Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
The University of Bridgeport is monitoring the spread of COVID-19 carefully and is consulting with University officials from the Student Health Services, the College of Health Sciences, UB Security, and local, state, and federal agencies. This page will be updated regularly as new information becomes available. See all university announcements about COVID-19.
Travel and Health Information
The situation continues to change rapidly for travelers abroad as well as in the United States. Keep in mind that any travel may be disrupted in the coming months. Other countries and regions may be added to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Level 3 Travel Warning, and travelers who have been in those areas would be asked to self-isolate upon returning to campus. In addition, more governments are imposing travel restrictions, such as closing borders, and as more restrictions are imposed, there is some risk of travelers being forced to remain in a country. We urge you to consider carefully your travel choices and whether it is necessary to travel at this time.
If you do travel, take these actions:
- Register your travel—including within the United States—and download the International SOS (ISOS) app.
- Stay alert to changes and developments that may affect your plans. Monitor travel advisories, including potential restrictions on border crossings, and be ready to adjust your plans if conditions change. View the list of CDC travel notices here.
- Follow Health recommendations listed below (e.g., frequent hand washing).
- If you should feel ill while traveling, call ISOS 215-942-8478 for advice before going to a health care facility. ISOS medical staff can provide advice on how to get treatment but will not be able to get you out of a country if any government restrictions have been put in place.
We strongly encourage you to review the table below, which summarizes CDC travel notices and University of Bridgeport Health guidance. This table will be updated regularly.
| CDC Travel Notice | Countries and Regions (as designated by CDC) | Additional Health Guidance* |
|---|---|---|
Warning - Level 3, Avoid Nonessential Travel |
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Alert - Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions |
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Watch - Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions |
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*If you experience fever, cough, or difficulty breathing and you have had contact with a confirmed COVID-19 patient and/or traveled from a location with a Level 3 or Level 2 travel notice within 14 days of the onset of illness, stay home and contact a healthcare provider for guidance—do not go to a healthcare facility before you have called your doctor or a hospital emergency room for instructions.
Precautions for Your Well-being and Safety
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use 60% alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- 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.
- Facemasks are not recommended for healthy people to avoid respiratory viruses including COVID-19.
- If you need medical attention, call your provider before going to a healthcare facility.
University Planning and Response
Leaders and staff across the university are working in teams to update UB’s existing pandemic and disease response plans to be consistent with what is known about the nature of the COVID-19 virus and its spread. We are planning for a range of possible scenarios in the near term as well as longer-term impacts on core university programs and functions. Our planning priorities are: (1) the health and safety of the University of Bridgeport students, staff, faculty and patients; and (2) the continuity of the University’s core mission. Working groups are planning for contingencies in many areas. Here are some examples:
- Support and response for spring and summer recess travel;
- The continuation of classes and assessments during disruptions caused by periods of self-isolation, quarantine, university closure, and travel disruption;
- Alternate work arrangements for staff to reduce contact if needed
Facts about COVID-19 Infection
The risk of COVID-19 infection is dependent on exposure, but details about the new virus are still emerging. The most important route of transmission is likely close contact (six feet or less) with sick patients who spread respiratory droplets when they cough or sneeze. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. It may be possible for someone to be infected by touching an object or surface contaminated by COVID-19 virus and then touching their own mouth, nose, or potentially their eyes. The risk of spread from asymptomatic people and from touching surfaces is much lower than droplet spread from sick patients. The reported incubation period (time from exposure to the onset of symptoms) ranges from two to 14 days.
Severity of COVID-19 infection ranges from mild to severe. Fever of >100.4° F (>38° C), cough, and shortness of breath are the most frequently reported symptoms. COVID-19 symptoms overlap with those of influenza and other respiratory infections. Therefore, the CDC has published guidelines to identify patients at risk of COVID-19 and determine when testing is necessary.
What to Do If You Become Ill
If you experience fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, stay home and contact a healthcare provider for guidance—do not go to a healthcare facility before you have called your doctor or a hospital emergency room for instructions.
- We encourage students who are concerned that they may have had close contact with an ill person who is experiencing flu-like symptoms to call UB Student Health Services at (203)576-4712 or come into the clinic from 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday. When Health Services is closed, students should contact AMR through Campus Security at 203-576-4913. Faculty and staff should consult with their primary care physician for advice and guidance.
Maintaining an Inclusive Environment
The University of Bridgeport is committed to maintaining an environment of respect and freedom from discrimination and to supporting all members of our community affected by this global health threat. Bias, discrimination, and harassment are contrary to our values and violate UB policies. For more information, please go to www.bridgeport.edu/about/policies. To read a statement from the U.S. Department of Education, please go to www.bridgeport.edu/about/policies.
