CU Boulder Mobilizes Coronavirus Emergency Response Team

BOULDER, CO — The University of Colorado Boulder has announced the activation of the school's COVID-19 emergency response team, which will carry out a plan for protecting students and staff from the new coronavirus. Led by CU Boulder Associate Vice Chancellor Dan Jones, the team is providing updates and guidelines for the school's community.

As of Friday, there were no known cases of COVID-19 on the campus; however, two CU Boulder employees were screened, Jones said. One of the tests came back negative, and results for the second test were pending.

"We will continue to coordinate with public health officials to monitor and manage the latest developments in our community," Jones wrote in a public update. "In the event of a confirmed case in the Boulder area, we will notify the CU Boulder community and provide you with guidance on any operational impacts."

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Two "presumptive positive" coronavirus cases have been confirmed in Colorado, health officials said Thursday. The cases are called "presumptive" because they were tested by the state, and will be sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for official verification.

"There will be no university-sponsored international undergraduate student trips departing from our campus for the remainder of the spring semester without authorization by the Provost," Jones' update read. "This does not include students on trips that have already started."

CU Boulder is also "providing enhanced cleaning throughout campus with increased attention to commonly touched surfaces," he said.

Read Jones' full update here.

The Colorado Department of Public Health has issued the following tips for protection against the new coronavirus:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home when you are sick, and keep your children at home when they are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.

Important things to remember

• CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a face mask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. The use of face masks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health setting).
• It is important to call ahead before going to see a doctor or emergency room to prevent the spread of illness. Tell them your symptoms and that you suspect you were exposed to someone with COVID-19 or had recent travel to a country that is experiencing community spread.

CO HELP is Colorado's novel coronavirus hotline. For answers in many languages including English, Spanish, Mandarin, and others:

• Call 303-389-1687 or 1-877-462-2911
• Email COHELP@RMPDC.org

Other reliable sources of information about COVID-19:

• CDPHE Fact Sheet: English | Spanish | Simplified Chinese
• CDC: Coronavirus Disease website
• CDC: Novel coronavirus information for travelers
• CDC Interim Guidance: Get Your Household Ready for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
• CDC: Frequently asked questions
• FEMA guidance for pre-pandemic COVID-19 preparedness
• CDC Interim Guidance: Get Your Household Ready for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)