Coronavirus Response and Preparedness
March 3, 2020
As the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues to evolve, CU Anschutz will provide information as it becomes available at cuanschutz.edu/coronavirus and through additional communication channels.
Operational Planning
Ensuring the health and safety of our community is paramount. As such, we are working diligently across campus to prepare for any potential disruptions to normal operations.
A cross-campus team is meeting regularly to share information and plan for the possibility of the virus affecting our community. Emergency operation plans, known as Continuity of Operation Plans (COOP) – are being updated with the support of our emergency management and safety teams.
Protecting Yourself and Others
Here’s how to help prevent the spread of coronavirus, the flu, and other viruses, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health (CDPHE):
- Wash your hands for 20 seconds or more with soapy water or, at a minimum, alcohol-based sanitizer, which may be less effective than soap and water.
- Avoid close contact with anyone with cold or flu-like symptoms.
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your inner elbow shirtsleeve.
- Get your flu shot and stay up-to-date on other routine immunizations.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces such as desks, doorknobs, handrails, etc.
- In addition, Facilities Management is reviewing plans to increase janitorial services and deploy additional hand sanitizer stations as needed.
Travel Updates
Domestic Travel - As the COVID-19 virus continues to evolve here in the United States, please be aware that traveling domestically could now carry potential risks. Even a location not currently experiencing an outbreak could suddenly be declared a high-risk area, resulting in heightened exposure to the virus and barriers in returning home. If you do plan to travel, plan for contingencies in case you are not allowed to travel back to Denver.
International Travel - Worldwide, the locations with confirmed COVID-19 cases
are changing frequently. The university’s International Risk Management Committee is closely monitoring the guidance of the CDC and U.S. Department of State for
international travel.
The committee and the provost will review all upcoming global education programs to consider whether they will continue or be canceled, as well as countries that may need to be added to the high-risk destination list for employees.
The committee and the provost will review all upcoming global education programs to consider whether they will continue or be canceled, as well as countries that may need to be added to the high-risk destination list for employees.
We maintain a list of known travelers to and from affected areas and are regularly in touch to discuss their plans and re-entry to work after any period of required quarantine. Employees who have traveled to an affected region should contact the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) for guidance, and the CU Anschutz Human Resources team at 303-724-9686 for any return-to-work requirements.
Supporting our Community
Please fight fear with facts about COVID-19 and support community members with compassion and kindness. Visit the CDC website for information on countering social stigmatization associated with COVID-19.
Information and Resources
We remain committed to keeping the university community informed as circumstances evolve, and will continue to update the CU Anschutz COVID-19 website.
This site provides resources from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE), as well as contacts in human resources, international affairs and occupational health for issues related to
COVID-19.
We will also provide updates from our medical and public health experts across campus on a regular basis.