2019 Novel Coronavirus News Archive
ARCHIVE May 11 | April 27 | April 4 | March 31 | March 27 | March 23 | March 22 | March 12 | March 6 | March 4 | Feb. 29 | Feb. 28 | Feb. 26 | Feb. 4 | Jan. 28 |
Preparing Campus: UToledo Aims to Open Campus in the Fall
Monday, May 11
COVID-19 Emergency Financial Assistance Available for UToledo Students
Monday, April 27
UT Alert: Employee Tests Positive for Coronavirus
Saturday, April 4
In compliance with provisions of the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act of 1998, The University of Toledo has been informed that a UToledo employee has tested positive for the novel coronavirus known as COVID-19. The employee has not been on campus in 10 days. The employee is working with the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department following contact tracing procedures. All individuals that may have come into close contact with the employee are being notified by the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department.
This is UToledo's first confirmed case on Main Campus. As of March 18, all University operations moved to remote work minimizing the on campus population. Since that time, faculty and staff have been permitted only limited access to facilities during Spring Break, to access any remaining materials they need to provide instruction and complete other work from home.
UToledo also has taken additional precautions, including:
- Transitioning all in-person classes after Spring Break to remote delivery (online) for the remainder of the spring semester;
- Canceling all in-person meetings and events for the remainder of the spring semester;
- Transitioning spring commencement ceremonies to an virtual celebration;
- Ceasing all non-critical research activities at the University until further notice; and
- Daily temperature monitoring procedures for those authorized to be on campus.
UToledo is undertaking these and other proactive steps in order to ensure the safety of all students, faculty and staff. We will continue to actively monitor the health of our community and communicate about the wide variety of effects the pandemic response is having on our daily lives and operations.
In addition to social distancing, the University encourages members of the campus community to follow these CDC guidelines on ways to protect yourself.
More information is available on UToledo's COVID-19 information page and updates will continue to be posted on the site.
Remote Work Arrangements Extended Through May 1
Tuesday, March 31
Thank You from President Sharon L. Gaber
Friday, March 27
I’m so grateful for the hard work, dedication and patience shared by all of you during
this challenging time. You’ve stepped up to support our students, patients and one
another…we are a family, the Rocket family, and I’m humbled to be a part of it. Watch video
UToledo Announces Flexible Grade Options for Students
Monday, March 23
UToledo to Maintain Critical Research Operations Only
Sunday, March 22
The University of Toledo, in adherence to the Ohio Department of Health’s recent Stay at Home Order, will be restricting research operations to critical research and related essential functions, beginning March 24, 2020.
Critical research is defined as activity that if discontinued would generate significant data and sample loss; pose a safety hazard; or negatively impact the patient’s care. COVID-19 related activity that has a timeline for deployment that could address the crisis. Activity in support of essential human subject research. Also included is activity that maintains critical equipment in facilities and laboratories; critical samples, reagents, and materials; animal populations; critically needed plant populations, tissue cultures, bacteria, archaea, and other living organisms.
Last week UToledo researchers were advised to begin planning for significant disruptions to routine operations. Those plans identified critical research functions and associated essential research personnel for those functions.
UToledo self-isolation requirement
Monday, March 12
Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, UToledo is now requiring all individuals returning from a country on the CDC’s Level 3 or Level 2 warning list to self-isolate for 14-days. Individuals should register their recent travel using the University’s online travel registry form.
Employees should notify their direct supervisor of their recent travel and submit the appropriate documentation to Human Resources to be granted a self-isolation agreement.
Students should alert their professors if additional accommodations are necessary. UToledo previously announced that classes have been canceled Monday, March 16 and Tuesday, March 17. All academic courses will resume Wednesday, March 18 with remote delivery.
CDC Adds 28 Countries to Level 3 Warning List
Monday, March 12
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on March 11, 2020, added 28 additional European countries to its Travel Health Notices Level 3 warning list for COVID-19, citing widespread sustained transmission of the illness. The countries join Italy, which was placed on the CDC warning list in February.
China, South Korea and Iran remain on CDC’s Level 3 warning list.
The CDC says individuals entering the United States from Level 3 countries must stay home for 14 days after returning from travel, monitor their health, and practice social distancing.
Travelers who are sick with fever, cough, or have trouble breathing after returning from any of those countries should call ahead to their medical provider and disclose symptoms and travel history before seeking care.
ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK TRIP TO NEW YORK CANCELED
Friday, March 6
In an abundance of caution, The University of Toledo Office of Student Involvement and Leadership has canceled an alternative spring break in New York City where confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus are now being reported. The University has notified the group of 20 students who had planned to volunteer throughout the week at homeless shelters, food pantries and other facilities in the city and is refunding them for the planned travel.
