Resources and Information about Coronavirus
The University of Georgia has no higher priority than the health and safety of the members of our community. Under the guidance of the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH), we are closely monitoring the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).
To date, there have been no cases of COVID-19 reported at the University or in the state of Georgia. However, we recognize that this is a rapidly evolving situation and that the recommendations of the U.S. Department of State, the CDC and DPH can change frequently. Students, faculty, and staff need to be mindful of the need to monitor conditions as they prepare for Spring Break.
Consistent with warnings from the State Department and CDC, the University has suspended programs for the Spring 2020 term in Italy, South Korea, and China. The returning students have been asked to self-quarantine for 14 days. The University is working with these students to ensure they are able to complete their coursework in these programs. The Office of Global Engagement stands ready to assist international students and scholars with questions about visa sponsorships, and the Office of International Student Life also can serve as a resource for information.
In addition, our campus’ senior leadership team, the University Health Center and the Office of Emergency Preparedness are working closely with campus partners as well as infection control experts at DPH and the CDC to stay abreast of and be prepared for this evolving public health issue.
Prevention is a key strategy with any virus, such as influenza or this coronavirus, so it is important to both protect yourself and take measures against spreading the disease to others. We encourage all members of the University community to monitor the following websites:
- The University of Georgia has a website with information specific to the University community, which is being updated regularly: https://www.uga.edu/coronavirus
- The CDC’s COVID-19 site, which includes important information about prevention and treatment: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
- The UGA Office of Global Engagement’s Travel Advisory site, which contains the latest information from the U.S. Department of State about conditions overseas: https://studyaway.uga.edu/index.cfm?FuseAction=Abroad.ViewLink&Parent_
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If you are traveling through a University of Georgia-organized Spring Break trip, you should stay in close contact with the sponsoring organization since the situation may change between now and your planned trip. If you are planning your own travel, please refer to the travel information posted by Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. State Department.
The campus’ senior leadership team will continue to meet regularly and monitor developments and will inform the campus community as the situation warrants.