George Corey, executive director of University Health Services, provided a statement updating the campus community on the Coronavirus and how to protect yourself during cold and flu season:
“The university continues to closely monitor the outbreak of novel coronavirus. There are currently no identified cases of infection at UMass Amherst and there are no members of the campus community who are under active investigation for the virus. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health continues to advise that the risk to Massachusetts residents is low.
University Health Services (UHS) has been communicating with residents and travelers from the region since the start of the semester on Jan. 21, two weeks ago. For more recent travelers, updated guidance has been provided by the Department of Homeland Security and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. UMass Amherst community members who have returned from any travel in mainland China since Jan. 30 should call the UHS Triage Nurse Advice Line at 413-577-5229 for guidance and further evaluation of any potential risks. You will be asked to leave your contact information and a nurse will return your call.
Since this is cold and flu season, we encourage everyone to engage in health smart behaviors to protect yourself from any circulating viruses. To learn more, please visit the UHS website.
While the risk to members of the UMass Amherst campus remains low, we nonetheless are prepared to respond and will provide further updates to the community as needed.
To stay informed and find information you need about the coronavirus, please visit the UHS website for updates. The site is updated regularly.”