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28 January, 2020
You will have observed that the outbreak of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCov) continues to unfold. As of today, January 28, 2020, more than 4,500 confirmed cases have been reported. The disease continues to spread beyond the Hubei Province into other regions in China and several other countries. Global health authorities are concerned that this disease could spread quickly beyond the existing impact areas.
There have been no cases of this disease reported at KAUST or in Saudi at this time. However, colleagues from across KAUST continue to meet regularly to ensure an appropriate response to the outbreak and advise preventative actions. Precautions are being taken, in collaboration with appropriate authorities, and KAUST Health is implementing advised measures to monitor and support our KAUST community.
We need everyone at KAUST to participate in keeping our community free from 2019-nCoV.
The University is advising the following:
Please note: The below guidance has changed since the previous announcement. Please read the below information carefully.
High-risk regions
The 2019-nCoV is widely thought to have originated in the city of Wuhan in the Hubei Province of China. The spread within China has increased although not all Province's in China have confirmed cases of 2019-nCoV and there are some affected regions in other countries as well.
The list of high-risk regions is changing and may eventually include regions outside China, and this information will be updated regularly as new areas are included across the globe. Factors that will be considered include number and rate of change of confirmed cases, population density and geographical proximity to the Wuhan/Hubei region. As it currently stands for KAUST purposes, the below list is currently considered a "high-risk region":
Chinese Provinces: Hubei, Zhejiang, Henan, Guangdong, Chongqing, Anhui, Hunan, Sichuan, Shandong, Beijing, Jiangxi, Shanghai, Fujian, Guangxi, Shaanxi, Hainan, Hebei, Heilongjiang, Liaoning, Yunnan, Tianjin, Shanxi, Gansu, Inner Mongolia.
This list is evolving based on the latest information – we will endeavor to keep it updated as needed.
If you are currently in a high-risk region:
Upon arrival to KAUST after visiting a high-risk region:
Planning travel to a high-risk region or coming from a high-risk region in the last 14 days:
Tips to avoid infection:
Please take a few minutes to review this WHO health information sheet to learn more about 2019-nCoV. Of particular note:
What if I have symptoms or suspect I may be infected?
If you haven't traveled to affected areas, you are at low risk of being infected with 2019-nCoV. However, if you are concerned or if you develop a fever or respiratory symptoms, please call KAUST Health at 012-808-0940 or 012-808-4444 explaining your travel history and arrangements will be made to see you.
More information:
The Johns Hopkins Center for Systems Science and Engineering has built and is regularly updating a useful online dashboard for tracking the spread of coronavirus.
If you have any health queries or concerns regarding the 2019 novel coronavirus, please do not hesitate to contact the KAUST Health Patient Relations team at patient-relations@kaust.edu.sa or 012-808-0940.
Thank you for taking the time to educate yourself about this illness. Our priority is to keep you safe and well.