Coronavirus update and answers to frequently asked questions

In coordination with the Milwaukee Health Department, the Marquette University Medical Clinic (MUMC) continues to monitor the recent outbreak of respiratory illness caused by Coronavirus (COVID-19). All actions being taken are for the health, safety, and well-being of the campus community, and will follow recommended guidance from the Milwaukee Public Health Department. In addition, a group of leaders representing areas across campus are meeting regarding protocols and contingency plans related to the virus.

Learn more by reading Frequently Asked Questions on the Medical Clinic’s website.

There still are no confirmed or suspected cases at Marquette University or in the City of Milwaukee. There remains only one confirmed case in the state of Wisconsin. The risk of contracting the virus is still low.

Currently, Influenza remains the largest public health concern and risk. To protect yourself from Influenza and other viruses, it is advised to:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water.
  • Cover nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
  • Avoid close contact with ill individuals.
  • Stay home if you are ill.
  • The single best prevention against Influenza is the vaccine. Influenza vaccine is still available at the MUMC.

STUDY ABROAD
The Office of International Education is currently monitoring resources related to the spread of Coronavirus worldwide and is in close communication with its university partners abroad to understand the situation on the ground in each affected location.

Over the weekend, the U.S. Department of State and CDC raised their alert levels to 3 for Italy, and later the U.S. Department of State raised their alert level to 4 for certain regions of Northern Italy. OIE contacted all Marquette students studying abroad in Milan to tell them to return to the U.S. as soon as possible, and strongly recommend that all students studying abroad in Rome return to the United States as soon as possible.

Last Friday, due to the U.S. Department of State and CDC alert levels being raised to a 3 for South Korea, OIE cancelled the spring semester study abroad program to its partner institution, Sogang University, in Seoul, South Korea.

Student safety is the university’s number one priority. Questions related to coursework, refunds, housing, etc., are being discussed with Marquette’s partner universities in Italy as well as internally, and updates will be provided to the students in those programs in the coming week as information becomes available.

Additional information can be found on OIE’s education abroad health and safety website.

SUPPORT AND RESOURCES
The university supports all members of the Marquette community who are from or have connections to east and southeast Asia or anywhere that has confirmed cases of Coronavirus. Racist behaviors or stereotyping are not tolerated at Marquette. Those who experience harassment or discrimination on campus can report it by:

  1. Submitting a bias incident report online
  2. Calling Dr. William Welburn, vice president for inclusive excellence, at (414) 288-8028 during business hours. (Please note: if you choose to leave a message, your call will be returned at the earliest possible time during the next business day.)
  3. Submit an in-person report by scheduling a meeting with Dr. Welburn. Email william.welburn@marquette.edu to make an appointment.

The following resources are available for those who need support: