At this time, IUP does not have any reported or confirmed cases of the coronavirus (also known as COVID-19 or 2019-nCov).

As you may have heard on the news, the Pennsylvania Department of Health was notified of two presumptive positive COVD-19 cases in Pennsylvania: one in Wayne County and one in Delaware County. Department of Health officials said that the cases are unrelated and that there is no evidence of community transmission in Pennsylvania. Of these two cases, one person traveled to a country with a Level 3 Health Alert, and the other person was a close contact of a confirmed case in another state.

The University's Health Service is monitoring the emerging facts about the disease and working closely with the Pennsylvania Department of Health to understand and enact best practices for screening and treating any student who may report symptoms. We are continuing measures already in place designed to keep our community healthy, including increased precautions in the dining facilities and residence halls

The IUP Health Service administrative office will be open during spring break to answer questions and can be reached at 724-357-2550. For questions and concerns after traditional business hours, please contact the Indiana Regional Medical Center Emergency Room at 724-357-7121.

If, at any time, you or someone you know develops a fever or respiratory symptoms and have traveled or been around someone who has traveled, call 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258) before going to a doctor's office or to the emergency room.

Classes and other events will continue as scheduled unless we are advised otherwise by state or national agencies.

Links to information about the coronavirus, including messaging from the university, is available directly from the IUP homepage.

Please continue to consult official university communication channels, especially the IUP website, for updated information. The university's Health Service website provides information about Novel Coronavirus 2019-nCOV, with links to the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's site also includes a Frequently Asked Questions page, addressing more detailed information about coronavirus.

The coronavirus COVID-19 causes an illness that ranges from mild to severe. The symptoms can include a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing.

There is no vaccine to prevent the disease. It is crucial that you take everyday preventative actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Stay home when you are sick
  • Cover your cough or sneeze into a tissue, then throw the tissue into the trash
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
  • If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, including cellphones and keyboards, with a regular household cleaner
  • The CDC does not recommend wearing a facemask if you are feeling well; facemasks should be used by people who are having respiratory symptoms to prevent the spread of disease, or by healthcare workers and people taking care of anyone who is ill.

Please take appropriate precautions if you are traveling during Spring Break, including monitoring official websites for any travel advisories.