COVID-19 Information
Travel Issues | COVID-19 in Kansas | COVID-19 Testing | Employee/Affiliate | KU Links | Support while Isolating
*Last Updated 04/23/2020
Appointments
All advising will be done by virtual appointment or by phone call. Please email iss@ku.edu to schedule an appointment by zoom or phone call.
COVID-19 Travel Issues
You are not required to leave KU or Lawrence. This is your current home and we will work to help you stay and finish the semester here if you would like. Staying may be the least complicated way to manage everything at this time. However, we certainly understand the many emotions involved in this decision.
Visa Services Suspended at all U.S. Embassies and Consulates
The Department of State is temporarily suspending routine visa services at all U.S. Embassies and Consulates. This means that visa appointments will not be scheduled until further notice. It is not yet known when regular services will resume. Please contact your local U.S. Embassy/Consulate for the most updated information. If the current visa in your passport is expired, the suspension in visa services will impact your ability to return for the next semester.
- Self-isolate for 14 days upon return to the U.S. For details, see CDC guidelines for self-isolation.
- Call and report any symptoms of respiratory illness, such as fever, a dry cough or shortness of breath, to a local medical provider for instructions on treatment.
Students traveling internationally on university-affiliated activities must register through the Student International Travel Registry.
Collectively, these processes will enable the university to help Jayhawks who may be traveling and provide tailored support on and off campus as circumstances evolve.
For questions related to travel, contact our KU International Affairs Office in Lawrence, the Office of International Programs at KU Medical Center, or the Office of Global Operations and Security.
If you do plan to travel internationally for personal reasons, KU asks you registered with KU ahead of time. This will enable KU to help and provide tailored support if circumstances around COVID-19 change.
Students can register via the Student International Travel Registry.
Lawrence employees can send an email summarizing planned travel to the Administration and Finance unit.
KU Medical Center students and employees should contact the Office of International Programs.
If you travel for personal reasons, please use everyday preventative measures such as hand-washing to prevent the spread of disease and avoid regions that are experiencing widespread transmission of the virus. Importantly, if you are experiencing symptoms -- either during travel or as you return to campus -- please practice social distancing and call your doctor immediately. Each of us plays a role in helping to keep our university community healthy.
Travel to countries with Level 3 designations by the CDC and Level 4 designations by the U.S. State Department is highly discouraged. Beginning March 14, travelers returning to KU from anywhere outside the United States, which includes cruises, MUST self-isolate for 14 days upon return to the U.S.
COVID-19 facts for Kansas & Lawrence
Where can I go to find information on COVID-19 in Lawrence?
Each day, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) provides updates on the number of COVID-19 cases in Kansas and each of its counties. Lawrence is in Douglas County. The KDHE, which is the state organization tasked with responding to COVID-19, also holds regular press conferences and issues state-wide health notices.
>> Kansas Department of Health and Environment
For local updates, visit Douglas County Coronavirus Response Hub. Using information from health agencies and local governments, this site provides information on the daily number of cases in Douglas County. It also gives information about the Stay at Home Order, which went into effect on March 24. It also answers frequently asked questions. Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health, which is the local agency organizing response efforts in Douglas County, is also a good source of information.
>> Douglas County Coronavirus Response Hub
>> Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health
For a broader view of what is happening in our community and state, you can read our community’s local newspapers. The Lawrence Journal-World and Kansas City Star provide daily coverage of COVID-19. All COVID-19-related stories are free to read.
COVID 19 Testing
What should I do if I am experiencing COVID-19 symptoms?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have identified a fever, cough and shortness of breath as symptoms associated with COVID-19. Visit their website to learn more about these symptoms. The site also has a helpful guide to determine if seeking medical care is appropriate.
>> CDC information on COVID-19 Symptoms and Self-Checker
If you develop a fever and symptoms of a respiratory illness, such as coughing or difficulty breathing, please call your healthcare provider immediately. Their health care provider will provide guidance on testing. Those who use Watkins Health Services as their health care provider, they should call 785-864-9500. If you need to call outside of regular business hours (8 a.m. to 5 p.m.), they can call the Nurse Helpline at 785-864-9583, which is available 24 hours a day.
