Coronavirus

Updated 3/6/2020

help stop the spread of illness

Current Coronavirus (COVID-19) Situation

UCCS has activated its Incident Management Team to coordinate and expedite the university response. At this point, no cases have been reported on campus.

The campus will continue normal operations, but will continue to monitor conditions and modify operations as required. 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.

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

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 your hands after gong 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. 

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.

  • 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.

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.

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), Mandrin (普通话), and more.