Hunter
03/05/20
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Chief Medical Officer Theresa Brennan says her team is working to ensure that the University of Iowa is prepared in case of a Coronavirus outbreak in the state.
Speaking with reporters Wednesday, a panel of medical personnel added that they expected to receive another shipment of tests for the virus by the end of the day. The Daily Iowan reports that they already have 250 kits on hand. There have been seven people tested for the virus so far; all have been negative and an additional person’s results are pending.
Brennan says that the UIHC has a longstanding vital-urgency response team that meets any time a new infectious-disease concern comes to its attention and have been discussing plans to deal with the Coronavirus since concerns were raised in January.
The DI reports that UI Senior Vice President for Finance and Operations Rod Lehnertz is cautioning members of the UI community against speculating on social media about the Coronavirus.
The paper also reports that earlier in the week, the Tippie College of Business students were sent an e-mail from an associate dean that said its instructors are preparing for Coronavirus and would possibly cancel class meetings. When asked if they would move to an online-only format, officials said that they’re confident Iowa’s risk for the virus remains low.