UTOLEDO STRONGLY ENCOURAGES REGISTRATION OF PERSONAL TRAVEL
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
In light of the uncertainty surrounding the global spread of the COVID-19 respiratory illness and the possibility of further travel restrictions from U.S. public health authorities and foreign governments, the University is strongly encouraging all faculty, staff and students to voluntarily report any upcoming personal travel outside the United States for the next several months.
Voluntarily registering travel will help the University ensure the health and safety of our campus community, be better able to reach you in the event of an emergency, and to connect individuals with any needed resources upon their return.
The information will be kept as confidential as possible, however should there be a credible need, the information will be shared with the Toledo-Lucas County Health Department or other public health agencies.
As a reminder, all faculty, staff and students who are traveling internationally for University purpose or University-related business must register their travel with the Center for International Studies and Programs.
UNIVERSITY-SPONSORED TRAVELERS ENCOURAGED TO BUY TRIP INSURANCE
Effective March 4, 2020, through the end of fiscal year 2020, UToledo recommends,
and will permit, employees to buy travel insurance related to University sponsored
travel.
Additionally, the University is recommending that employees consider delaying travel
reservations for as long as possible, recognizing the possibility that events could
be cancelled.
UTOLEDO ISSUES NEW TRAVEL GUIDELINES FOR CORONAVIRUS
Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020
The CDC has now added Italy to the list of Level– 3 Travel Warnings, meaning all University-sponsored travel is restricted.
In an abundance of caution and aligned with recommendations from the Ohio Department of Health and Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, The University of Toledo will temporarily restrict all University-sponsored travel to countries on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s warning list for the novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19.
The CDC now recommends travelers avoid nonessential trips to South Korea and mainland China. The temporary restriction for University-sponsored travel will apply to any additional countries as they are added to the CDC’s Travel Health Notices designated at Level 3 in the coming days and weeks.
University-sponsored travel to China had already been temporarily suspended following the country’s Jan. 30, 2020, inclusion on the U.S. State Department’s “do not travel” list.
There are currently no faculty or staff on University business in China or South Korea.
For personal international travel, the University strongly advises faculty, staff and students to review and follow the recommendations of the CDC and the U.S. State Department. The University is working to implement a process for faculty, staff and students to voluntarily report personal travel out of the country to better be able to reach you in the event of an emergency and connect individuals with any needed resources upon their return.
More information on the University’s policies and procedures for University-sponsored international travel can be found from the Center for International Studies and Programs Travel Registry website.
UPDATE ON CDC TRAVEL GUIDELINES FOR COVID-19
Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2020
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued new travel guidance for a number of countries that are experiencing outbreaks of the novel coronavirus, now known as COVID-19.
As of Monday, Feb. 24, 2020, the CDC recommends individuals avoid nonessential travel to South Korea in addition to all of mainland China due to COVID-19. The CDC is also recommending travelers practice enhanced precautions if visiting Iran, Italy or Japan.
For the general American public, the CDC says the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low. As of Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2020, no individuals in Ohio or Michigan have tested positive for COVID-19.
The University of Toledo will provide further updates as necessary.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT REPORTS NEGATIVE OHIO CORONAVIRUS TESTS RESULTS
Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2020
The Ohio Department of Health announced Sunday, Feb. 2, 2020, that test results from two students at Miami University in Butler County for the 2019 novel coronavirus were negative.
As of Monday, Feb. 3, 2020 there are currently no confirmed cases of coronavirus in Ohio or Michigan.
The University of Toledo continues to closely monitor the situation and will provide additional updates as necessary.
GUIDANCE ON CORONAVIRUS
With the announcement of two possible cases of coronavirus reported at another university in Ohio today, it is important that we let you know we are closely monitoring the coronavirus outbreak.
There have been no suspected cases of the virus reported at The University of Toledo or in the Toledo region. Earlier today Ohio Department of Health officials announced that they are investigating two possible cases of coronavirus involving students at Miami University of Ohio who had traveled to China recently.
UToledo had already been in communication with international students and faculty and scholars who may have traveled to China during winter break regarding the importance of monitoring their physical health during the next few weeks. If you have not recently traveled to China or been in contact with a person suspected to have the illness, there is no reason to be concerned.
The Ohio Department of Health advises individuals who have traveled to areas where outbreaks have been identified and feel sick with fever, cough or difficulty breathing should seek medical care. Call ahead and inform them of your symptoms and travel. The University of Toledo Medical Center Emergency Department is staffed with care providers who are well trained and prepared to treat infectious diseases. Call ahead to 419.383.3888.
Any suspected cases of coronavirus would be immediately reported to the Toledo Lucas County Health Department, measures would be taken to curb potential spread of illness and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) would be contacted for testing to confirm coronavirus.
Your health and safety is our top priority. The latest information is available at
these resources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
World Health Organization
Ohio Department of Health