​The KAUST Coronavirus Taskforce continues to meet regularly to adapt to the evolving 2019 Novel Coronavirus situation.

Latest updates:

As of February 4, 2020:

• There are no confirmed cases at KAUST or in Saudi at this time.
• As of February 4, the total number of people in quarantine at KAUST is reducing. This is because people are following official instructions not to return, and others have completed their 14-day quarantine period.
• Community Events: The decision has been made to postpone the upcoming Flavors International Food Festival at KAUST as part of our considered response to the Coronavirus threat. At this time, all other community events are continuing as scheduled, including the Parade of Nations and this weekend's football tournament. The Taskforce is continuing to monitor the situation and are considering further changes for community events. They will keep the community informed as appropriate.
• High-risk regions: KAUST is maintaining a list of high-risk regions, which is being updated regularly. There is an update to this list today, to include: Taiwan. The complete list can be found at kh.kaust.edu.sa/coronavirus.
• All University offices and labs, The KAUST School and daycare, as well as all community services are functioning as normal.
  

Everyone can help

Everyone has a part to play with preventing coronavirus from affecting the University and the community members that support it. For some, this means practicing good hygiene, but for others, this will mean not being able to travel or being put into quarantine, which can have serious impacts on work and studies, individuals, and their families. Please understand that it is important, for the health of yourself, your family, your colleagues, and the world, that you read, understand, and adhere to all instructions issued by the Coronavirus Taskforce and their designees. Failure to maintain the expectations of these instructions may result in disciplinary action by the University.

Protecting your own health:

Please take a few minutes to review WHO health information and FAQs to learn more about 2019-nCoV.

Protect yourself from infection by doing the following:

• Keep at least 1m (preferably 3m) away from anyone while they are in quarantine.
• Avoid close contact with anyone who is unwell with a fever or cough or is sneezing.
• Help to stop catching and spreading germs:
• Regularly wash your hands with soap and water and use hand sanitizer if available. Preferably do both.
• Always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then place the tissue in a bin.
• Avoid touching your mouth, nose, and eyes with unwashed hands – germs can enter your body this way.
• Use antibacterial wipes or solutions to clean surfaces

More information

More information about this topic is available at kh.kaust.edu.sa/coronavirus, including:

• Instructions for people currently in high-risk regions
• Instructions for people in quarantine
• Instructions for people who are planning travel
• What to do if I suspect I may be infected?

Thank you for participating in keeping our community safe and well.

Regards,
Daniel Buttigieg
Director, KAUST Health
Chair, KAUST Coronavirus Task Force