Dear Glasscock Community,
I write again, this time, with a direct update from the University. Given the fluidity of the situation, we are committed to providing you timely and factual information. Please see below and if you have any questions please email gscs@rice.edu.
Harris County Public Health notified Rice officials this afternoon that the university employee who was self-quarantined tested positive for the novel coronavirus COVID-19. The other Rice doctoral students, faculty and staff who are currently in self-quarantine have been notified. They remain in self-quarantine and none has reported symptoms to date.
The affected employee was exposed to the coronavirus while on overseas travel in February to a country not on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's restricted travel list. The employee's contact with the Rice campus was limited and occurred Feb. 24-25. Rice public safety officers learned of the case Feb. 29 and took immediate action to ensure the safety and well-being of those involved and the broader Rice community.
The affected employee's presence on campus was limited to one building, which has been extensively and continuously sanitized along with the rest of the campus.
The Rice Crisis Management Team continues to take measures to protect everyone's health and safety. They are working closely with Harris County Public Health and the Houston Health Department to manage the situation.
At this time, we are not planning to suspend operations or classes. Going forward, we will continue to follow the guidance of the CDC and Harris County Public Health. University staff are maintaining an intensified cleaning program, and the university recommends that individuals practice proper handwashing as suggested by the World Health Organization (using soap and water for at least 20 seconds) and general hygiene, cover coughs and stay home if sick. More information is available at https://emergency.rice.edu/coronavirus.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this uncertain time. We are a strong community that is driven by our support and care for each other.
Sincerely,
Robert Bruce
Dean
Susanne M. Glasscock School of Continuing Studies
Rice University