(Image courtesy of the CDC)
While the immediate health risk of the 2019 novel coronavirus to the general public remains low, both in the United States and in Chicago, the Chicago Department of Public Health has issued new guidance for universities.
Due to recent acceleration of 2019-nCoV transmission across China and in accordance with current federal guidance, the CDPH recommends any student, faculty or staff member returning from mainland China on Feb. 3 and onward should NOT attend school or work for 14 days after the return date.
If you are traveling or returned from mainland China on or after Feb. 3, please contact the Office of Health Promotion and Wellness at
hpw@depaul.edu or 773-325-7129 as soon as possible. Absences for this purpose will be excused and alternate arrangements made for teleworking and online school assignments if possible.
Students, faculty, or staff members who returned from mainland China prior to Feb. 3 can remain in school and work. Individuals who returned from mainland China between Jan. 21 - Feb. 2 and develop respiratory symptoms including fever, cough, and difficulty breathing should immediately contact their healthcare provider so they can make arrangements for you to be assessed. As soon as you are able, CDPH also recommends you inform the university and you can do so at
hpw@depaul.edu or 773-325-7129.
While we currently do not have any university-sponsored study abroad trips to China, we do want to ensure all members of our community are aware of this new guidance.
Please note that the situation is rapidly changing, and the university is monitoring it closely. Guidance will be updated as needed. For the most up-to-date information, please visit
the City of Chicago website or
the CDC website.
For those who plan to travel, please note that CDPH recommends avoiding travel to China. The latest travel updates are available on
the CDC’s website.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol if soap and water are not available.
The well-being of each member of our DePaul family is important to us and we would like to ensure all members of our DePaul family who are from or have personal ties to east and Southeast Asia feel supported. You are important and valued members of our community. If you have any questions or concerns please email the Office of Health Promotion and Wellness at hpw@depaul.edu or find information on
the Student Affairs website.