Coronavirus Preparedness and Resources

The University System of Maryland is monitoring the spread of the novel coronavirus (“SARS-CoV-2”), which has caused global outbreaks of COVID-19.  As we address this crisis, the USM administration and the leaders of our universities and regional centers are committed to ensuring the health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff.

The USM leadership, university presidents, and key staff have held regular briefings to announce actions taken by our campuses in response to COVID-19. Our campuses have access to the guidance of infectious disease and public health experts located at various USM institutions, including the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the University of Maryland School of Public Health. In addition, the USM is working closely with federal, state, and local health officials to share information and implement policies related to preparedness and prevention.

In April 2020, the USM launched its COVID Research & Innovation Task Force to bring together people, expertise, and resources from our 12 USM universities to rapidly advance and scale solutions to challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Across the system, projects are already underway to advance the discovery and development of solutions and to shape our state and national policy response.

The USM will share additional information on this web page as it becomes available. For the latest developments in Maryland, residents should visit the Maryland Department of Health website at coronavirus.maryland.gov.

USM Statements on COVID-19 Response

• February 4, 2021, Guidance on Inclement Weather
• December 11, 2020, Guidance Extending FFCRA Leave Expiration to June 30, 2021
• September 15, 2020, Temporary Exception to Annual Leave “Carryover” Limit through Calendar Year 2022
• September 15, 2020, Preserving Employee Pension and Optional Retirement Plan Benefits During Temporary Furloughs/Salary Reductions in FY 2021
• July 30, 2020, USM Statement on COVID-19 Testing and Symptom Monitoring for Students and Employees Returning in Fall 2020
• July 22, 2020, Statement by Chancellor Jay A. Perman on Why the USM Is Preparing for a Hybrid Instructional Model This Fall
• June 3, 2020, Guidance re Older Employees and those with Underlying Serious Health Conditions at Higher Risk for Severe Illness from COVID-19
• May 29, 2020, USM Statement: USM Institutions Plan a Fall Semester of Hybrid In-Person and Remote Instruction
• May 27, 2020, Statement by USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman on the Impact of COVID-19 on the University System Budget
• May 26, 2020, Statement by USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman on Return-to-Campus and Return-to-Research Planning
• May 12, 2020, Rescinding Temporary Guidance that Recommended Institutions Provide Additional Pay to Certain Employees During Spring Semester 2020
• May 11, 2020, Statement by USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman on New Title IX Regulations and Planning for the Fall Semester
• May 8, 2020, Statement by USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman on Planning for a Return to Campus This Fall
• May 1, 2020, USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman's Report to Board of Regents
• April 27, 2020, Statement by USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman on Return to Campus Advisory Group and COVID Research & Innovation Task Force 
• April 20,2020, Guidance Regarding USM Policy on Family and Medical Leave as Temporarily Adjusted by the Families First Coronavirus Response Act
• April 13, 2020, Statement by USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman on Large-Scale COVID-19 Testing, a Task Force Marshalling USM Innovation in COVID-19 Response, and the Transformation of Online Teaching and Learning
• April 6, 2020, Statement by USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman on Summer Session, Early Graduation Options for Select Health Professions Students, Test-Optional Fall Admission, and Student Financial Aid Packages
• March 30, 2020, Statement by USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman on on Governor Hogan’s Executive Order, USM’s Community Crisis Response, and Emergency Relief for Students
• March 27, 2020, Statement by USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman on the Partial Refund of Student Fees
• March 23, 2020, Statement by USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman on Essential USM Employees
• March 19, 2020, Statement by USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman on the Remainder of the Semester, Commencement, and Other Issues
• March 16, 2020, Statement by USM Chancellor Jay A. Perman, Special USM Board of Regents Meeting
• March 16, 2020, Statement Regarding Staff Remaining on Campus During Current Telework Period
• March 13, 2020, USM Statement on Room and Board Policies for Residential Students Moving to Remote and Online Learning
• March 12, 2020, Temporary Guidance for Employees on Workplace Assignments, Telework, and Absences Related to COVID-19 Events: Frequently Asked Questions
• March 12, 2020, Temporary Guidance Regarding Faculty, Staff and Graduate Assistant Workplace Assignments, Telework and Absences Due to COVID-19-Related Events
• March 12, 2020, Guidance on Telework, Study Abroad, and Large Gatherings
• March 10, 2020, Guidance on USM Spring Break, Distance Learning, and Related COVID-19 Preparations
• March 6, 2020, USM Prepares for Impending Spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) in State of Maryland
• March 3, 2020, USM Statement on Self Isolation of Students, Faculty & Staff
• February 28, 2020, Letter to the USM Presidents
• January 24, 2020, Letter to the USM Presidents

USM Resources

• USM COVID Research & Innovation Task Force
• Frequently Asked Questions on the Guidance for Employees on Workplace Assignments, Telework, and Absences Related to COVID-19 Events
• Temporary Guidance Regarding Faculty, Staff and Graduate Assistant Workplace Assignments, Telework and Absences Due to COVID-19–Related Events

State Resources

• Maryland Department of Health
• Maryland Emergency Management Agency
• Governor Larry Hogan Declares State of Emergency, Expands Statewide Response

Federal Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• CDC Interim Guidance for Administrators of US Institutions of Higher Education
• U.S. State Department
• U.S Department of Education

Other Resources

• World Health Organization
• American College Health Association
• American Association of State Colleges and Universities
• Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities

USM Campus Resources

• Bowie State University
• Coppin State University
• Frostburg State University
• Salisbury University
• Towson University
• University of Baltimore
• University of Maryland, Baltimore
• University of Maryland, Baltimore County
• University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
• University of Maryland, College Park
• University of Maryland Eastern Shore
   
• Universities at Shady Grove
• University System of Maryland at Hagerstown
• University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland

Coronavirus Q & A

What is novel coronavirus? Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that are common in many different species of animals. Rarely, animal coronaviruses can infect people and then spread between people such as with MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, and now with this novel (new) coronavirus, which was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China.  The virus has been named “SARS-CoV-2” and the disease it causes has been named “coronavirus disease 2019” (abbreviated “COVID-19”). Source: CDC

 

How does coronavirus spread? The virus is thought to be transmitted from person-to-person in close contact (about 6 feet). The virus may be spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes and produces respiratory droplets that infect a nearby person. People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic; however, some spread might be possible before people show symptoms. Source: CDC

 

What are the symptoms? The symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Source: CDC

 

What should you do if you have symptoms? If you are experiencing symptoms, you should contact your medical provider or your university health center, if applicable.

 

How can you protect yourself? At this time, there is no vaccine that prevents COVID-19 infection. You can reduce your risk of contracting respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, by taking the following precautions:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover your mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Talk to your medical provider about getting an influenza vaccine. While the influenza vaccine does not protect against coronavirus infection, it can help keep you healthy during the flu season. Flu activity has been high in the United States this year. Currently, your risk of getting the flu is much greater than your risk of contracting COVID-19.

Source: Maryland Health Department