Coronavirus (COVID-19) Preparedness

The safety of our students, faculty, staff, and communities remains our top priority. The UW System Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and individual campus teams actively monitor and respond to developing events related to the spread of coronavirus, or COVID-19.

The EOC primarily focused on international issues when it started its work in January 2020 to respond to the virus in China. As the virus spread and also impacted the United States, the EOC shifted its focus to local impacts.

In a public health emergency, public health organizations lead the response. The EOC and campus teams are following guidance from the U.S. Department of State, Centers for Disease Control, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and local public health departments. UW health directors are working with these local health department officials.

The EOC includes a team of health, risk, international security, emergency management, legal counsel and communication experts. It established two sub-teams to address questions and policy issues.

COVID-19 is a virus strain that began spreading in people in December 2019. Health professionals are still learning about this new virus, which can cause illness ranging from mild to severe.