Dear UHD Students,

You all are aware of the developing situation concerning the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the City of Houston’s Emergency Health Declaration. The ongoing news regarding the virus has left our community concerned, but I want to encourage vigilance and confidence.

We are midway through the semester, and it is imperative that we remain strong in the face of this developing situation. I, along with UHD leadership, will continue to assess the virus’ impact on our city, county and region, and make decisions that ensure the safety and welfare of our University Community. Most importantly, we will continue to provide updates through email and on the UHD Coronavirus site as new information becomes available.

With that in mind, you are encouraged to update your personal information in myUHD2.0 and sign up (if you have not done so already) for Campus Notifications.

Also, remember that you can help avoid and prevent this virus by washing your hands regularly; using hand sanitizer when necessary; staying home if you are sick; and avoiding others who are sick.

UHD also is implementing the following policies related to travel to minimize the risk of COVID-19 at our University:

1. The University is restricting all international travel through at least the end of March, 2020.
2. Students who have visited any country designated by the CDC with a Level Two or Level Three Travel Warning since January 1, 2020 are required to register through UHD’s Travel Reporting Form.
3. Students returning from any country designated by the CDC with a Level Two or Level Three Travel Warning are required to self-quarantine for 14 days. Written approval will be required in order to return to campus.
4. Faculty and staff who believe they have been in direct contact with a carrier of the virus should contact the Office of the Dean of Students at uhdstudentaffairs@uhd.edu.
5. Students also must complete this travel form if they are planning to travel internationally.

Students should consider the risks when making travel decisions (internationally or domestically) and continue to practice healthy habits to prevent the spread of viruses.

As a reminder, policy updates, frequently asked questions and general information on COVID-19 are on the University’s Coronavirus website. University Community members also can contact a State of Texas COVID-19 call center at 1-877-570-9779. The call center will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Additionally, the Texas Nurses Health Line is providing access to information from registered nurses 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 713-338-7979 or 1-855-577-7979. Bilingual services and interpreters are available.

I want to emphasize that both your well-being and success are priorities at UHD, and you will be notified as soon as further information is available.

Sincerely,

Dr. Juan Sánchez Muñoz
UHD President