The University of Nebraska–Lincoln takes the health and safety of our campus community very seriously. As the United States and global health officials continue to address the spread of novel coronavirus and COVID-19 infection, health and emergency preparedness officials at UNL are monitoring the situation in collaboration with our university and governmental partners. Official updates regarding UNL’s response are found on this site.
General Info Students Prospective Students Instructors / Researchers Employees Visitors / Events
Contact us with COVID-19 questions.
covid19@unl.eduLatest Updates
March 27, 2020
Supervisors are expected to ensure that all employees who are able to work from home, should be doing so now. This includes student workers. (3/18)
After spring break, beginning March 30, all spring semester classes will be taught remotely and will not be taught in-person. (3/12)
The university will remain open. We encourage our students to return home if possible. For those students who are unable to go home, we will continue to support you in the residence halls.
Additional information on these and other policies is provided in this website.
Recent Site Updates
- Help Support Students (3/27)
- Academic Update for Instructors (3/26)
- DHHS Recommendation to Self-Quarantine (3/25)
- "A Note about VPN" added to Technology and Support sections of Instructors/Researchers and Employees pages. (3/23)
- Academic Update email added to Instructors/Researchers page, and page updated (3/22)
- Technology and Support added to Employees page (3/20)
- Facility Closings updated (3/20)
- Instructors page updated (3/19)
- Remote Work for Employees updated (3/18)
University Messages
This is a list of all messages sent university-wide. Please see Students and Faculty & Staff pages for additional messages sent to those audiences.
General Information on Novel Coronavirus and COVID-19
How to be Prepared
Learn what you can about COVID-19 and its symptoms from the Centers for Disease Control.
Get a Flu Shot
Seasonal influenza activity is high and is expected to continue for weeks. Confirmatory tests for influenza are widely available, as are flu shots.
While flu vaccine is not effective against the novel coronavirus, getting a vaccination is an essential part of preparation in order to prevent influenza and possible unnecessary evaluation for COVID-19 disease. All persons, beginning at six months, should receive an annual influenza vaccine.
If you haven’t yet gotten your annual flu shot, it's not too late.
Disinfect and Practice Proper Hygiene
If you have sanitation items such as wipes and antimicrobial liquids, gather them, as well as home health items such as thermometers.
Get into the habit of washing your hands thoroughly and consistently after bathroom breaks or contact with high-touch items such as doorknobs. Avoid close contact with any people showing signs of respiratory illness; maintain at least a 6-foot distance.
If You've Traveled to Areas of Widespread Transmission, Self-Quarantine
Based on guidance from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, we ask any student, faculty and staff who may be returning from travel in areas in the United States that have widespread transmission of COVID-19 to self-quarantine for 14 days before coming to campus, even for essential reasons. This includes anyone who visited or traveled through these areas of the United States.
This is in addition to prior warnings regarding international travel.
If You’ve Been Exposed to the Novel Coronavirus
If you believe you have been exposed to the novel coronavirus, contact the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department. A hotline has been established for self-reporting, guidance and next steps.
Call 402-441-8006 or visit the Health Department website.
Additional information and guidance regarding exposure, prevention and treatment is available through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Disease Control.
If You Feel Sick
Contact your health provider or the Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department Coronavirus Hotline: 402-441-8006. Some providers may be able to offer telemedicine; UNL faculty and staff may have access to Teladoc, for example. The University Health Center is now available to faculty and staff members as an acute care option.
CHI Health has put a simple three question diagnostic tool online; you can also learn about COVID-19 and its symptoms from the Centers for Disease Control.
During this period, members of the UNL community should be more cautious than usual. You should stay home if you have symptoms (coughing, fever, shortness of breath) or if you are otherwise feeling ill. If you feel sick after coming to campus, return home immediately and take steps to make sure you do not infect others.
Help Support Students
Student Affairs maintains several funds through the NU Foundation to help support students' non-academic needs. Please consider supporting the UNL Student Hardship Fund (give now), UNL Food Pantry Fund (give now), and the UNL Student Care and Well-Being Fund (give now). Find out more on Student Affairs' Help Support Students page.
Beware of Scams
University of Nebraska Information Technology Services has published a web page with information on fraudulent activity. This page, Beware of Coronavirus Scams, is being updated continuously as new information emerges.
Facility Closings
A valid NCard is currently required for access to all UNL academic buildings. NCards may be ordered online.
The following university facilities are currently closed: