Coronavirus FAQs
Updated 3/10/20
Q: What is the coronavirus?
A: Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which may cause illness in animals or humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered coronavirus causes coronavirus disease COVID-19. - -World Health Organization.
Q: What is the University’s response?
A: Update 3/12: Regis to suspend on-campus classes March 16-18, resume all online March 19:
The University is closely monitoring this severe respiratory illness and is in close contact with local and state public health officials, including at the Denver Public Health Department, to ensure the health and safety of the Regis community. Our Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) is meeting regularly to establish protocols and contingency plans to ensure campus resiliency and to minimize and mitigate any threats.
The University is encouraging people to follow the CDC’s health and hygiene recommendations, which include washing hands frequently, and not touching your face.
As a precautionary measure, we are asking students, staff and faculty to remain home if they are sick and to avoid contact with people who are sick, despite it being unlikely a sick person has COVID-19.
If a student, staff or faculty has traveled recently to a CDC-designated Level 3 (Avoid Essential Travel) country, which includes Italy, South Korea, China and Iran, we are asking that they self-quarantine for a period of 14 days from the time of U.S. reentry (or at the onset of symptoms).
Following CDC guidelines, Regis is restricting all University-sponsored travel to Level 3 infected countries (again, those are Italy, South Korea, China and Iran, to date).
Q: What should I do if I think I have COVID-19?
A: Get medical care, but call ahead first. Tell your medical provider that you may have COVID-19, so they can take steps to protect others who may be in the facility when you arrive. Do not arrive unannounced at a hospital.
We encourage you to remain at home - or in your dorm room, apartment, etc. - except to get medical care. You should not go to work, school or public areas and should avoid using public transportation, including ride sharing.
As much as possible, you need to separate from those with whom you live, including pets. Family members and roommates should use a separate bathroom, if possible.
We encourage you to wear a face mask to help limit the infection of others. (You do not need to wear a face mask if not ill; there is a limited supply and they should be reserved for the ill and health care workers.)
Q: I have been diagnosed with COVID-19, whom should I inform at Regis University?
A: If a student is confirmed to have COVID-19, the student should report the diagnosis to the Dean of Students. The student will be sent home to recuperate. The University will inform fellow students and employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19, while maintaining confidentiality related to the reporting student’s identity and condition as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Family Educational rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
All students and employees who worked closely with that student should work from home for a 14-day period of time to ensure the infection does not spread. Before the diagnosed student departs, ask them to identify all individuals who worked in close proximity (three to six feet) with them in the previous 14 days to ensure you have a full list of those who should be sent home.
Q: What should I do if I return from travel to a country that has been designated by the Center of Disease Control as having a Level 3 travel health notice or higher?
A: The University requests that you voluntarily self-isolate for 14 days following your last day in a country that has a CDC Level 3 travel alert or higher and practice social distancing, while you monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 which appear 2-14 days after exposure and may include fever, cough and shortness of breath.