Close-up of the COVID-19, novel coronavirus. Photo courtesy of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
APU’s priority remains to keep each other safe and healthy as we continually monitor the dynamic conditions related to COVID-19 (the novel coronavirus). We write today to provide travel guidance, to remind you of best practices to safeguard our community, and to recommend reliable sources for updated information.
Please be aware that no one in Alaska has been diagnosed with the novel coronavirus.
You can help limit the spread of illnesses
The current risk for people in the state of Alaska remains low, and APU is working in consultation with local and state public health agencies to monitor conditions. You may be able to reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19 by taking the same steps as you would to prevent infection from the flu and the common cold:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if water is not available.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home while you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
- Cover your mouth/nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing.
Considerations for domestic travel
As we approach spring break, you may have questions about what to consider before traveling. Students, staff, faculty, and other academic personnel planning to travel domestically on personal trips are advised to have contingency plans in the event of major disruptions, such as the possibility of being exposed to COVID-19 while traveling and then being required by the state health department to maintain a 14-day quarantine upon returning to Alaska.
Considerations for international travel
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has an updated list of countries where you should practice extra precautions when traveling or that you should avoid visiting at this time. The list can be found at the CDC Travel Health Notices section of their website. Other countries may be added to this list as the situation develops.
We strongly advise that anyone planning personal travel overseas during spring break (or at any time) also consult current CDC Travel Notices before departing, particularly older adults and people with chronic medical conditions. Because the situation is changing daily, it is likely that the CDC will add more advisories to this list.
Students, staff, faculty, and other academic personnel planning to travel abroad on personal trips are advised to have contingency plans in the event of major disruptions, such as the possibility of being unable to return to the U.S. due to in-country quarantines. Please carefully weigh the risks and benefits of any international travel, and review CDC information on COVID-19 to learn more.
As a reminder
If you develop symptoms — such as a fever, cough, or shortness of breath — after you return from personal or official travel to a country with a COVID-19 outbreak, please contact your primary care provider.
Please Note: Call your health provider in advance. Please do not show up at a clinic, urgent care, or other health facilities without calling first. Your provider will need to take special measures to protect other people in the clinic.
If you have any specific questions or need to figure out what you should do, please contact APU’s Compliance and Risk Office (CRO) at cfocro@alaskapacific.edu or 907-564-8890.
Where to go for information
This is a rapidly evolving situation. While the information in this post is current as of today, we recommend you regularly monitor the CDC’s COVID-19 site for ongoing updates.
We encourage all APU community members to remain welcoming to and supportive of each other during this public health situation. We are best equipped to respond to any public health threat when we work together.
Thank you for taking these steps to keep our University community safe, healthy and welcoming. We will continue to update our community as the situation evolves and our preparations advance to address the changing conditions.
