UTHealth is closely monitoring the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak and is committed to keeping our campus communities safe, as well as providing information, resources and care to the broader communities that we serve. Below you will find general and institutional information on the virus, which will be updated regularly. Please check here frequently as the situation evolves.

The latest communications: 

• COVID-19 Updates from UTHealth President-Tuesday, March 31, 2020, at 4:15 p.m. 
• COVID-19 updates from the UTHealth president-Tuesday, March 24, 2020, at Noon 
• COVID-19 updates from the UTHealth president-Friday, March 20, 2020, 8 a.m. 

Related resources: 

• Frequently Asked Questions
• UTHealth Policies and Updates
• UT Physicians Policies and Updates
• Vendor and Contractor Policies and Procedures
• Closures and Facilities with Modified Access
• UTHealth Working Remotely Resources

Overview

COVID-19 is a disease caused by a novel coronavirus, a family of viruses that include everything from the common cold to SARS and MERS. First detected in China in December of 2019, COVID-19 has now been confirmed in six continents with community transmission. COVID-19 can be spread from person to person, and it may be possible to contract it by touching a surface that has been exposed to the virus. The incubation period from exposure to illness ranges from two to fourteen days.

Symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to the flu, and can include fever, cough, diarrhea and fatigue. Most patients (80%) have a mild illness, with more severe symptoms occurring during the second week of illness. The mortality rate for COVID-19 is estimated at 3.6%, with an increased risk for patients over the age of 60 and those with comorbidities/pre-existing conditions.

There is currently not a vaccine for the virus, and the best defense is to practice preventative measures:

• Use soap and water to wash your hands. Handwash often, for at least 20 seconds each time. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Know the symptoms: Fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes with unwashed hands.
• Please stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then properly dispose of the tissue to prevent the spread of infection.
• Disinfect and clean frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Resources

Stay informed by following updates on Harris County Public Health, Texas Department of State Health Services, CDC, and World Health Organization. Students and employees can also receive updates on institutional policies, restrictions and preventative measures at Inside UTHealth or UTPConnect.

Stay informed

We are committed to the well-being of our community and will keep you informed as we continue to monitor this dynamic situation. For our clinical providers, please also stay informed of COVID-19 updates from UT Physicians, Memorial Hermann, Harris Health, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and other clinics and hospitals where you provide care.