CU Alerts

Emergency and CU Alert Information

Category: Alerts

  • COVID-19 update, 03/08/20

    University officials continue to closely monitor COVID-19 and are actively engaged in daily planning in an effort to inform and reduce the risk to faculty, staff, students and visitors from the virus.

    At the time of this communication, we can confirm the following:

    • No confirmed cases in Clemson.
    • Six positive tests in South Carolina, four in Kershaw County, one in Charleston County and one in Spartanburg County.
    • No modifications to operations at any Clemson campus or location around the state.
    • No planned changes to academic calendar, including spring break.

    CURRENT STATUS

    Persons Being Tested at Clemson University: 0
    Confirmed Positives at Clemson University: 0

    SUNDAY UPDATE

    On Sunday afternoon, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced it is investigating additional cases of the COVID-19 novel coronavirus. As of this afternoon, four additional presumptive positive cases were identified after testing for COVID-19 was completed at DHEC’s Public Health Laboratory. These are in addition to the two presumptive positive cases the agency announced on March 6. That brings the total number of presumptive positive cases to six.

    More information from DHEC is available here – https://www.scdhec.gov/news-releases/dhec-investigating-additional-possible-cases-2019-novel-coronavirus-south-carolina

    Clemson University continues to monitor and evaluate the situation and encourage students faculty and staff to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Individuals can lower the risk of transmission by consistently practicing simple, everyday non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs):

    • Staying home when you are sick or avoiding close contact with people who are sick
    • Covering coughs and sneezes
    • Washing hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available
    • Ensure regular cleaning of frequently touched surfaces and objects
    • Being prepared and informed
    • Familiarize yourself with the list of approved disinfectants for COVID-19.

    University officials are committed to providing ongoing, accurate information to our entire university community. You can find campus notifications, resources and latest news at Clemson.edu and via the direct link here – Clemson University’s COVID-19 Information Page.

    Resources
    Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
    Clemson University’s COVID-19 Information 

    Issued by University Relations

  • COVID-19 update, 03/07/20

    University officials continue to closely monitor COVID-19 and are actively engaged in daily planning in an effort to inform and reduce the risk to faculty, staff, students and visitors from the virus.

    At the time of this communication, we can confirm the following:

    • No confirmed cases in Clemson.
    • Two positive tests in South Carolina, one in Kershaw County and one in Charleston County.
    • No modifications to operations at any Clemson campus or location around the state.
    • No planned changes to academic calendar, including spring break.

    CURRENT STATUS

    Persons Being Tested at Clemson University: 0
    Confirmed Positives at Clemson University: 0

    SATURDAY UPDATE

    On Friday, March 6, 2020, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) announced it is investigating two presumptive COVID-19 cases in the state. Governor Henry McMaster, Rick Toomey Agency Director of DHEC and Dr. Linda Bell, State Epidemiologist conducted a press conference on Saturday, and reiterated there is no evidence of ongoing transmission in the community at this time and the risk to the public remains low.

    Clemson officials have been engaged with leadership at Charleston-area sites who are actively monitoring and planning with the health, safety and wellbeing of our students, faculty and staff in those areas as their highest priority.

    Details of the current situation include:

    • One patient is an elderly adult female from Kershaw County who has been hospitalized and is in isolation.
    • A second patient is an adult female from Charleston County who recently traveled to France and Italy. The patient did not require hospitalization and is self-isolated at home.

    The Medical University of South Carolina issued a statement which included the following:

    MUSC received confirmation from DHEC of a presumed positive COVID19 test for one of our team members the evening of March 6. 

    This individual self-identified to DHEC upon learning that community transmission had occurred in an area recently visited during a trip to Europe; she had not returned to work and still has not at this time. 

    Our team member practiced excellent public health and social responsibility by pursuing testing, taking appropriate hygienic precautions and self-quarantining at home. The patient had mild illness and has been asymptomatic for the past three days and is committed to remaining in self-quarantine for the remainder of the CDC-recommended 14-day timeframe.

     

    Clemson University continues to monitor and evaluate the situation and encourage students faculty and staff to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Individuals can lower the risk of transmission by consistently practicing simple, everyday non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs):

    • Staying home when you are sick or avoiding close contact with people who are sick
    • Covering coughs and sneezes
    • Washing hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available
    • Ensure regular cleaning of frequently touched surfaces and objects
    • Being prepared and informed
    •  Familiarize yourself with the list of approved disinfectants for COVID-19.

    University officials are committed to providing ongoing, accurate information to our entire university community. You can find campus notifications, resources and latest news at Clemson.edu and via the direct link here – Clemson University’s COVID-19 Information Page.

    Resources
    Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
    U.S. Department of State
    Contact Numbers for Major Airlines
    Clemson University’s COVID-19 Information 

    Issued by University Relations 

  • COVID-19 update for Friday, 03/06/20

    University officials continue to closely monitor COVID-19 and are actively engaged in daily planning in an effort to inform and reduce the risk to faculty, staff, students and visitors from the virus.

    At the time of this communication, we can confirm the following:

    • No confirmed positive cases on campus.
    • No confirmed positive cases in South Carolina.
    • No changes to Spring Break – we have communicated travel advisories and policies to students, faculty and staff.
    • No plans to move classes online.
    • Clemson has recalled all 385 students studying abroad this spring.
    • All returning students have or will undergo health assessment screening.

    CURRENT STATUS

    Persons Being Tested at Clemson University: 0
    Confirmed Positives at Clemson University: 0

    UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION 

    University officials are committed to providing ongoing, accurate information to our entire university community. As part of those efforts, we have created a new university webpage to house all important campus notifications, resources and latest news. You can find it here – Clemson University’s COVID-19 Information Page.

    Some of the resources include:
    COVID-19 Glossary of Terms
    Travel Information and Advisories
    Contact Information for Key Offices
    Personal Heath Recommendations
    Frequently Asked Questions

    UNIVERSITY TRAVEL GUIDANCE

    All international travel has been suspended. The university has provided updated guidance and procedures for domestic travel.

    • Clemson has suspended all international travel.
    • We discourage non-essential domestic travel.
    • All future travel should be booked through university’s contracted travel agent.
    • Definition of “essential” travel will be determined on the department level.

    ACADEMIC SCHEDULE

    There are no changes to the academic schedule, including spring break. The university continues to develop plans for all scenarios as the situation develops, and the priority objective of the university remains to complete the academic semester.

    RETURNING INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

    Students who were spending the spring semester abroad have begun to arrive back in the United States. Those students have been instructed to work through Redfern Health Center on health assessment screening before returning to campus. Please know, many of these students are returning from low-risk areas, and may be quickly cleared to return.

    As you can imagine, this is a stressful time for those returning from abroad. Those returning should be welcomed back as part of the Clemson community, and not stigmatized or ostracized from scholarly and social activities.

    We are here to support students and employees. If you need additional support, students should contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and employees should utilize resources available through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

    Resources

    Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

    U.S. Department of State

    Contact Numbers for Major Airlines

    Clemson University’s COVID-19 Information 

    Issued by University Relations

     

  • COVID-19 update, 03/05/20

    There remain no confirmed cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) at Clemson University at this time. University officials continue to closely monitor COVID-19 and are actively engaged in daily planning in an effort to inform and reduce the risk to faculty, staff, students and visitors from the virus. You can find up-to-date information on the university’s COVID-19 information web page – https://www.clemson.edu/campus-life/student-health/COVID-19.html.

    We are providing the following information related to domestic travel.

    UNIVERSITY-AFFILIATED TRAVEL

    • Effective immediately, departmental evaluation of all future university-affiliated travel is required. A directive related to future domestic travel processes is being communicated to university business officers.
    • The university encourages students, faculty and staff to find alternate means of conducting their studies and business associated with non-essential travel.

    PERSONAL AND SPRING BREAK TRAVEL

    • The university has no plans to cancel the scheduled academic spring break.
    • Students living on campus who wish to avoid travel over spring break DO have the option to stay in their on-campus room or apartment.
    • Faculty, staff and students should consider their own health status and exercise caution and judgement in planning domestic travel. Check the Center for Disease Control and Prevention state and territorial health department websites for the latest information before embarking on your trip.­­­­­­

    International travel policies and procedures for students, faculty and staff were previously communicated. These new procedures are designed to outline the heightened efforts the university is taking to address the health and wellbeing of the entire community.

    Faculty/Staff International Travel Information

    Student International Travel Information

    Resources

    Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

    U.S. Department of State

    Contact Numbers for Major Airlines

    Clemson University’s COVID-19 Information

  • COVID-19 Campus Update, 03/03/20

    There remain no confirmed cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) at Clemson University at this time. University officials continue to closely monitor COVID-19 and are actively engaged in daily planning in an effort to inform and reduce the risk to faculty, staff, students and visitors from the virus.

    UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION 

    University officials are committed to providing ongoing, accurate information to our entire university community. As part of those efforts, we have created a new university website to house all important campus notifications, resources and latest news. You can find it here – Clemson University’s COVID-19 Information Page.

    STUDENT, FACULTY AND STAFF TRAVEL 

    Earlier today messages with revised travel policies and procedures for students, faculty and staff were sent out from Provost Bob Jones, Executive Vice President for Finance and Operations Tony Wagner and Interim Vice President for Student Affairs Chris Miller. These new procedures are designed to outline the heightened efforts the university is taking to address the health and wellbeing of the entire community.

    Faculty/Staff Travel Information

    Student Travel Information

    CLEMSON STUDY ABROAD STUDENTS 

    Yesterday, the university recalled all 385 students studying outside of the United States this semester. Officials have established screening and education procedures to address the health and safety of returning students as well as the community of Clemson students, faculty and staff located throughout the state of South Carolina.

    We have seen questions about WHY we made the difficult decision to recall all of our students from around the globe.  As we’ve communicated directly to them, the guidance from the CDC and other experts is that they may face unpredictable circumstances:

    • Travel Restrictions including potential mandatory quarantines abroad
    • Challenges in returning home including U.S. Government quarantines
    • Challenges accessing health care while abroad
    • Unanticipated costs due to prolonged stays abroad
    • Potential delays in progress towards degree at Clemson

    ALL INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS

    The screening process for students, faculty, staff and guests returning from outside the United States is developed in accordance with CDC and DHEC guidelines. All those coming to any Clemson University location will be required to comply with University screening procedures, including any necessary period of restriction from campus.

    Students, faculty and staff who have traveled internationally are restricted from all University facilities until properly screened and approved for access by University Health Officials.

    WHAT YOU CAN DO 

    You can help lower the risk of transmission by consistently practicing simple, everyday non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs):

    • Staying home when you are sick
    • Avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
    • Covering your coughs and sneezes.
    • Washing your hands.
    • Cleaning frequently touched surfaces and objects.
    • Being prepared and informed.

    RESOURCES

    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 

    U.S. Department of State

    Clemson University’s COVID-19 Information Page

    Issued by University Relations