Coronavirus Update

What is COVID-19 and how does it spread?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.

The virus is thought to spread mainly between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet) through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It also may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. Learn what is known about the spread of newly emerged coronaviruses from the CDC website transmission page.

What does it mean to Self-Monitor?

According to the CDC, self-monitoring means people should monitor themselves for fever by taking their temperatures twice a day and remain alert for cough or difficulty breathing. If you feel feverish or develop measured fever, cough, or difficulty breathing during the self-monitoring period, you should self-isolate, limit contact with others, and seek advice by telephone from a healthcare provider. TAMU students may call (956) 326-2235. For after-hours contact/inquiries, call the City of Laredo Health Department COVID-19 24-Hour Hotline at (956) 795-4954.

To download the CDC Check and Report Every Day (CARE) Booklet which helps you understand how to self-monitor your health and how to check your symptoms daily visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/COVID-19_CAREKit_ENG.pdf

What does it mean to Self-Isolate?

If you are not experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19 and are asked to self-isolate after returning from a country listed on the CDC’s COVID-19 travel advisories page as Level 3, you should stay off campus and remain home.

Do not go to campus including work, residence halls and apartments, classes, athletic events or other social gatherings until 14 days after leaving the Level 3 country in question. Likewise, avoid public places and gatherings in the community.

Please follow these guidelines for self-isolation:

Report any symptoms of COVID-19 immediately to your medical provider – preferably by calling to get advice and instructions. TAMIU students may call (956) 458-8300. For after-hours contact/inquiries, contact the City of Laredo, COVID-19 24-Hour Hotline at (956) 795-4954.

Stay in your room or apartment. Do not go to work, classes, athletic events, or other social or religious gatherings until 14 days after leaving the Level 3 country.

Limit contact as much as possible. This also means limiting close contact with others including persons living in your residence.

Wash your hands with soap and water, or use alcohol-based hand rubs after coughing or sneezing or throwing a used tissue in the garbage.

Avoid sharing household items. Do not share drinking glasses, towels, eating utensils, bedding, or any other items until you are no longer asked to self-isolate.

Keep your surroundings clean. While the virus is not spread very well from contact with soiled household surfaces, try to clean surfaces that you share with others, such as door knobs, telephones, and bathroom surfaces (or any other object that you sneeze or cough on), with a standard household disinfectant wipe. Wash your hands after cleaning the area.

Monitor yourself for symptoms at least daily including measuring your temperature. Any symptoms of COVID-19 should be reported to your physician. To download the CDC Check and Report Every Day (CARE) Booklet which helps you understand how to self-monitor your health and how to check your symptoms daily visit: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/downloads/COVID-19_CAREKit_ENG.pdf

Cover coughs and sneezes with your upper sleeve or a tissue. Never cough in the direction of someone else.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Patients with COVID‑19 have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness. Symptoms can include:

Fever
Cough
Shortness of Breath

At this time, CDC believes that symptoms of COVID‑19 may appear in as few as two days or as long as 14 days after exposure. This is based on what has been seen previously as the incubation period of MERS coronaviruses.

Is there a vaccine or treatment for COVID-19?

There is no specific vaccine or antiviral treatment to protect against COVID-19. People with mild COVID-19 symptoms may experience symptom relief from supportive care measures such as rest and over-the-counter medications for fever and cough. For severe cases, treatment should include care to support vital organ functions. The best way to prevent infection is to take everyday preventive actions, like avoiding close contact with people who are sick and washing your hands often.

Are there any cases of COVID-19 in Webb County, which includes TAMIU?

COVID-19 (Coronavirus) has been recorded in Laredo, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The Centers for Disease control posts reports of confirmed cases regularly.

How can I protect myself from the virus?

Stay educated on the disease by reading the CDC website. Take care of yourself by doing the following:

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 available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay home when you 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.

Should I wear a mask?

On March 31, 2020 the City of Laredo enacted a local Emergency Ordinance requiring residents to cover their nose and mouth by some form of covering such as a homemade mask, scarf, bandana, or handkerchief, when: entering into or inside of any building open to the public; when using public transportation, taxis, or ride shares; or when pumping gas. This does not apply when a person is: engaging in a permissible outside physical activity; riding in a personal vehicle; alone in a separate single space; that are with their own shelter group (household members); when doing so poses a greater health, safety or security risk; or for consumption purposes. The penalty for a violation of this section shall be a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000. The University expects all to comply with the City Ordinance. Those with authorized business on campus will only be provided with access and services if they are in compliance with the Ordinance.

The CDC provides additional recommendation regarding the use of cloth face coverings that complements the President’s Coronavirus Guidelines for America, 30 Days to Slow the Spread.