>> Watkins Health Services COVID-19 Information
Where can I get tested for COVID-19?
The Lawrence Memorial Hospital (LMH Health) is conducting COVID-19 tests. But first a patient must call their primary health care provider. If a health care provider determines a test is necessary, the patient’s physician will place an order with LMH Health, then direct the patient to the hospital’s testing site, the Respiratory Evaluation Center.
Employee/Affiliate Information
For information about your status as an employee/affiliate and how COVID-19 will potentially impact you, please go to Human Resources website.
http://humanresources.ku.edu/coronavirus-faqs#International
Important Links
KU Campus-wide COVID-19 Updates
International Affairs - COVID-19 Updates
KU On-Campus Housing - COVID-19 Updates
KU Dining's Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information page
Watkins Health Center - COVID-19 Updates
Human Resources - COVID-19 Employee Information
KU Transportation - COVID-19 Updates
Support while Self-Isolating
Keila Ferree, the Student Resource Coordinator in International Support Services gathered many of the resources below. You can view her entire list of organiations at https://iss.ku.edu/support-services
Due to the current outbreak, many companies are offering adjusted services or online services for free. Below are a few examples of free or adjusted services which you may find useful. We hope that everyone will stay healthy, safe and engaged during this time.
Cultural:
LUNCH DOODLE- Join Kennedy Center Education Artist-in-Residence, Mo Willems, every day for his LUNCH DOODLE. Draw, doodle, and explore new ways of writing.
Louvre- Visit the world's largest art museum’s exhibition rooms and galleries online.
Metropolitan Opera- Stream encore opera presentations on the company website for the duration of the closure.
The British Museum Podcast- Take a journey behind the scenes with downloadable podcasts or take a virtual tour of the museum.
Educational:
Discovery Education- Virtual field trips to remarkable places and amazing experiences.
National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity- Resources for faculty, post-docs, and graduate students. Set up a free account here. After membership activation, COVID-19 Support Resources for instructors may be found at: https://www.facultydiversity.org/covid19.
Scholastic Learn at Home- Day-by-day projects to keep kids reading, thinking, and growing.
Virtual Field Trips- This link allows visits to place around the world without leaving your home.
Exercise and Meditation:
Dancing Alone Together- Live-streamed dance-based classes.
DoYogaWithMe- Hundreds of free yoga and meditation videos streaming online.
Down Dog- Free online Yoga for Beginners, HIIT, Barre, and 7 Minute Workouts.
Headspace- Meditation for everyday life including meditations, sleep, and movement exercises.
P.E. With Joe- 30-minute workouts complete with warmup, workout and cool down.
Local:
Checkers Express- Checkers now offers online grocery shopping.
Curbside KC- Kansas City area and Lawrence restaurants offering takeout, curbside takeout, and/or delivery through the next several weeks.
Dillons Food Stores- Updates on hours, online shopping and grocery delivery.
Downtown Lawrence- List of Lawrence open businesses, temporary closings, and reduced hours.
Just Food- Just Food is the food bank in Douglas County. Just Food offers pre-packaged boxes of groceries to clients. Find out more here.
Sunrise Community Shelves- Free food and personal care products.
Westwood House- The Westwood House food pantry will be open Sunday through Thursday from 3-6pm.
Religious:
Religious Services- Many places of worship are now streaming worship or prayer services online. Check individual websites for options.
Technology:
Several internet service providers are also offering service at no-cost, low-cost or with waived fees.
Toolkit:
CDC Recommended Face Coverings- Sew and no-sew face covering tutorials.
Coloring Book for Kids- A new coloring book has been designed to help children understand and cope with the coronavirus outbreak.
Face Mask Sewing Instructions- How to make an easy face mask that's washable and reusable with spare fabric.
No-sew Face Mask Instructions- Tutorials for no-sew face masks.
