Chancellor Gary S. May and UC Davis Health Vice Chancellor and CEO David Lubarsky issued the following statement today (Feb. 27):

As you may be aware, a confirmed case of COVID-19 has been documented in a Solano County resident who is being treated at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento. This case is being investigated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as possibly the first patient with no known exposure to the virus through travel or close contact with a known infected individual. Because of the precautions we have had in place since this patient’s arrival, we believe there has been minimal potential for exposure at the medical center.

To date, no one in Yolo County or on the UC Davis main campus has tested positive for COVID-19. We do want you to know, however, that out of an abundance of caution, three members of the campus community who had been living in Kearney Hall are currently in isolation. The CDC is testing one of them for COVID-19, and this person is not on campus. The other two individuals are asymptomatic, meaning they are not showing any symptoms of illness, so, following CDC guidance, they have not been tested. 

As an additional precautionary measure, daily disinfection practices are being implemented within all Student Housing and Dining Services properties.  

Additionally, all students seeking care at the Student Health and Wellness Center are being asked about recent travel and contact with people with known COVID-19.

Many of you are asking about the status of classes and campus operations both in Davis and Sacramento. We will follow the guidance of the Yolo County and the California Department of Public Health before we make any decisions. We are not planning to cancel classes or suspend or modify operations at this time. Currently, we believe there is no need to do so.

We understand that there is a great amount of concern, uncertainty and anxiety in the campus community. The safety and wellbeing of our students, faculty and staff are our highest priority. We are taking all appropriate measures and working closely with the CDC, California Department of Public Health and county agencies to coordinate. 

While there is much we are learning about COVID-19, one thing we do know is that it has a high recovery rate. 

Here are actions that you can take to ensure we all stay as healthy as possible:

• Stay informed: 
  • UC Davis COVID-19 information page
  • Yolo County information
  • CDC information 
• Practice daily preventative care:
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
  • Stay home if you are sick.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work and school.
  • Practice healthy habits: Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.
  • If you have not received your annual flu shot, please schedule one with your provider to help protect yourself against the flu.
  • Do not smoke or use e-cigarettes.
• Remain calm:
  • While the progression of COVID-19 is still emerging, the CDC is reporting that for the general American public, who are unlikely to be exposed to this virus at this time, the immediate health risk from COVID-19 is considered low.
• Resources:
  • Student Health and Wellness Center
  • The Harassment and Discrimination Assistance and Prevention program
  • The Academic and Staff Assistance Program

Again, we are taking all necessary precautions and are working with public health officials. We do not believe there is any reason for anyone to overreact. Any person who is in isolation and asymptomatic is not considered contagious.

We ask you to be kind and respectful to one another, as our Principles of Community guide our behaviors and interactions.

We will continue to provide you with updates as we have them. You can find information at any time here.