How should I clean and disinfect communal spaces?

A summary of the CDC’s guidelines follows:

Wear disposable gloves (e.g. nitrile or latex) when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces. Disposable gloves are single-use and should be discarded after each cleaning. If disposable gloves are not available, and reusable gloves (e.g. dishwashing gloves) are used instead, those gloves should be dedicated for cleaning and disinfection of surfaces for COVID-19 and should not be used for other purposes. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and disinfection of products used. Wash hands with soap and waterimmediately after gloves are removed.

If surfaces are dirty, they should be cleaned using a detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

Focus on disinfecting other commonly touched surfaces such as keyboards/mouse, touchscreens, furniture (e.g. desk chair arms), coffee pot and refrigerator handles, etc.

For disinfection, diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70 percent alcohol, and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective.

Diluted household bleach solutions can be used if appropriate for the surface. Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.
Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:

5 tablespoons (1/3^rdcup) bleach per gallon of water, or
4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water, or
1-part bleach with 9 parts water

A list of products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims, maintained by the American Chemistry Council Center for Biocide Chemistries (CBC), is available on the Novel Coronavirus Fighting Products list. Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims are expected to be effective against SARS-CoV2. based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.)

For porous surfaces such as carpeted floor, rugs, and drapes, remove visible contamination if present and clean with appropriate cleaners indicated for use on these surfaces. After cleaning:

Launder items as appropriate in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If possible, launder items using the warmest appropriate water setting for the items and dry items completely, or
Use products with the EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims that are suitable for porous surfaces.

Where should I go to get accurate information on COVID-19?

Should I be concerned about pets or animals and COVID-19?

For specific information about pets and COVID-19, visit the COVID-19 and Animals section of the CDC COVID-19 FAQ

Update: AIR TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS FOR TRAVEL TO TEXAS

Effective 5.21.20, the Governor of Texas has terminated travel restrictions in place for entering Texas through various U.S. ariports, known as Executive Order GA-20. Please see Executive Order GA-24 as it relates to the Governor’s strategic plan to Open Texas in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

How do I report my recent travel?

As per The Texas A&M University System’s guidance, all students, faculty and staff need to continue to report all personal international travel as part of our response to protect the University community we serve. We thank you in advance for your cooperation. Please complete the online form.

All A&M System employees, including TAMIU employees, are reminded that prior System guidance regarding travel remains in effect. No international travel is permitted through May 31, 2020 unless it is directly critical to the ongoing international efforts to deal with COVID-19 or waiver is granted by the President or Agency Head. No domestic air travel is permitted unless deemed mission critical, also through May 31, 2020. All travel must be approved by University/agency central administration in advance.

I’ve just returned to campus from an affected area on the CDC’s COVID-19 travel advisories page. Is there anything special I should do?

If you have traveled internationally in the past 14 days AND arrived in-country to clear customs at the Boston (BOS), Miami (MIA), New York City (JFK), Chicago (ORD), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), Los Angeles (LAX), Atlanta (ATL), Honolulu (HNL), Newark (EWR), Dallas (DFW), Detroit (DTW) or Washington, D.C. (IAD) international airports should stay home (self-isolate) for a period of 14 days from the time you left your international destination.

You should continue to be vigilant about monitoring yourself for fever and lower respiratory symptoms such as cough and shortness of breath. However, not all affected individuals will exhibit all symptoms, and if you have any symptoms at all, call a healthcare provider or Student Health Services at 956.326.2235 if you are a student. Please call in advance of your planned visit.

What preventative actions can students/faculty/staff take at this time?

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands. Avoid sharing food, beverages, and utensils. Avoid close contact with those who may be ill. Stay home when you are sick or have flu symptoms. Cover cough/sneeze with a tissue or cough/sneeze into your elbow. Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects or surfaces. Get your annual flu shot.

We recommend you also follow all CDC and State guidelines and City of Laredo ordinances.

What is the campus doing for infection control?

TAMIU has augmented its cleaning of facilities, using hospital-grade disinfectant on surfaces and supplementing its regular cleaning schedule and staff. We are in ongoing communication with the CDC, State Department, our Texas A&M University System and the City of Laredo Health Department regarding any additional precautions or actions that should be considered.

How is TAMIU tracking faculty, staff and students who have recently returned from affected areas?

TAMIU has an online form submitted by all students, faculty, and staff traveling from or through any country that is designated as a Level 2 or 3 by CDC for COVID-19 in order to register their travel. These individuals are also required to self-isolate upon returning from those countries for up to 21 days before returning to campus.

What is being done in University Housing (Residence Life) to prevent any potential spread of COVID-19?

