Coronavirus Update March 10, 2020: Travel Restrictions

Current Coronavirus (COVID-19) Situation - UCCS update (7 p.m. March 10, 2020)

The health and safety of our UCCS community is the highest priority as we coordinate our response to addressing COVID-19, or novel coronavirus. UCCS continues to work with El Paso County Public Health and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, and will make decisions with the best available guidance from public health experts. 

Travel 

• All non-essential travel, international and domestic, is cancelled through the end of April. Essential travel must be approved by your unit leader, dean and the Provost. For additional information on travel, and a definition of what is considered essential and non-essential travel, visit our page dedicated to the travel update.
• UCCS can’t restrict personal travel, but the university strongly recommends limiting personal travel. As Spring Break approaches at the end of the month, please monitor CDC resources. We discourage travel to international destinations listed as Level 2 or 3. Be prepared to be flexible with any travel plans you may have as conditions may change quickly. You may be required to self-isolate by public health authorities. 

Campus prevention 

In addition to personal measures individuals can take, UCCS Facilities Services is increasing cleaning operations in multiple locations across campus: 

• Front desks at the University Center, Kraemer Family Library, Student Life and Leadership Office, Financial Aid, Academic Advising, Ent Center for the Arts, Student Financial Services, Veterans Affairs, Admissions, Residence Life and Housing 
• Computer keyboards and mice in computer labs operated by the Office of Information Technology (including Kraemer Family Library) 
• Additional hand sanitizers throughout campus 
• Custodial employees are performing touch point cleaning throughout all UCCS buildings, including handrails, doorknobs, push bars, light switch plates, elevator buttons, etc. 

Today, Governor Jared Polis declared a state of emergency that will provide additional focus of state resources against COVID-19, or novel coronavirus. 
 
The declaration is a common tool to mobilize state efforts for a single goal. It does not impact university operations, but we expect that it will make it easier for us to secure additional resources as needed. We will communicate with you if you can expect any changes. At this point, there remains only one confirmed case in El Paso County. 
 
Additional updates for impacts to campus will be available at covid19.uccs.edu. We also encourage you to continue monitoring local, state and national resources, also available on that website. 
 
Carlos Garcia 
Interim Vice Chancellor of Student Success