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March 2, 2020 - Message from Interim Provost Leaman

Dear Campus Community,

After careful review of reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Wright State University is immediately restricting university-sponsored travel to any countries that are under a CDC Threat Level 3 travel warning due to the coronavirus (COVID-19). As of February 28, the CDC has issued Threat Level 3 travel warnings for China and South Korea. This restriction applies to all faculty, staff, and students on individual trips and study abroad programs for the spring semester.

We are taking these actions out of an abundance of caution to protect the well-being of our students and employees while abroad. At the same time, we understand that the risk of outbreak is not fully understood and that the risk currently remains low in the United States, according to the CDC.

The University Center for International Education will determine by March 20 which summer international programs may be canceled. Decisions will be based on CDC and U.S. Department of State information, as well as consensus among institutions with programs in affected areas.

For personal travel, the university strongly advises all students, faculty, and staff to observe travel alerts from the CDC and the U.S. Department of State.

No cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed at Wright State or in the state of Ohio. The university continues to communicate with our international students from affected countries to provide guidance and support. Wright State continues to monitor the COVID-19 outbreak and maintains regular communication with Greene County Public Health and the Ohio Department of Health.

Please follow these prevention practices that can curtail the spread of all respiratory viruses:

  • 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 throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Although there is no vaccine for COVID-19, the university encourages you to get a flu vaccine if you have not yet received a flu shot. Wright State Physicians still has flu vaccines available. Faculty, staff, and students can get a flu shot at Wright State Physicians, at 725 University Boulevard, without an appointment Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to noon.

The university is also making a concerted effort to disinfect handrails, door knobs, and other frequently touched objects in high-traffic areas.

Wright State has created a website with information about COVID-19, prevention, and other important details. We also encourage you to visit the CDC website for more information about coronavirus and travel notices and updates.

Douglas W. Leaman, Ph.D.
Interim Provost

 

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