This emergency notification to UTMB employees, students and faculty at all of our locations is issued to comply with the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act).
The welfare and safety of our community during this time is our primary concern. We are writing to inform you of recent developments relating to COVID-19. As you know Dr. Ben Raimer, UTMB president ad interim and other UTMB leaders have been providing daily updates and guidance via emails, social media, videos and UTMB’s COVID-19 website that includes information for our employees, students and the general public.
UTMB leaders are in daily contact with federal, state and local authorities in order to best coordinate response and provide the best possible care and protection for our patients and the UTMB community.
This one-time notification provides required warning related to the COVID-19 pandemic. You will continue to receive daily updates from UTMB leaders and you can see updates on the UTMB COVID-19 website.
Numerous people in our area have tested positive for COVID-19. Public and UTMB health care officials acted quickly and we understand appropriate protocols are being followed. Contact tracing for these patients is being conducted by the Health Districts in the counties of Brazoria, Harris and Galveston as well as the City of Houston’s Health District.
We take this opportunity to remind our community of important information regarding COVID-19. In an effort to slow the spread of the virus, we are requesting your immediate attention to and compliance with the following health-authority-recommended practices – not only to ensure your own well-being, but the well-being of others:
• Avoid groups of 10 or more people and avoid people who are ill with respiratory symptoms.
• Thoroughly wash your hands frequently, for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Any kind of soap will work.
• Use hand sanitizer with minimum 60% alcohol content if soap and water are not available.
• Cough/sneeze into a tissue and dispose of it right away. If you do not have a tissue, cough/sneeze into your elbow.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth—especially with unwashed hands.
• Use disinfectant wipes or cleaner on frequently touched or shared surfaces.
• Do not share dishes, cups/glasses, utensils or towels.
• STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK.