures will scale with the needs of our community.

We have contacted all individuals on campus from high risk areas to assess travel history and discuss symptoms to monitor for. We are also screening all patients who visit UCCS Wellness Center Health Services for travel-related illnesses when they come in for a medical visit. We are also working closely with the local and state health department to ensure any suspected cases are immediately reported and tested. 

Steps to Protect Yourself and Your Community from COVID-19

Take care of your health and protect others by doing the following:

• Avoid contact with sick people and stay home when you are ill.
• Maintain at least 6 feet distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Clean your hands often by washing them with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or by using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60-95% alcohol.
• It is especially important to clean hands after going to the bathroom, before eating, and after blowing your nose.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces (e.g. tables, hard-backed chairs, doorknobs, light switches, remotes, handles, desks, computers, toilets, sinks).

There is currently no vaccine for COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to practice the prevention strategies described above and avoid being exposed.

Symptoms

Students experiencing the following symptoms are asked to contact their healthcare provider or call the Wellness Center at 719-255-4444 versus coming to the Wellness Center without being screened over the phone first.

• Fever
• Cough 
• Difficulty Breathing/Shortness of Breath 

Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others. Risk factors for severe illness are not yet clear, although older adults and those with chronic medical conditions may be at higher risk.

When to Contact a Healthcare Professional

If you have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing/shortness of breath, seek medical advice. Contact your healthcare provider or Wellness Center Health Services at 719-255-4444 for advice, recommendations, or to make an appointment if needed.

Please call before coming into the Wellness Center, doctor's office or emergency room to let them know about your recent travel to an area with community spread of COVID-19, as well as your symptoms. 

The most up-to-date information and advice can be found here from the CDC and from El Paso County Public Health. If you have general questions about COVID-19, you can call CO HELP at 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911. You can also email COHELP@RMPDC.org for answers in English and Spanish (Español), Mandarin (普通话) and more. 

— Carlos Garcia, Interim Vice Chancellor, Student Success