Residence Life is taking proactive steps to reduce exposure within each of the TAMIU residential communities. These efforts include:

The Office of Housing and Residence Life has installed hand sanitizer dispensers at every entrance of the Residential Learning Community and is installing exterior dispensers around University Village. Dispensers are currently found in the clubhouses of both communities. Additionally, the Housekeeping team is responsible for disinfecting all door handles throughout the communities twice a day with disinfectant spray. “Please wash your hands” signs are being put into the community restrooms.

Additionally, the Office of Housing and Residence Life has created posters that share best practices for good personal hygiene.

What happens to the students attending TAMIU if there is a confirmed case on campus?

If a COVID-19 virus is confirmed, then the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protocols will be followed. Those who have had close contact with the patient will be contacted and monitored by the City of Laredo Health Department. TAMIU will fully support that effort.

What should I do if I feel ill?

If you are feeling ill, make an appointment with your healthcare provider. Students can make an appointment at Student Health Services by visiting the website or by calling (956) 326-2235.
Please do not show up at a clinic, urgent care or other healthcare facility without calling first. Your provider may need to take special measures to protect other people in the clinic. Telemedicine may also be available, enabling you to consult a provider from home.
Do not go to an emergency room. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs.
Practice social distancing. Stay indoors and avoid contact with others, just as you would with the flu. Those with contagious diseases should stay home from work or school until they are well. People with fever, cough and respiratory issues should seek immediate medical attention.

What if my roommate has a cough?

It is important to remember that this is cold and flu season, and regardless of an individual’s travel history, coughs and other upper-respiratory symptoms are much more likely to be signs of a bad cold or seasonal influenza than the new coronavirus. You can protect yourself in the same ways you would normally do to avoid getting sick:

Clean your hands, and remind others to do the same. Wash your hands for 20 seconds frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Don’t share towels. Use paper towels after washing your hands, or use a cloth towel that isn’t shared with anyone else.
Clean common surfaces. Use a standard household disinfectant, and wash your hands after cleaning the area.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
Stay home when you are sick and avoid close contact with those who are sick.

What if I am a student and I'm required to self-isolate?

While self-isolation is considered a University Excused Absence, students are encouraged to keep up with any class activities that can be completed away from campus, especially if they have no or mild symptoms. However, you are required to stay away from campus during your self-isolation period. If you attempt to attend class sessions in person during your isolation period, your instructor will temporarily remove you from class.

To keep up with your classes and other on-campus activities, we recommend you take the following actions as soon as your self-isolation begins:

If you have traveled to or through a location designated as a Level 2 or 3 by CDC for COVID-19, provide your information through the Travel Reporting Portal. Maintain a copy of your travel reporting confirmation email along with related records of your travel (transportation itineraries, boarding passes, etc.).
Contact your instructors to let them know that you will not be able to participate in any on-campus course activities. Ask about opportunities to access course materials and assignments electronically so you can work from your isolation location.
Graduate student guidance:
1. If you are defending your thesis or dissertation, please contact your committee chair and/or academic advisor to reschedule or discuss possible alternatives.
2. If you are taking preliminary, qualifying, or comprehensive departmental exams, contact your committee to reschedule or discuss possible alternatives.
Undergraduate students should contact their academic advisor, graduate students should contact their committee chair and/or academic advisor, and all students should check Howdy to make sure you don’t miss any deadlines related to pre-registration, degree plans, etc.
If you are employed, contact your employer to explain that you are self-isolating and identify the date when you can return to work or inquire about opportunities to work from your isolation location. If you are a graduate assistant, contact your department chair or supervisor so that arrangements can be made to fulfill your duties in your absence.
If you experience barriers to accessing online course materials (poor/no internet access, lack of appropriate technology, etc.), contact your college dean’s office.
If you need support for self-care (counseling, health services, emergency aid, etc.) or access to items and facilities for daily living (medicine, groceries, laundry, personal hygiene products, etc.) contact Student Assistance Services.
If you experience symptoms of COVID 19, contact Student Health Services at (956) 326-2235 (8:00am-5pm Mon-Fri ) closed daily from 12 pm - 1 pm.

How is it Spread?

Prevent the Spread!

Symptoms

FAQs

Travel Reporting Portal

Quick Links

TAMIU Links

External COVID-19 Links

Frequently Asked Questions

About Campus Classes and Operations

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Past Updates

From The Office of Governor Greg Abbott

Message President Arenaz

COVID-19 Update For Students 3-19-20

MESSAGE PRESIDENT ARENAZ

TAMIU’s International Travelers Clearing Customs at 13 Airports Should Self-Isolate for 14-Days Before Returning to Campus

Message from Chancellor Sharp

Message from President Arenaz