The University is currently monitoring the case of coronavirus in Wake County, North Carolina, and the situation nationally and globally. In light of the evolving situation, the University has taken additional action in some areas. Review the information below.
What the University is doing:
Recalling students in Italy and South Korea: In addition to canceling spring break programs to China, South Korea, Japan and Italy, the University has recalled students already abroad in Italy and South Korea. Upon their return, these individuals are being asked by the University to self-quarantine for 14 days out of an abundance of caution. They are also subject to any re-entry requirements in place by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the U.S. State Department. The Office of International Programs is working directly with these students to facilitate their return and the completion of their academic work. No decisions have been made about any other study abroad programs at this time. However, all locations are being monitored regularly and decisions will be made as warranted.
Canceling University-sponsored travel to affected areas: All University-sponsored travel to countries with a Level-3 warning from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has been canceled. This includes China, South Korea, Italy and Iran. The University will not pay or reimburse for travel to these areas until further notice. If you have questions, complete this form. No decisions have been made on travel to any other areas at this time.
Streamlining questions: An inquiry form has been created to help streamline questions from the campus community. Complete the form and a team of individuals will get you the answer you need. You may expect an answer within 24 hours Monday through Friday. Inquiries on the weekend may have a longer response time.
Continuing to monitor the situation: This is a fast-moving and fluid situation. The Office of Emergency Management continues to lead a cross-divisional team that is monitoring the situation locally and around the world. They are in contact with state officials and are tracking the information being released by the North Carolina Division of Public Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. State Department. The group has been meeting regularly since January to monitor the situation and any next steps needed by the University. The Office of Emergency Management is also maintaining a website with the most recent information, including FAQs and any changes to University-sponsored or affiliated programming on this page.
What individuals should do
Avoid travel to the affected areas: You should avoid all non-essential personal and business travel to the affected countries (China, South Korea, Iran and Italy).
If you must travel to areas where the virus has been identified, be aware of the latest advisories, protocols and re-entry requirements from CDC and the U.S. State Department.
Register with Emergency Management: Anyone who must engage in personal travel to these areas or has already traveled to these areas should register with the Office of Emergency Management by emailing emergency@uncc.edu. In the email, the traveler should identify that the travel is personal (not University-sponsored). Everyone traveling to Level-3 countries will be asked by the University to self-quarantine upon their arrival back to the U.S. and may also be ordered to self-quarantine by health officials after screening in airports. You should prepare now for missed work and classes. See below for additional information.
Understand self-quarantine: If you have traveled to affected areas, you may be ordered by public health officials or asked by the University to self-quarantine for 14 days out of an abundance of caution. For your health and the health of the campus community, we ask you to comply with these requests. If you are ordered to quarantine by public health officials, you must contact the Student Health Center to notify the University of the order by calling 704-687-7400. This applies to faculty and staff as well.
Students: If you are ordered by health officials or asked by the University to self-quarantine, you should proactively contact your instructors to request accommodation. Documentation of travel to an affected area may be required. Instructors have been asked to provide maximum flexibility to any student who has been asked to self-quarantine in order for them to complete class requirements.
Faculty: If you are ordered by health officials or asked by the University to self-quarantine, you should consult the UNC Charlotte Academic Procedure: Schedule Interruption Guidelines and contact your department head to discuss alternative arrangements. Additionally, you should contact your students to update them. More guidance is available online. If your student is ordered to quarantine, you will be notified by a representative of the Dean of Students Office.
Staff: If you are ordered by health officials to self-quarantine, you should notify your supervisor. Per policy, missed time is forgiven. If you are asked by the University to self-quarantine and not ordered by health officials, you should notify your supervisor. Per policy, missed time should be accounted for through comp time, sick leave or vacation time, or made up. In both situations, documentation of travel to an affected area is required.
Know the facts: There is misinformation about the virus circulating. Make sure you have the facts by visiting these resources from the CDC: Share the Facts, Stop the Fear and Stigma Related to COVID-19.
Always practice good hygiene: Wash your hands, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid sharing food, cups or utensils. This also helps prevent the spread of cold, flu and other illnesses.
Know the symptoms: If you have traveled to any of the affected areas and believe you are exhibiting symptoms, seek medical care as soon as possible and contact the University’s Student Health Center at 704-687-7400. This includes faculty and staff.