Texas A&M University Guidance Related To Coronavirus Disease, Or COVID-19

As Texas A&M University continues to closely watch the spread of the coronavirus across the globe, we want to assure you all that the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff is our highest priority.

To that end, today’s update relates to our students, faculty, staff and visitors who have visited areas affected by COVID-19, or the coronavirus. To date, no such cases have been reported in Brazos County, which is home to Aggieland.

As we carefully track the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Levels 1, 2 and 3 risk assessment for COVID-19, we are now implementing guidelines consistent with direction from The Texas A&M University System. Our regular updates can be found on the Texas A&M coronavirus page, also found on a button on the tamu.edu home page.

As of March 2, 2020, the following countries are categorized as Level 1, 2 and 3 countries:

Level 3: China, Iran, Italy and South Korea
Level 2: Japan
Level 1: Hong Kong

Guidance on Returning to the United States
Texas A&M-sponsored student groups currently returning from Level 2 or 3 countries should follow CDC guidelines by self-isolating at their family home or off-campus residence for 14 days. Should symptoms occur, seek immediate medical attention.

Any student, faculty, staff or visitor traveling from or through Level 2 or Level 3 countries must self-isolate for a minimum of 14 days before returning to the Texas A&M campus.

Guidance for International Travel
Texas A&M is cancelling Texas A&M University-sponsored student education abroad spring programs to Level 1, 2 and 3 countries.
For faculty and staff, only mission-critical travel to countries Level 1 or above will be considered and will require prior high-level institutional approval.

Ongoing Actions
To ensure the safety and security of Texas A&M students, faculty and staff, we are doing the following:

• We are sharing information with local, regional and state public health authorities and the Texas A&M University System administration to ensure the appropriate exchange and notification of timely information.
• Spring Break and personal travel: Texas A&M does not set requirements for personal travel, but we are strongly urging people to not travel to areas with active community transmission and/or Level 1, 2 or 3 countries. All travelers are encouraged to check the CDC’s COVID-19 travel page, State Department travel advisories, and the International Air Transport Association’s list of travel and entry restrictions for the latest information before departing. Regardless of personal or professional travel, all individuals visiting Level 2 or 3 countries will be required to undergo the 14-day self-isolation period before returning to campus.
• Note that if you leave the country, your trip may affect your ability to return to the United States and campus.
• During the 14 days of self-isolation, students should contact Student Health Services for updated guidance and requirements prior to returning to school or work.

This continues to be a rapidly evolving situation and it is difficult to anticipate what the future may hold.

We encourage you to monitor developments through the State Department and CDC websites. Students who are traveling should, in addition to taking recommended measures to prevent getting sick, take basic precautions to prepare for potential travel disruptions.
A few easy things we can all do include:

• Wash your hands for 20 seconds
• Use hand sanitizer
• Avoid shaking hands
• Disinfect frequently touched objects using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe
• Stay home when you are sick and avoid close contact with those who are sick
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Texas A&M will continue to work with federal, state and local officials to monitor potential risks. If conditions change, we will update our campus community.

Please check the Texas A&M University website for updated information.

You can find updated information about COVID-19 disease activity and recommendations at these sites:

CDC: 2019 Novel Coronavirus
WHO: Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

* This link is no longer active and has been removed.