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Texas A&M Continues Monitoring Coronavirus

The university reminds the campus community of additional travel restrictions.
By Texas A&M University Division of Marketing & Communications February 12, 2020

Texas A&M University continues to closely monitor China’s novel coronavirus epidemic, and reminds the campus community that all university-sponsored travel to China is suspended for undergraduate students.

Faculty, staff and graduate researchers are still urged to give serious evaluation before requesting travel to China, as it will require pre-approval and only be granted for essential travel. Since Texas A&M announced its travel restrictions, the U.S. government also announced that it is restricting entry into the United States by foreign nationals who have been to China in the 14 days preceding their entry or attempted entry.

International Student Services (ISS) encourages international students who are considering travel to or through China to consult with ISS regarding feasibility. International students who cannot return to the U.S. due to the travel restrictions are asked to contact ISS at iss@tamu.edu. For more details, visit the International Student Services website.

The government restrictions apply to all immigrants or nonimmigrants who were physically present within the People’s Republic of China, excluding the Special Administrative Regions of Hong Kong and Macau, in the two-week-period before attempting to enter the United States. The restrictions do not apply to lawful permanent U.S. residents and their spouses, children or wards. They also don’t apply to those traveling at the invitation of the government for a purpose related to containment or mitigation of the virus.

The World Health Organization on Tuesday announced an official name for the illness caused by novel coronavirus, COVID-19. The new name stands for coronavirus disease 2019. WHO officials said the name makes no reference to any of the people, places or animals associated with the coronavirus, per international guidelines.

There are no reported cases of COVID-19 in the Brazos Valley, and the area remains at a low risk. The risk is also low for individuals who have not traveled to mainland China within the past two weeks or been in close contact with someone who has.

Staying healthy

Along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and public health officials, Student Health Services encourages the campus community to limit the spread of respiratory illnesses through efforts including hand washing, avoiding close contact with those who may be ill and staying home when sick.

The university has also instituted extra proactive cleaning of door knobs, keyboards, telephones and other surfaces. Risk levels will continue to be monitored, and additional infection control measures will be instituted based on individual and group risk factors per CDC and Department of Public Health guidelines.

Answers to frequently-asked questions about COVID-19 can be found on the Student Health Services website.

Managing Stress

It is normal to be concerned and worried about family and friends. To discuss these concerns with a counselor from Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS), go to the Let’s Talk program @ ISS program on Fridays from 2:30-4:30 p.m. Let’s Talk is a CAPS outreach initiative where you can chat with a counselor and receive support, coping strategies and resources. It is not counseling. If you feel you need counseling or additional psychological services, or if you are unavailable on Fridays for Let’s Talk, please schedule a CAPS appointment. CAPS has counselors available during regular work hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday – Friday) for scheduled appointments as well as crisis intervention counselors if needed. CAPS can also be reached at 979-845-4427.  

Avoid Scams

During times of crisis, scammers will try to trick you out of your personal information or money. Please do not fall for these scams. The U.S. government and local police will not call you and demand money or items such as iTunes cards or gift cards. Please visit the ISS website for more information.

If you have any concerns or need guidance about resources, please contact ISS at 979-845-1824 or iss@tamu.edu.

Media contact: Kelly Brown, 979-845-1264, kelly.brown@tamu.edu.

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