March 6 Campus Coronavirus Update

Friday March 6, 2020

Members of the Salisbury University Community,

SU continues to monitor the spread of novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) and will provide regular updates to our community via this COVID-19 webpage.

Governor Hogan has announced the first positive diagnoses of the virus in Maryland. In each case, the patients are believed to have contracted the virus while traveling overseas. All three are reported to be in good condition.

SU’s COVID-19 Task Force is working closely with the University System of Maryland, Wicomico County Health Department and Maryland Department of Health in considering protocols and procedures should the virus begin to impact our students, faculty and staff. The University’s COVID-19 webpage will contain the most up-to-date information on SU’s efforts, suggested precautions, what to do if you think you may have COVID-19, external resources and more. Please check back often for updates.

As of today, we are following USM recommendations in discouraging members of the SU community from international and national travel. Students, faculty and staff traveling to countries with any level of travel advisory from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or U.S. Department of State will be required to follow USM guidance on self-isolation before returning to campus. Learn more about SU’s COVID-19 travel policies and recommendations.

While limiting the spread of the virus is important, we also must avoid the stigmatism that sometimes accompanies such illnesses. We should not make assumptions about individuals you believe may have come into contact with someone with COVID-19. In some cases, public reactions to the virus have been sensationalized, and individuals at some higher education institutions have reported encountering related discrimination and harassment. This will not be tolerated at SU. Learn more about diversity and civility related to COVID-19.

Additional information will be communicated to specific faculty, staff and student groups should SU’s ongoing COVID-19 preparation activities potentially impact their areas.

As the virus continues to spread throughout our nation and the world, you should take basic precautions, including washing your hands frequently and staying home if you’re sick. Together, we are our best source of prevention.