What to Know About COVID-19
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This site was last updated on March 31, 2020.
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The UTSW Emergency Operations Center (EOC) led by William Daniel, M.D., Vice President and Chief Quality Officer for the Health System, is meeting daily to address all challenges this institution could face and establish new guidelines as the COVID-19 outbreak evolves. We will continue to communicate with you and update our plans as new data and evidence emerges. Our primary goals, as always, are carrying out our educational, research, and clinical care missions while ensuring the health and safety of our patients, visitors, learners, faculty, and staff.
Please visit this webpage for the latest information about our COVID-19 response; this page will be updated regularly.
Today’s Updates
New Federal Paid Leave Available
The Families First Coronavirus Response Act was signed into law March 18, is effective April 1, and offers two new paid leave options for those affected by coronavirus. The University has incorporated this new law into policy EMP-262, which includes instructions for how to apply for these types of leave.
COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma Donations
UTSW has created a site to screen candidates to donate plasma from select individuals who have fully recovered from COVID-19. The plasma is for possible “emergency use” therapy for select critically ill COVID-19 positive patients. COVID-19 has not been around long enough for scientists to have definitively studied the effectiveness of convalescent plasma for its treatment. But the FDA has recently allowed for “emergency use” of COVID-19 convalescent plasma as an investigational therapy. Information is available here.
Reminder: Weekly Briefing from UTSW President Tomorrow
Tomorrow, April 1, from 9-9:30 a.m., UT Southwestern President Dr. Daniel K. Podolsky will host the first in a series of weekly briefings to make sure the UTSW community is kept up to date on the status of our efforts and important developments regarding COVID-19. Tune in live at utsouthwestern.edu/covid-townhalls.
Help is Available: Virtual Learning Sessions
- Digital Tools to Promote Student Engagement: April 1, 2 p.m.
- Remote Work Q&A: April 2, 10 a.m.
- Creating Assignments in D2L: April 2, 11 a.m.
- Connecting in Times of Distress: April 2, 2 p.m.
- Mindfulness Meditation Practice Group: April 3, 12:15 p.m.
- Build Resilience and Manage Anxiety During the COVID-19 Pandemic: April 6, 12 p.m.
Donations Welcome!
We welcome donations of respirators, gowns, gloves, and other PPE. Such donations are being coordinated through our Office of Development and Alumni Relations. They can be reached by email at Giving@UTSouthwestern.edu or by phone at 214-648-8988. Drop-offs of donated items can be made by appointment, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. An online donation form also has been created for community members wishing to make a financial contribution to support our front-line care providers, patient care efforts, and research.
Social Distancing Saves Lives
Please remember to practice consistent and vigilant social distancing at all times and encourage others you encounter to prevent the spread of infection and protect the well-being of our community.