Background

Much has happened since January when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a Health Alert Network advisory regarding an outbreak of disease in China.  Two weeks later the first COVID-19 notice was issued from the UT System Office of Risk Management to risk and safety officers at the 14 UT institutions.   On March 2, the UT System issued system-wide guidance on international travel, spring break and personal travel and travelers returning to campus.   Three days later we issued guidelines elevating approvals for out of state travel, a required review of infection control, and post-travel return to work protocols.   At the same time Executive Vice Chancellor John Zerwas and I began twice weekly conference calls with health presidents, and Executive Vice Chancellor St

Introduction

Thank you, Chairman Eltife. 

First, I want to say thank you to the members of this Board for your thoughtful leadership at this time, and the guidance and support you have given me and the presidents of our 14 institutions.   I’ve been in regular communication with Chairman Eltife and have appreciated the opportunity to keep all Board members updated on a regular basis. 

Introduction

The first known cases of what’s now called COVID-19 began in December 2019.  We initiated meetings to prepare for its impact on the UT System in January.

Like everyone else, we have embraced the strategies to slow transmission of the virus to help enable the health care system to cope.  This began with social distancing and has now extended to very limited physical presence at our academic institutions and the UT System building.